UCC 1-8 Athlone 0-9: A second-half goal by Fintan Gould proved decisive for UCC in the quarter-finals of the Sigerson Cup in blustery conditions in Athlone yesterday. Athlone IT were left to rue a missed penalty in the closing stages and some costly first-half wides.
The very strong breeze blowing across the Athlone pitch had a major bearing on this encounter. Athlone had wind advantage in the first half, but their half-time lead of 0-6 to 0-1 proved insufficient as Offaly trio James Coughlan (2), Trevor Phelan (2) and Rory Guinan all hit the scoresheet.
Kildare under-21 star James Kavanagh was also on the mark during the opening 30 minutes, while a pointed free by Ronan Hussey was UCC's only first-half score.
Within six minutes of the restart, UCC had cut the deficit to two points. The all-important goal arrived in the 41st minute when Gould intercepted a free and rifled the ball to the net.
Gould really came to the fore in the second half, with the Cork intercounty player contributing two further points. Kerry duo Ronan Hussey and Paul O'Connor were also on target as UCC went 1-8 to 0-7 in front.
Athlone earned themselves a lifeline with six minutes left when defender Alan Reynolds was fouled in the area for a penalty. However, James Kavanagh's spot kick clipped the post before going wide. Despite that crucial miss, the home side refused to buckle and points from Guinan and Kavanagh ensured a nervy finish for UCC.
UCC: K O'Halloran; D Óg O'Donovan, M Shields, N Horgan; R McCarthy, D Limerick, J Wycherley; P Kelly, M Cussen; F Gould (1-2, one free), C Brosnan (0-1), P O'Connor (0-3, two frees); R Hussey (0-2, one free), D Walsh, R Long. Subs: B Mulvihill for Long (43 mins), G Leahy for Hussey (57 mins), J O'Sullivan for Horgan (60 mins).
ATHLONE IT: E Farrell; T Bannon, D McInerney, A Murtagh; G Quinn, D Blake, A Reynolds; C Maguire, J Kavanagh (0-3); A Aronojelavoic, A Kelly, E McCormack; J Coughlan (0-2), R Guinan (0-2), T Phelan (0-2). Subs: P Brady for Maguire (24 mins), K Casey for Coughlan (37 mins), J Boyle for Murtagh (43 mins), S Hackett for Quinn (54 mins).
Referee: H Beirne (Roscommon).
