Scotstown held on for a narrow 2-21 to 2-20 victory over Magherafelt in Clones to reach the Ulster Club SFC semi-finals, sealing their place with a tense extra-time finish after a late equaliser from Nicky Sherlock. The defending champions needed that score to push the game beyond normal time, where they managed to withstand another spirited Magherafelt comeback.
Manager David McCague credited his players’ bravery for the win. “Bravery. The players have been brave,” he told BBC Sport NI. He pointed to several key moments, including Damien McArdle’s winning effort on the final kick-out after Magherafelt briefly took the lead late in normal time. “Nicky Sherlock's bravery to go on the score. The very last kick-out of the game, Max Maguire presented for a kick-out and that's bravery,” McCague said.
The Monaghan side faced a late setback when a controversial free was awarded against goalkeeper Rory Beggan. The free allowed Magherafelt to go ahead in stoppage time. McCague expressed his disagreement with the referee’s decision but was measured in his overall assessment. “From my view of it, he got his hands to the ball and went out for a 45, or maybe he didn't. Now, his momentum did carry into Shane Heavron, I accept that. But this is a collision sport, this is a physical sport, and Rory had no intention of playing the man,” McCague said. He added, “From my view of it, I felt it was a very harsh call.”
Despite questioning that late decision, McCague praised referee Noel Mooney’s performance throughout the game. “Seasons swing in these moments. But look, Noel Mooney is a top-class referee and I really enjoyed how he refereed the game today.”
The match tested Scotstown’s resilience in a way few others have this season. Magherafelt’s late surge forced Scotstown into extra time, pushing the defending champions to their limits. McCague said the experience and communication within the dressing room helped his side navigate the pressure. “Our dressing room is full of fellas who have learned lessons over a long number of years and they have a great capacity to communicate the right message to each other at the right time,” he said.
Scotstown now prepare for their semi-final against St Eunan’s. The manager believes the challenge they faced against Magherafelt will strengthen the team. “We'll be hoping that we're stronger as a result of the real test and challenge we got today.”
The victory keeps Scotstown on course to defend their Ulster title, but the narrow margin and tense finish underline the difficulties they will face in the coming rounds.
According to Yahoo Sports.
