Cavanagh is the late hero for Moy

Moy 1-10  Rock 0-12

ONE former Tyrone star finished the job with the winner for Moy deep in added time as a current Red Hand player almost completed what would have been a remarkable scoring feat.

Colm Cavanagh’s last gasp winning point put the Tir Na nOgs into the Intermediate Championship semi-final on S unday night in Dungannon. He fired over after Michael Conroy had score each of their previous nine points from frees.

It was tough luck on a talented Rock side, but they will have to watch from the sidelines as Moy progress to meet Greencastle in the final four.

Perfect conditions at O’Neill Park provided the backdrop to a game which proved really competitive. Both teams entered this clash with high ambitions of progressing and this was highlighted in the positive football produced throughout.

It was Moy, though, who started the more brightly. They had the returning Colm Cavanagh, Eunan Deeney and Michael Conroy to boost their hopes and made light of playing into a strong enough breeze.

Swapped points between Michael Conroy and Liam Nugent settled the sides. But it was then that Moy upped the tempo. Steve Donaghy, Diarmuid McKeown and Declan Conroy worked hard, and they looked the strong as the half developed.

A goal in the 12th minute provided the ideal tonic for the boys in light blue. Patrick Laverty palmed to the net from close range after a great move involving Matthew Laverty and Ryan Coleman.

That put them 1-2 to 0-2 ahead, and they looked set to press even further ahead.

But they reckoned against the determination of this Rock team. Conor Ward, Diarmuid Carroll and Shea Daly increased their intensity. They attacked at speed with the wind and were soon reaping the rewards on the scoreboard as well.

Mark McAleer provided the perfect response to the Moy goal when he pointed to reduce the deficit. Then full-forweard, Liam Nugent, really came into his own with a series of scores which transformed their fortunes.

Three points in quick succession from him saw Rock complete their comeback and go 0-6 to 1-2 ahead. Then, Shane Murphy also fired over in fine style to extend that advantage and leave them on top form.

Now the task facing them was to maintain that until the interval break. Thomas Mackle increased their total, although Moy’s Declan Conroy registered two brilliant long range points to leave the minimum between them at half-time on a score of 0-8 to 1-4.

It was to prove a highly entertaining second half as well. Rock made light of playing against the breeze and regained the lead through Shane Murphy early on the resumption.

Good determination, tackling and counter-attacking from Conor Ward, Niall McWilliams and and Cormac O’Neill thwarted the best efforts of Moy to try and build from the back. Sean and Colm Cavanagh were on form for them, as Stevie Donaghy forged forward.

It was score for score as a result. The teams were level on four occasions in the second period as the tie went right to the wire.

Rock held the edge for most of that time. Aidan McGarrity put them ahead again entering the final quarter, before their hopes of making the most of their opportunities subsequently were hit by a strong Moy display.

Three points in quick succession from Michael Conroy put them two ahead and they looked capable of holding that lead until the finish. Now the tension was really mounting and Shea Daly and Liam Nugent levelled it for Rock to set up a dramatic finale.

Rock attacked in search of the winner. Their shot fell wide and from the kick-out a strong Moy move culminated in Colm Cavanagh sealing the winner with a brilliant long range shot.

The Scorers
Moy
Declan Conroy 0-9 (9f), Patrick Lavery 1-0, Colm Cavanagh 0-1.

Rock
Liam Nugent 0-6 (5f), Mark McAleer 0-1, Shane Murphy 0-1 (1f), Aidan McGarrity 0-1, Shea Daly 0-1.