Rhode survive stern Gracefield test
A first half goal from Ruairí Allen set Gracefield on their way and they enjoyed a deserved 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead. Paul McPadden levelled matters with a well taken strike early in the second half and the county U21 forward gave Rhode a commanding 2-12 to 1-9 lead with 15 minutes to go when he raised his second green flag.
With Niall Smith and Ciarán Kiely in control of the midfield battle, Gracefield’s dominance of the battle for primary possession allowed them to stay in contention and a goal from veteran Karol Slattery gave them a lifeline. Niall McNamee appeared to make the game safe with a late score, but a dubious penalty decision allowed Stephen Flanagan to reduce the deficit to the minimum with the last action of the tie.
