Slane march on unbeaten

A really positive campaign came to a disappointing end for Cortown at the hands of Slane in the A FL Div 5 semi-final last Thursday evening as the hosts strolled to a 1-13 to 0-5 win.

The first half mirrored the sides League final encounter last year from the Division below with Slane completely on top. Cortown were well off it and Matt Tully found the net to illustrate the home sides dominance.

Wind assisted, Des Teelin's men added further scores from Tadhg Martyn, Podge McGowan and Kyle Tallon.

Brían Smith did muster Cortown's sole score of the opening half with a nice effort from an acute angle.

Cortown were indebted to the outstanding Colm McGearty who made a string of outstanding stops to deny Slane a larger lead than 1-8 to 0-1 at the break.

Clearly realising that their first half was well below par, Cortown started the second with far more vigour.

Davy Rispin kickstarted the mini-revival with a point and this was quickly followed with a lovely score from Ciaran Keating.

The Cortown revival was brought to an abrupt halt with Micky Costello receiving his marching orders 15 minutes from time following a second bookable offence.

Martyn, McGowan and an excellent point from substitute Danny Carolan added to the Slane tally.

Rispin converted a brace of late frees to add some consolation to the scoreboard but Slane were very much in control as they secured promotion and a place in the final against Moynalty.

Cortown - Colm McGearty; Charlie Smith, Barry Canning, Micky Costello; Ciaran Keating (0-1), Theo Staunton, Elliot Reilly; Luca Brady, Stevie Clarke; Kevin Muldoon, Oisin Smith, Mikey Rennicks; Davy Rispin (0-3), Brían Smith (0-1), Hugh Staunton. Subs - John McGearty for Keating, Tommy Smith for B Smith, Ivor O'Halloran for O Smith.