CAPPINCUR (Offaly)  0-07 ST FECHINS   1-07

St Fechins reached the final of the Leinster JFC after a hard fought victory over Cappincur (Offaly) in O'Connor Park, Tullamore. Played in mild conditions, the game never really lived up to expectations as both sides struggled with nerves and poor finishing. However, a lucky goal in extra-time proved to be the crucial score as the Termonfeckin side managed to get across the line and secure a date with Ballivor (Meath) in two weeks time. 

In truth there was very little between the sides throughout. Indeed the sides were level at half time with three point apiece. Louthman Ronan Holcroft had the games only goal scoring opportunity in the opening half but he dragged his effort left and wide on the stroke of half time.
Half-time: Cappincur 0-03 St Fechins 0-03

The Offaly men took the initiative in the early stages of the second half with defender Peter Daly (wearing 9 but playing in defence), slotting over from a placed ball. Moments later Ryan Sheridan brought the sides level once again. The Termonfeckin men had goalkeeper Mark Savage to thank in the 42nd minute when he reacted smartly to dive low and palm a Cappincur effort wide of his post. Points were exchanged between the sides before a glut of chances went begging at both ends. Extra time seemed on the cards but referee Ronald Malone (Dublin) awarded Holcroft a last gasp free to win the game for his side. Unfortunately his attempt struck the post and extra time beckoned as Malone blew the whistle. 
Full-time: Cappincur 0-05 St Fechins 0-05

In the opening stages of extra time, the game turned on a speculative, long sideline kick from the impressive Sheridan which spilled through the fingers of a Cappincur defender before trickling across the line and into the net. Ger Treacy pulled one back for the Offaly men but by now it was the Fechins lads who looked the fitter and more determined outfit.

A long-range point from the industrious John McGlew restored St Fechins goal advantage before Holcroft added the insurance point. A late score from Noel Graham narrowed the gap and though Cappincur had a last gasp goal chance, the ball shot wide of Savage's left hand post and away to safety.
Full-time (Extra Time): Cappincur 0-07 St Fechins 1-07

The game never reached it's potential as both sides failed to settle. However, it was the men from Louth who prevailed in the end and set up a date with Ballivor from Meath in the Leinster Club JFC final in two weeks time.

CAPPINCUR: David Graham, Hugh Treacy, Jason Gethings, Kevin Flanagan; Eoin Carroll, Colm Brennan, David Carroll; Enda Daly, Peter Daly 0-02; Noel Andrew Graham 0-02, Ger Treacy 0-03, Kevin Browne, Michael Hanlon, Brian Stones, Kevin Minnock.


ST FECHINS: Mark Savage, Brendan Fanning, David Collier, Paul Dillon; Eoghan Duffy, Mark Hynes, Harry McArdle; John McGlew 0-01, Bevan Duffy; Jamie King, Colm O'Neill, Ryan Sheridan 0-02; Brian Devlin 0-01, Niall Devlin, Ronan Holcroft 0-03.
Subs: Fergal McNally for Harry McArdle 30 min, James Deveraux for Niall Devlin 33 min, Conor Haughney for Jamie King 34 min, Paul King for Colm O Neill 52 min.

Referee: Ronald Malone, Dublin