A fancied Mayobridge side came close to elimination from this season's Ulster club senior football championship when on Sunday, 4th of November at Healy Park, Omagh they were saved by a late fisted effort from midfielder J. Caldwell to level the scores at Dromore 1-10, Mayobridge 0-13 and take the sides back to Pairc Esler, Newry on Sunday, 11th of November for a replay. Dromore playing in their first-ever Ulster club championship were a revelation, and dominated the game until the final quarter. Indeed for long periods in the match they looked to have booked their semi-final place against the reigning All-Ireland champions, Crossmaglen Rangers. However, the guile and experience of the Mayobridge came to the fore in the closing quarter, as the Down champions led by their inspirational forward star, Benny Coulter battled their way back into the game, and the late equalising point was nothing less than they deserved. The opening half of this game was face and furious with the Dromore side dominating play for long periods. However, at the break Mayobridge were still in contention trailing at the break by one goal - 1-6 to 0-6. Mayobridge came out for the second-half in determined fashion and an early Coulter point was a timely boost to them. Despite winning a greater percentage of possession the Down champions were getting it very hard to break down a very well organised St. Dymna's defence, and with the game entering the final quarter it was Dromore who were the happier side ahead by four points. With the game slipping away from them, Mayobridge upped their performance with key players such as Michael Walsh, Ronan Sexton and Benny Coulter to the fore. With a minute left in the game Michael Walsh has the sides level. Then a Ryan McMenamin effort was deflected for a '45' and when Sean O'Neill converted the kick it looked as if it was going to be Dromore's day. Moments later he was sent off for a second bookable offence, and a further twist saw substitute Conor Garvey send J. Caldwell in for a fisted equaliser. Now the sides have it all to do once again on Sunday next, 11th of November in Pairc Esler, Newry with the momentum swinging Mayobridge's way on this occasion. However, Dromore won't lie down easily, and feel they are good enough to go to Newry and come away with a win. Dromore - P. Ward; F. O'Neill, C. McCarron, S. McDonnell; Sean O'Neill 0-3, two frees, one '45', Ryan McMenamin, H. McNulty; S. McMahon, M. Garry; B. Collins, Colm McCullagh 0-5, three frees, R. McNabb 1-0; E. McCusker 0-1, Shaun O'Neill 0-1, C. O'Neill. Subs - S. Fitzpatrick for McNulty; R. Gallagher for C. O'Neill. Mayobridge - L. Coulter; G. Barry, B. Grant, M. Lively; S. O'Hare, S. Grant, B. Rooney; E. Woods, J. Caldwell 0-2; A. Barry 0-1, M. Walsh 0-3, 2 frees, Ronan Sexton; N. Sexton 0-2, one free, C. Magee 0-1, Benny Coulter 0-4. Subs - C. O'Hare for Grant; B. Rodgers for Lively; C. Garvey for C. Magee. Referee - A. McAlynn from Derry. Tweet

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