Dardis on-song as Summerhill overcome Dunshaughlin in Feis Cup contest

Barry Dardis racked up a fine tally of 0-10 as Summerhill got the better of hosts Dunshaughlin in this entertaining round-two Feis Cup clash.

Summerhill 1-2-8 (15)

Dunshaughlin 2-1-4 (12)

Tom Gannon

These two giants of Meath football met for the first time since their epic encounter in the group stage in last year's SFC Championship. This time around, Diarmuid McCabe's goal just after half-time proved to be the difference between the sides.

With five minutes remaining, Dunshaughlin, who are currently under the guidance of Cavan coach Gary Farrelly, were given a lifeline through a David Fildes goal. However, they failed to register another score in the closing stages.

Neither of the sides were at full strength, however, there was some good football on display from the get-go. Barry Dardis kicked off proceedings with two lovely two-pointers inside the first two minutes.

Summerhill keeper, Sean Muddiman was penalised for touching the ball outside his own box. That foul led to Luke Mitchell opening Dunshaughlin's account.

Mitchell and Jack Bannon traded points before Conor Summerville utilised the 'solo-and-go' deep in Dunshaughlin territory and popped the ball over the bar.

A long-range effort from Adam McDonnell fell just short but into the arms of full forward Dardis who tapped over to give Summerhill a five-point lead after 25 minutes.

On the stroke of half-time, a Jared Rushe shot from just outside the 'inner arc' landed right into the top corner of the Summerhill net. The teams went in at the break with the men in blue and yellow leading 0-2-3 to 1-0-2.

Summerhill came out with intent at the start of the second-half and they were rewarded when Jack Bannon assisted Diarmuid McCabe who finished to the back of the Dunshaughlin net and restored Summerhill's five-point lead.

A few minutes later McCabe's goal was cancelled out by two scores in quick succession from Fergus Toolan and Cian Gallogly. Gallogly's shot appeared to be just inside the 40m arc but he was, rightly or wrongly, rewarded with two points for his effort.

Three consecutive Dardis frees extended Summerhill's advantage back out to five before Dunshaughlin substitute, Ciaran Sheridan settled the ship on the 50th minute marker.

Dardis clearly had his shooting boots on for the occasion and he provided his side with two more points. With five minutes remaining Summerhill looked in control and they held a six-point lead heading into the closing stages.

Dunshaughlin were given a lifeline when a long-range effort from Mitchell dropped short which caused a bit of a scramble in the Summerhill small rectangle. David Fildes got a crucial touch and guided the ball to the back of the Summerhill net for Dunshaughlin's second goal.

Despite their best efforts, Dunshaughlin were not able to register another score. Eventually, Bernard Heaney called time on proceedings which confirmed the victory for Summerhill.

Summerhill - Sean Muddiman; Ben Moran, Iarla Hughes, Jamie Gavigan; Darragh McVann, Ronan Ryan, Jamie O'Shea; Adam Flanagan, Adam McDonnell; Kevin Ryan, Kevin Lyons, Jack Bannon (0-1); Conor Summerville (0-1), Barry Dardis (0-10, four frees, two two-points, one two-point free), Diarmuid McCabe (1-0). Subs - Adam Larkin for Gavigan 44m, Eoghan Grehan for Ryan 45m, Ross Tallon for Summerville 48m.

Dunshaughlin - Tim O'Sullivan; Oisin Foley, Niall Murphy, Jarod Rushe (1-0); David Fildes (1-0), Danny Quinn, Fursey Blake; Ryan Robinson, Adam Kealy; Luke Mitchell (0-2, two frees) Tadgh O Dushlaine, Sean O'Neill; Adam Hanley, Fergus Toolan (0-1), Cian Gallogly (0-2, one two-point). Subs - Adam McDermott for O'Sullivan half-time, Ciaran Sheridan (0-1) for Hanley 39m, Eoin O'Connor for Gallogly 45m, Lenan McCormack for O'Neill 54m, James Traynor for O'Connor 58m.

Referee - Bernard Heaney (St Michael's)