McAteer stars as Derry's Newbridge overpower Armagh's Madden

Newbridge will face Monaghan champions Scotstown in the Ulster semi-finals.

Derry champions Newbridge have reached their first Ulster semi-final in 55 years. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Ulster Club SFC quarter-final: Newbridge (Derry) 0-18 Madden (Armagh) 0-12

Newbridge booked a first Ulster semi-final since 1970 with victory over Madden on Sunday in Armagh.

The Derry champions led by a point at the break before purring into control early in the second-half.

A 45 from Paudi McGrogan, followed by two scores from captain and man of the match Conor McAteer shot the ‘Bridge into the driving seat.

Madden had a spell of control but were wasteful in front of the posts with Oisin Doherty, Sean and Eamon Young adding Newbridge scores to seal victory.

After a sustained spell of possession, it was Madden who opened the scoring early in the game with Donal Rafferty kicking from the wing.

Conor McAteer and Mark McGrogan kicked Newbridge into the lead before Conor Grimley’s free levelled the game after 10 minutes.

Patrick McMullan fisted a glorious goal chance over the bar with the Young brothers adding scores for a 0-5 to 0-2 lead.

Conor Grimley curled two outside of the boot efforts for Madden. Niall Smith curled a score to level proceedings again before an Oisin Doherty free edged the ‘Bridge into a 0-8 to 0-7 interval lead.

Paudi McGrogan hit a 45 for Newbridge’s first score of the second half with Conor McAteer adding two scores for a four-point lead.

Grimley (free) and Paul Comiskey replied for Madden before a fourth Conor McAteer point was the perfect Newbridge response.

Madden missed three chances in succession in the middle of the half despite having plenty of possession. Newbridge held a four-point lead, 0-13 to 0-10.

The Derry champions tagged on scores to seal their spot in the semi-final where they now play Scotstown after their victory over Naomh Conaill at Clones.

Scorers for Newbridge: O Doherty 0-5 (4f), C McAteer 0-4, P McGrogan (1 45), S Young, E Young (0-2 each), M McGrogan, S McGrogan and P McMullan (0-1 each)

Scorers for Madden: C Grimley 0-8 (2tp, 1tpf, 2f), N Smith, D Rafferty, P Comiskey and N Grimley (0-1 each)

NEWBRIDGE: N Rocks; P McGrogan, S McGrogan, S McAteer; Callum McGrogan, M McGrogan, Conor McGrogan; C Doherty, Conleth McGrogan; P McMullan; M Doherty, C McAteer; E Young; S Young, O Doherty 

Subs: C McBride for M Doherty (57), D McColgan for E Young (60), K Burke for S McAteer (60), O McGlone for McMullan (63) 

MADDEN: J Sheridan; S Vallely, E O’Hagan, P Lappin; O O’Hara, D Rafferty, N Smith; N Grimley; C Donnelly; D Crilly, D McMullen, C Rafferty; A McKenna; J Sheridan, C Grimley 

Subs: E Grimley for Crilly (HT), P Comiskey for McKenna (36), J Murphy for Donnelly (50), L Grimley for Lappin (53) Yellow cards: D Rafferty (30+3), N Grimley (58), N Smith (59) 

Referee: S Hurson (Tyrone)