Ballinderry 2-8 Scotstown 2-7 Scotstown failed to land the Jimmy McConville Cup by the narrowest of margins at St Pauls on New Years Day. It was a bitter pill for the Monaghan boys to swallow as they produced a brilliant performance. However, the rub of the green did not go their way as the Blues had two strong claims for penalties waved away. Inspired by Peter O'Hara Scotstown had clawed back an eight points deficit to level and it looked like the game was heading into extra time until Ballinderry fired the winner with almost four minutes of added time elapsed. A draw was the least the Blues deserved as they outplayed the strong favourites for long periods of what was an exciting encounter played in front of a very large crowd. The move of Kieran Hughes to the centre of the park began the Blues rival in the second period but it was the performance of the aforementioned O'Hara that was the real eye catcher. The Derry boys had to line out without the services of the lively Ryan Wilkinson who's uncle had passed away in the early hours of New Years Day. This did not effect the eventual winners though as they got off to a wonderful start racing 1-2 clear after just four minutes. Player of the match Ryan Scullion fired the opening point from a free before a free by the same player created the opening goal when Gavin McGeehan tapped down to Fintan Bell who riffled home. Bell added a point prior to Aaron McCarey getting Scotstown up and running after jinking his way through. Scullion and McCarey exchanged points as the game moved into the 11th minute. With O'Hara beginning to shine the Blues began to dominate despite playing into the wind. However, over elaboration and wrong options at vital times let them down and they failed to make it count on the scoreboard. Four minutes from the break the outstanding Ryan Scullion split the posts with a free but this was quickly cancelled by a wonderful effort from substitute Donal McCague. Scotstown continued to press and looked to have won a penalty in the final minute of the half. A sideline ball from McCarey was knocked down by Conor Caulfield and as Orin Hephey collected his jersey was pulled over his head but to everyone's amazement Down official Colm Broderick failed to award the penalty. Within six minutes of the resumption that four point deficit was doubled and suddenly the Blues had a mountain to climb. Bell tapped over a point before a moment of individual brilliance from Scullion saw him hammer in his sides second major. It was now Scotstown produced their best with O'Hara now partnered at centre field by Kieran Hughes. Aaron McCarey hit over two points before Paul Sherlock rattled the net after great play from O'Hara. Scullion responded with a point ten minutes into the half. Despite dominated the Blues were not making their possession count. Sean Gilheaney pulled off a fine stop to deny Ballinderry's John Devlin at the other end. With ten minutes remaining Scotstown had another major shout for a penalty. Yet again Broderick was having none of it despite Conor Caulfield clearly hauled back as he went to collect the loose ball after a McCarey knockdown. Donal McCague followed with a point to reduce the deficit but on a rare attack Aaron Devlin pounced to restore the four point lead for the Derry boys. With two minutes remaining the Blues hit their second major and yet again it was Sherlock on hand to find the net. As the game entered added time a quick free from McCarey found the unmarked Kieran Hughes to level matters. Scotstown pushed for the winner but a wayward pass from McCarey set Ballinderry into attack that finished with Tony Martin earning a free which Scullion converted to clinch the title. Ballinderry: Stephen Cassidy; Eoin Anderson, Eamon Wilson, Jamie Martin; Paul McIvor, Canice Rocks, Kevin Forbes; John Devlin, Aaron Devlin (0-1); Martin Devlin, Ryan Scullion (1-4, 3f), Dermot McGuckin; Fintan Bell (1-2), Gavin McGeehan (0-1), Tony Martin Subs: Ryan Wilkinson for M Devlin (58), Conan Devlin for T Martin (62) Scotstown: Sean Gilheaney; Kieran Toner, Kieran Hughes (0-1), Michael McPhillips; Padraig Sheehan, Damian McArdle, Mark Corrigan; Gavin Turley, Peter O'Hara; Shane Carey, Mark Treanor, Orin Heaphy; Paul Sherlock (2-0), Aaron McCarey 0-4 (2f), Conor Caulfield. Subs: Donal McCague (0-2) for P Sheehan. Referee: Colm Broderick (Down) Tweet

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