Gilligan hits dramatic late point as big guns draw
Paul Gilligan converted a free deep into injury time to earn a draw for Donaghmore/Ashbourne against Simonstown in what was a battle between two of the big guns in the SFC at Skryne tonight.
Simonstown looked destined to win this game as they led by 1-11 to 1-7 with just six minutes remaining but Donaghmore/Ashbourne put in a strong finish to earn the draw. The sides finished on 1-12 apiece.
Both sides were already qualified for the knock-out stages however they were clearly eager to finish their group games with a win as this competitive, high-wattage encounter indicated.
Simonstown led 0-9 to 1-4 at the interval with Stephen Carton getting the goal for Donaghmore/Ashbourne that helped to keep them in the hunt.
The reigning champions found the net themselves early in the second-half when Ben Hoey finished superbly from close range. Hoey finished as Simonstown's top marksman with 1-4.
His goal helped to put the Gaels three ahead with three minutes of normal time remaining but Donaghmore/Ashbourne dominated the closing stages and Leo Reilly hit a point to leave the sides level with 60 minutes played. In the injurty time allowed Hoey put Simonstown ahead before Gilligan equalised to level matters once again - and that's how it stayed at the final whistle.
Read match report in this week's Meath Chronicle