First half goal saves Cavan Gaels from defeat

Cavan Gaels (Cavan) 1-07 St. Gall's (Antrim) 0-07, Casement Park

Michael Lyng's first half goal for Cavan Gaels was the difference between these sides in a heated affair at Casement Park in Belfast.

The Gaels finished with 14 men following the dismissal of Darren Rabbitte in the first half, but their Antrim counterparts were reduced to 13 by the final whistle following red cards for Sean Burke and Kevin McGourty.

McGourty's injury-time dismissal compounded Gall's woes in a game which saw the hosts miss a number of scoring opportunities.

The sides were level midway through the second half, but with Gall's getting on top in the possession stakes, three well-taken points had the Antrim champions eyeing up a semi-final spot.

However, Ciaran McGourty missed a goal chance and wasted opportunities by Karl Stewart and Aodhan Gallagher opened this game up for a strong Cavan Gaels finish.

In a game full of off-the-ball incidents, no more than three points separated the sides throughout the hour.

In the end, a scoring spree from Seanie Johnston, who finished with five points, moved Cavan back in front and they held firm to set up a semi-final meeting with Ballinderry.