Leinster club SFC: Crokes hang on as Portlaoise pay the penalty

November 25, 2018

Kilmacud's Liam Flatman gets by Gary Saunders of Portlaoise

Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) 1-17

Portlaoise (Laois) 3-8

Portlaoise substitute Craig Rogers had an injury-time penalty saved as Kilmacud Crokes held on for a dramatic Leinster club SFC semi-final victory at Parnell Park.

Extra-time beckoned when Rogers stepped up to take the spotkick, but his shot was saved by David Nestor as the two-time All-Ireland winners progressed to a provincial final meeting with Longford's Mullinalaghta on December 9.

With Cian O'Sullivan back in their starting line-up, the Dublin champions had seven different first half scorers as they went into the break leading by 1-11 to 2-5. Callum Pearson opened the scoring in the second minute before Dara Mullin netted moments later.

Portlaoise replied with a goal from Gareth Dillon and Paul Cahillane raised another green flag in the 17th minute, but the Laois kingpins still trailed throughout the half as veteran Pat Burke, Craig Dias and Pearson kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Stillorgan-based outfit.

Paul Mannion, who had a quiet afternoon by his standards, kicked three second half points, but Portlaoise - who registered nine first half wides - regained parity in the 46th minute when Rogers took a return pass before rifling to the net.

However, they failed to score again as unanswered points from Burke, Mannion and Andrew McGowan secured Crokes' final place.

Kilmacud Crokes - D Nestor; L Flatman, A McGowan (0-1), R McGowan; C O'Connor (0-1), C O'Shea, C O'Sullivan; C Dias (0-1), C Casey; S Horan, C Pearson (0-3), S Cunningham (0-1); P Mannion (0-5, 2f), D Mullin (1-2), P Burke (0-3, 1f). Subs: A Jones for R McGowan, K Dyas for S Horan, T Fox for S Cunningham, S Williams for D Mullin, R Ryan for C O'Connor (BC), C Dias (BC).

Portlaoise - G Brody; F Flanagan, G Saunders, D Seale; C Healy, Chris Finn, D Holland; C McEvoy, K Lillis (0-1); B Glynn (0-1), C Boyle (0-1), G Dillon (1-0); P Cahillane (1-3, 0-1f), B McCormack (0-1), R Maher (0-1). Subs: C Rogers (1-0) for R Maher, S Lawless for B McCormack, A Rafter for S Glynn, Colin Finn for D Holland.

Referee - D Coldrick.


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