Offaly 1-17 Cavan 1-15 Offaly qualified for the final of the John Joe McGovern Knockout cup with this hard fought win over the reigning champs Cavan in a replay. This contest went to extra time which means after 140 minutes of football there was just two [points between the sides. Cavan had an excellent start to the contest and after the sides split four points they cantered to the break with a 1-06 to 0-05 lead. Declan Fitzpatrick contributed five points from frees and play and also set up substitute Steve Smith for the first goal of the contest. Offaly had three points in reply but they were living a dangerous life at this juncture. Brendan Moran had a brilliant point in the mix when he drove over from a sideline kick forty yards out on the right. The sides again split four points to open the second half before Offaly used scores from Peader Reynolds, (two), Vinnie Gavin (two), and a superb point from Eamonn Coleman to tie the game at 1-09 to 0-12. A fisted point by underage star Danny Tierney put Cavan back in front but Danny Leady and Brendan Moran reversed that with two for Offaly. It was left to Declan Fitzpatrick to send the game into extra time with his seventh point of the contest. Cavan had three of the first four points of the extra period but a goal from Brian Delaney when he stole an outlet pass by Kevin Shalvey and chipped the keeper but Offaly back in control. They finished with points from Peader Reynolds and Vinnie Gavin to solidify their place in the final against Rockland. Scorers Offaly Brian Delaney (1-00) Brendan Moran (0-03) Peader Reynolds (0-03) Vinnie Gavin (0-03) Eamonn Coleman (0-02) Tom Rosney (0-02) Danny Leady (0-01) Liam Greenan (0-01) John Flynn (0-01) Tony Hogan (0-01) Cavan Declan Fitzpatrick (0-10) Steve Smith (1-00) Paul Mohan (0-02) Brian Dennehy (0-01) Danny Tierney (0-01) Paul Galligan (0-01) Referee John Fitzpatrick (Rockland) Man of the Match Declan Fitzpatrick (Cavan) Tweet

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