Plenty of drama in mad rush for quarter-final spots

The calculators were out as the race for places in the quarter-final of the SFC hotted up last night with both Dunshaughlin and Donaghmore/Ashbourne making it through from Group A in dramatic circumstances.

Dunshaughlin copperfastened their place in the knock-out stages when they came from behind to defeat Curraha (0-12 to 1-8) at Ardcath in a highly entertaining encounter.

Behind by four going into the closing stages a flurry of late scores helped Richie Kealy's team make it across the line and secure top spot in the group.

Ruairi Kinsella grabbed the score that proved to be the difference between the sides as he fired over a quality point from play deep into injury time. It was one of five points Kinsella scored over the hour, two from frees.

Curraha had a late chance to snatch the draw that would have ensured they also qualified for the knock-out stage but it was not to be as James McEntee's shot sailed wide.

Conor Moriarty found the net for Curraha to helped them go in at the break 1-5 to 0-5 in front but they were cruelly edge out at the end.

In Pairc Tailteann there was tremendous drama also as Kevin Fenton landed a late goal for Donahgmore/Ashbourne to ensure they progressed.

Fenton's late strike also ensured his team had a minimum margin victory (1-7 to 0-9) and a coveted place in the quarter-finals instead of Na Fianna and Curraha.

FULL MATCH REPORTS FROM BOTH GAMES IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE.