Pluck's clutch kicks seal final spot for 'Bracks

A FL DIV 1 SEMI-FINAL

The performances will have been long forgotten by the time both teams got back to their respective abodes from Trim this evening, but for Ballianbrackey the result is all that matters as they saw off Skryne by 1-8 to 0-10 to book their place in Wednesday night's A FL Div 1 final against Summerhill in Pairc Tailteann.

Dean Pluck was the winner's number one in more ways than one. He was solid and dependable between the posts and when called upon to be the hero he kicked two clutch points from long range placed balls to seal the win.

Pluck strode forward to convert a 59th minute '45' and after Conor O'Brien restored parity for the fourth time 30 seconds later extra-time looked on the cards.

However with the wind at their backs Ballinabrackey launched one last attack, 90 seconds into injury-time. Niall Smullen was fouled and when his subsequent shot went wayward referee Owen Ganly brought play back as no advantage had accrued.

Pluck was summoned from his goal to take the vital kick and he nailed his 44 metre effort with pinpoint accuracy, much to the delight of the huge travelling support in Trim.

Skryne were afforded the customary 'one last chance' to find an equaliser, but their final attack broke down and with that went their chances of securing a place in the decider.

There was very little between the teams throughout. The first-half was dire stuff. Ballinabrackey sat back in huge numbers against the wind and defended with discipline and stout composure.

Skryne struggled to create any real openings and it was only with a couple of minutes to go in the half that they used the wind to their advantage to kick just their second point.

Showing very little adventure from the off Ballinabrackey didn't muster their first serious attack until the seventh minute, but it proved to be a valuable one as Barry Thompson cut inside his marker and rifled the ball to the net.

John Finnerty replied with a point for Skryne three minutes later and they went close to scoring a goal in the 12th minute, but Pluck did well to deny Padraig Finnerty.

Thirteen minutes after their goal Ballinabrackey broke from their defensive shape to add a point from Danny Quinn to their tally and in the 24th minute Quinn converted a free to make it 1-2 to 0-1.

Neil Burke landed Skryne's second point from distance, but it must be questioned why they waited until the 29th minute to take a shot from 45 metres? Maybe it was the previous five wides and two efforts that dropped short that put them off - either way they trailed 0-2 to 1-2 at the break.

The return of five scores in the opening half was matched within 10 minutes of the restart as Ballinabrackey emerged from their defensive shell.

Skryne found a gap inside 15 seconds and James Finnerty fisted over, but Ballinabrackey showed they can also be an attacking force with Quinn responding with a superb score from the right.

Three points in four minutes from John Finnerty, Burke (free) and O'Brien (after Pluck was penalised for delaying a kick-out) drew Skryne level by the 40th minute, 0-6 to 1-3.

A huge score from John O'Regan actually edged them in front for the first, and as it turned out only, time in the 44th minute.

Shay Curry levelled it up with a free before scores from Quinn and Damien Carroll made it 1-6 to 0-7.

Mark Battersby announced his introduction by converting a free and when Patrick Fox kicked a point the teams were tied again.

They remained level after Pluck's '45' and O'Brien's response, but it was Pluck who had the final word to ensure Ballinabrackey march on.

Ballinabrackey - Dean Pluck (0-2 one free, one '45'); Conor Ennis, Chris O'Connor, Aidan O'Brien; Mark Coffey, Nicky Joyce, Sean Fitzpatrick; Damien Carroll (0-1), Michael Kearney; Sean Coffey, David Carroll, Sean Bannon; Shay Curry (0-1 free), Danny Quinn (0-4 one free), Barry Thompson (1-0). Subs - Niall Smullen for Fitzpatrick, Sean Kavanagh for Thompson both 41m,

Skryne - Eoin Gillett; Stephen O'Brien, Michael Doherty, Jack Swan; Shane Smyth, James Reeves (0-1), John Finnerty (0-2); John O'Regan, Harry Rooney; Conor Donohoe, Neil Burke (0-2 one free), James Finnerty (0-1); Conor O'Brien (0-2), Padraig Finnerty, Billy Smyth. Subs - Oisin Keogh for P Finnerty 22m, Patrick Fox (0-1) for Donohoe 34m, Ciaran Lenehan for Swan 46m, Daniel Fitzpatrick for Burke, Mark Battersby (0-1 free) for B Smyth both 50m,

Referee - Owen Ganly (Trim).