AODH RUADH HAD TOO MUCH for Milford as the Erne side advanced into the last four of the Intermediate Football Championship.
Aodh Ruadh 2-12Â Milford 1-8
The sides shared the spoils in a lively encounter a couple of weeks ago in Convoy when there was nothing between them in the first game, but Aodh Ruadh flexed their muscles in the second half in this replay.
Diarmuid McInerney gave a fine exhibition of free taking and Johnny Gethins netted the first half goal that wiped out Kyle Black’s early three-pointer for Milford.
Black scored the late equaliser in the first instalment at Pairc Naomh Mhuire, but Milford couldn’t build on the promise of the opening exchanges as Packie McGrath’s team – beaten finalists in this competition in 2012 – moved into the semi-finals.
Milford had a dream start and were four points to the good inside eight minutes.
Black posted them in front after only 40 seconds and the same player was on the mark with a goal soon after,
An error in the Aodh Ruadh backline saw Pauric Patton’s pass across for Ronan Drummond intercepted and Pauric Curley fed Black, who slotted past Peter Boyle from close range.
Diarmuid McInerney got Aodh Ruadh off the mark and, after Cathal McGettigan landed a fine point from 35 metres, the Ballyshannon men hit the purple patch that prised them into the driving seat.
McInerney converted a free and David McGurrin elected to fist a point when a goal chance presented itself.
A minute later, Aodh Ruadh got their goal. Seamus Kane’s crossfield ball found Johnny Gethins, who didn’t even need to break his stride as he latched onto the pass before picking his spot in the Milford net.
Kane went from provider to scorer after splendidly turning onto his right foot and McInerney put them 1-5 to 1-3 ahead at the change over with a point in added time.
McGettigan and Black levelled things up, but the next six scores went the way of Aodh Ruadh, with McInerney landing four of them.
Still, though, Milford wouldn’t hoist the white flag and they made Aodh Ruadh’s brows sweat when Pauric Curley and McGettigan (free) pulled them to within four points.
Four minutes from time, McGettigan fed Christopher Barrett, but he drove into the side netting and sub Darragh Black was denied by Boyle’s legs.
Aodh Ruadh added late insurance points from Eamonn McGrath and McGurrin while Curley fisted over with the goal gaping right on the blow.
Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Pauric Patton, Johnny Gallagher, Callum O’Halloran; Eamonn McGrath (0-1), Conor Patton, Ronan Drummond; Johnny Gethins (1-0), Damien Cleary; Barry Mulligan (0-1), Diarmuid McInerney (0-7, 5f), David Dolan; David McGurrin (0-3), Shane McGrath, Seamus Kane (0-1). Subs: Kerry Ryan for Gethins (42), Niall Harley for Drummond (47), Philip Patton for S.McGrath (55), Nathan Boyle for Mulligan (60), Niall Murray for McGurrin (60).
Milford: Shaun Gallagher; Gary Merritt, Sean Black, Kieran Sheridan; Gavin Grier, Enda McHugh, TJ Evesson; Johnny Logue, Joey Cullen; Pauric Curley (0-2), Christopher Barrett, Luke Barrett; Paddy Peoples, Cathal McGettigan (0-4, 3f), Kyle Black (1-2). Subs: Darragh Black for S.Black (44), Adam Serrinha for Grier (60).
Referee: Connie Doherty (Naomh Conaill).
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