Bective set for semi v Carnaross
Bective qualified for the JFC semi-final tonight with a hard-earned victory against Clann na nGael at Cortown as they won by 2-12 to 1-10.
In typical Bective tradition, they did it the hard way and both the players and the spectators had to endure a few nervy moments in the closing stages of the second-half.
Two first-half goals proved crucial for Bective as they established a 2-6 to 0-6 interval advantage with Sean Keating claiming the opener and Marty Mulhall adding the second.
Bective lost Ciaran McConnell to an 18th minute knee injury, but his replacement Brian Cantwell made a significant contribution and it was his run that made the opening for Mulhall's goal.
Clann na nGael made the best of the chances they created, but it was notable that goalkeeper Aaron Ryan was keen to get out the field as he raced from his line with the ball on a number of occasions to embark on 50-60-metre solo runs. He was later injured and had to be replaced.
Aaron Ennis (three frees), Anthony Swaine, Eamonn O Donnachadha and Caoimhin Griffin pointed for Clann in the opening half and they added second-half points from substitute Luke Swaine and O Donnachadha (two each) with Anthony Swaine claming a late tap-in goal that gave Bective the jitters.
Mulhall (three), Cantwell (two) and Ciaran Breslin scored Bective's second-half points.
They will now meet Carnaross in the semi-final - a game that will revive memories for manager Jody Devine who won a JFC medal with Ballinlough in 1988 in the final against Carnaross.
In the other quarter final Dunsany defeated Summerhill by 4-8 to 1-9 and they will meet Skryne in the semi-final.
Dunsany lost last year's JFC decider against Curraha.
CORRECTION
In the summary on Facbook live from the game it's stated that Dunsany will play Dunboyne in the semi-final, they will play Skryne. Apologies to anyone who was upset with the error.
NEXT UP
SEMI-FINALS
16th September - Dunsany v Skryne at Ashbourne, 8pm
17th September - Bective v Carnaross at Athboy, 5pm