Gaelic Games

Argue goal helps drive Cavan through to final

Monaghan challenge wilts at the Athletic Grounds, Armagh

Cavan’s Kevin Bouchier is tackled by Tyrone’s Conor McAleer during their Ulster Under-21 quarter-final on Wednesday night. Photograph: Inpho
Cavan’s Kevin Bouchier is tackled by Tyrone’s Conor McAleer during their Ulster Under-21 quarter-final on Wednesday night. Photograph: Inpho
Thu Apr 03 2014 - 01:00

Cavan 1-7
Monaghan 0-4

Cavan are still on course to extend their dominance of the Ulster Under-21 scene following this impressive win over Monaghan in last night's semi-final in torrential rain at the Athletic Grounds, Armagh.

Monaghan’s inability to maximise their possession in the first half contributed to their downfall as Cavan grew in confidence.

Monaghan indeed managed just two points in the first half, from Christopher McKenna and Pádraig McKenna. Cavan’s Kevin Bouchier landed two frees and the dangerous Tom Hayes also hit the target to give the Breffni out fit a slender 0-3 to 0-2 interval lead.

But the pendulum swung more decisively in Cavan's favour when midfielder Michael Argue's hopeful long-range effort eluded Monaghan substitute goalkeeper Darren McDonald in the 48th minute for the only goal of the game.

Deflated
The score clearly defused Monaghan's vibrant spirit and saw Cavan exert a much greater degree of control, particularly in the middle third of the park where Argue was an imposing figure throughout.

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Cavan, tenacious and purposeful throughout, found a higher gear in the closing quarter and substitutes Aaron O’Hara and Cian Byrne secured their place in the decider with fine points in the closing minutes as Monaghan’s challenge wilted.

“We had to work hard for this win but it’s great to be in the frame to keep our title. But it will certainly not be easy in the final,” said Cavan manager Peter Reilly afterwards.


CAVAN: J Farrelly; B Fortune, K Clarke, P Faulkner; G Smith, C Moynagh, C Brady; B Sankey, M Argue (1-0); P Graham , E Flanagan , A Watson; D McVetty (0-1), K Bouchier (0-2, frees), T Hayes (0-2). Subs: E Hession for Bouchier (49 mins), C Madden for Graham (36 mins), C Byrne (0-1) for Madden (46 mins), A O'Hara (0-1) for Flanagan (58 mins). Yellow card: Clarke (52 mins), Argue (55 mins).
MONAGHAN: D Kirk (D McDonald 39); R Wylie, C Boyle, R McEnaney; P Keenan, J McGuigan, S Conlon ; M Boyce, B Greenan (0-1); K Cromwell , C McKenna (0-2, frees), T Kerr; M McGurk, P McKenna (0-1), F McMahon . Subs: C McCarthy for McGurk (10 mins), D Freeman for McMahon (43 mins), D Ward for Cromwell (47 mins), McAnespie for Conlon (57 mins). Yellow cards: Boyce (23 mins), McGuigan (26 mins).
Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)