Drumlane 2-10
Bailieborough 0-10

A goal in each half proved the difference for Drumlane this evening as they moved into the last four of the intermediate championship at Bailieborough's expense.

The winners dominated large portions of this game, running up a seven-point lead before Bailieborough, minus the services of key defender Calvin Daly, registered their first score from play in the 42nd minute as they struggled to get star man Michael Argue into the game.

Drumlane, on the other hand, put forth their best display of the campaign to date with good performances all over the field and it was well-taken goals from Stephen McCann and Ryan Connolly that assured them victory here.

Donal O'Reilly drilled over the opener for the Sons of O'Connell after five minutes off the back of some brave work from full-back John O'Dowd, who marshalled county man Argue well throughout.

Two Brendan Argue frees moved Bailieborough into their first lead by the 11th minute, but it was their opponents that started to move through the gears with JP Kelly scorching through for an over before Connolly curled over a beauty from 40 metres.

Paul Cooney's men endeavoured for a response but instead found themselves consistently running into a green and white wall, as O'Reilly broke free from centre-field for his second ahead of Connolly nailing a free for a three-point lead which would be doubled by half-time.

Bailieborough 'keeper James Cooney had no chance when McCann was sent through on a full pelt run through the centre and his trusty left boot did the rest, flying the ball to the roof of Cooney's net, which left it at 1-5 to 0-2 for the half.

Wing back Kelly bumped Drumlane's lead up to seven within 20 seconds of the restart, after being released by McCann, which Brendan Argue erased with his third free as the town side awaited their first score from open play.

Ryan Connolly takes a tumble as Luke Moynagh looks on

From the right flank, Ciaran Crowe sent over the score of the evening with the outside of his boot to restore the Milltown men's lead to seven. Connolly (free) stretched it to eight ahead of the opposition landing their first from play via wing back Sean Cooney with 18 minutes to go.

Two minutes later however, disaster struck the Shamrocks when Connolly cut in from the left corner-forward position and tucked the ball into Cooney's near corner for three points.

To their credit, Bailieborough recovered well from the major concession, with Brendan Argue (2 frees) and centre-back Declan Reilly shooting over the sufficient points to nullify Connolly's strike.

Fergal Brady, who had a fine hour at centre-field for the winners, blasted over from 40 metres to halt Bailieborough's mini revival. Damien Reilly and Peter Clerkin sailed over scores to give the trailers an outside chance towards the closing stages but Gary Tubman found his range at the other end to insure the victory for Drumlane, whom will now eagerly await Sunday's semi-final draw.

Drumlane: Gareth Corrigan; Donal Monahan, John O'Dowd, Francis Lunney; JP Kelly (0-2), Dane O'Dowd, Glen Fitzpatrick; Kian Monahan, Fergal Brady (0-1); Philip King, Stephen McCann (1-0), Gary Tubman (0-1); Donal O'Reilly (0-2), Ryan Connolly (1-3, 2f), Ciaran Crowe (0-1). Subs: Sean Smith for D Monahan (29mins, inj), Barry Corrigan for P King (43), Stephen Connolly for D O'Reilly (52), Conor Connolly for R Connolly (59), Brendan O'Reilly for S McCann (60).

Bailieborough: James Cooney; Ciaran Reilly, Jack Smith, Luke Moynagh; Aidan Reilly, Declan Reilly (0-1), Sean Cooney (0-1); Peter Clerkin (0-1), Darren Brady; Senan Reilly, Gary Daly, Brendan Argue (0-6, 6f); Damien Reilly (0-1), Michael Argue, Rhys Clarke. Subs: Jack O'Neill for S Reilly (37mins), Andy Coleman for D Brady (48), Ben Hannigan for G Daly (48).

Ref: Jimmy Galligan (Lacken)

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