Crossmaglen pip Killeavy by a point with last-gasp winner as county stars return to club football

Killeavy led for most of the game on Friday night, but a late Crossmaglen surge – which included big scores from county men Rian O’Neill and Cian McConville – saw the Rangers come out on top on a blustery, miserable night.

Two of the best teams in the county played out an enthralling affair despite the horrid conditions, in a match which could have huge ramifications for the destination of the Division 1A league title come the end of the league campaign.

A Killeavy win would have seen them put one hand on the title, but with Cross snatching the points late on, the door is still open for them, Clann Eireann and Madden to win the crown.

Home side lead at the break

Killeavy were the team with the wind advantage in the opening half, but it was Crossmaglen who started the better of the two sides with Aaron Haughey opening the scoring, before Rian O’Neill got his first score of the season in the colours of amber and black.

It took 14 minutes, but the home side finally opened their account from a Shea Magill ‘45 – the first of 0-8 he scored from dead balls on the night. That score was built upon by a Caolan Laverty point and a Kealan McDonnell two-pointer.

Cian McConville brought about a reprieve for Cross, but Killeavy scored the last five points of the half to lead 0-9 to 0-3 at the break. Magill punished Crossmaglen with two two-point frees in quick succession, before Miceal McNamee tapped over a close-range free to put his side six-to-the-good at half-time.

Cross make a late comeback

The visitors made a strong start to the second half and put Killeavy under pressure straight away with a Rian O’Neill pointed free and a two-pointer from Haughey. However, the home side responded with Fergal Boylan and Magill (free) finding the target.

Aaron O’Neill then cut the deficit back down to three with a superb two-pointer from beyond the 45-metre line, but despite playing against the elements, Killeavy wrestled control of the contest once again.

Steven McDonnell’s men grabbed three of the next four scores with Magill twice pointing from frees and Niall Magennis getting his name on the scoresheet, with a Rian O’Neill free Cross’ only answer during this period.

That left the score 0-14 to 0-9 in Killeavy’s favour, but with five minutes to go, the Rangers got a huge score. Cian McConville forced a turnover in the Killeavy defence and went bearing down on goal. He was brought down by Caolan McConville, but the referee played advantage, and the Cross full forward certainly took advantage – by getting to his feet and unleashing a ferocious shot into the top corner of the net.

Killeavy replied with Fergal Boylan knocking over a free, but Cross had the momentum and pushed on.

A Patsy Finnegan point cut the gap back to two and Rian O’Neill impressively converted a two-point free from some 50 metres out in stoppage time to level it.

The next score was likely to be the winner and with three minutes played overtime, Cross worked the ball down the left wing to Paul Hughes who swung over the dramatic winning score.

The result sees Crossmaglen cut the gap on league leaders Killeavy to just two points with two games to go. Clann Eireann are level on points with Cross, and Madden will join them on the same tally should they defeat Armagh Harps on Sunday.

MATCH STATS

Killeavy scorers: Shea Magill (0-8, 3f, 2tpf, 1’45); Fergal Boylan (0-2, 1f); Kealan McDonnell (0-2, 1tp); Caolan Laverty (0-1); Miceal McNamee (0-1, 1f); Niall Magennis (0-1). Crossmaglen scorers: Rian O’Neill (0-5, 2f, 1tpf); Cian McConville (1-1); Aaron Haughey (0-3, 1tp); Aaron O’Neill (0-2, 1tp); Patsy Finnegan (0-1); Paul Hughes (0-1).

Referee: Philip Conway.