Meath survive to earn second chance

Laois netminder Michael Nolan joined the growing list that are set to receive letters of sympathy from the International Goalkeepers Federation after his extra-time howler almost gifted Meath victory in the Leinster SFC quarter-final at Croke Park on Sunday. Nolan's blunder from Cormac McGuinness's speculative high ball put Meath in the driving seat, but Eamonn O'Brien's charges failed to take advantage as they allowed Laois recover for the third time in a thrilling contest and force a replay next Saturday at Tullamore, 7.0. In a weekend that saw Rob Green and Handonovic make major blunders at the World Cup, amatuer goalkeepers Nolan and Kerry's Brendan Kealy also were left red-faced in their respective championship match. McGuinness's goal was the type of luck that has deserted Meath over the last few years. And while the error did threaten to signal better fortunes for Meath there were enough causes to complain that lady luck drenched Meath on Sunday rather than shine kindly down. Two glaring errors by the otherwise impressive match officials left Meath wondering what might have been. With a minute of normal time remaining Joe Sheridan skied a shot that looked to have travelled inside the upright for a score. However, the umpires and the referee Marty Duffy waved the effort wide, much to Sheridan chagrin. Then with victory appearing to be finally tuck away Duffy harshly adjudged Stephen Bray to have committed a foul and that allowed Laois launch an attack which ended with John O'Loughlin pointing the equaliser and forcing the replay. It was cruel justice on Meath, but credit must go to Laois, they were the better side in the closing stages of both normal and extra time. They got what they deserved and will take great heart ahead of next Saturday's replay. Meath will be worried that they let a great opportunity slip. They will also have a number of concerns with Nigel Crawford unlikely to be risked unless 100 per cent fit. Seamus Kenny injured his hand and could be a doubt and with concerns over the form of a couple of key players O'Brien will have to have his troops in top form if they are to advance to a semi-final tilt with Dublin on Sunday, 27th June in Croke Park.