Madden (Armagh) 0-12 Newbridge (Derry) 0-18
Newbridge will face Scotstown in the Ulster championship semi-finals after a comfortable win over Madden.
The Derry champions were deserved six-point winners at the Athletic Grounds with Conor Doherty and Conor McAteer particularly impressive.
Madden, who only two weeks ago won their maiden Armagh title, can have no complaints. They probably left a few scores behind in the second half, but it was Newbridge who ruled the roost with their pace and power.
Oisin Doherty’s converted free with the last kick of the half gave Newbridge the slightest lead against a Madden side that took a while to find their rhythm.
It was impressive from the Derry champions as their opening seven points came from play, and from as many different players, whereas Madden’s use of two-pointers kept them in the game.
The winter sun had many in the stand watching shadows, but it was Donal Rafferty who squeezed over the opening score after controlled play from Madden.
Conor McAteer and Mark Grogan hit back to put Newbridge in the lead, and while Darragh McMullan struck over a beauty, it was the Derry champions who seized control.
Patrick McMullan couldn’t believe his luck when the opportunity opened up for him. He had only the goalkeeper to beat, but the Newbridge man fisted over the bar, with the goal chance left begging.
Madden’s usual assured passing deserted them, and Newbridge were quick on the counter with brothers Eamon Young and Sean Young tapping over.
The Derry champions were moving well but Conor Grimley’s two-pointer made it a one-point game. Again, Newbridge’s response was instant with Shane McGrogan and Padraig McGrogan landing big points.
Still, Madden found a way back with Conor Grimley stroking over his second two-pointer, and Niall Smith levelled the score with 30 minutes played.
It looked as if Madden had done enough but Doherty’s free gave Newbridge a 0-08 to 0-07 half-time lead.
The Derry champions came flying out of the traps at the start of the second half with three points in as many minutes.
After 45 minutes, Newbridge led 0-13 to 0-09. Conor McAteer nabbed two points within a minute following Padraig McGrogan’s converted 45.
Conor Grimley and Paudi Comiskey replied for Madden, but it was McAteer’s fourth point from play that put the Derry champions in a commanding position.
Newbridge pushed on, with Oisin Doherty extending his tally and the Young brothers grabbing their second point each, of the afternoon. Madden kicked three wides in a row as the game seemed to slip away from them.
Niall Grimley made majestic fetches in the middle and he found the target and Conor Grimley kicked over his third two-pointer.
Madden’s historic journey came to an end as it was Newbridge’s night and they won’t mind going in as underdogs against the Monaghan champions in two weeks' time.
Madden: Jamie Sheridan, Shea Vallely, Tony O’Hagan, Peter Lappin, Oisin O’Hara, Donal Rafferty (0-01), Niall Smith (0-01), Dylan Crilly, Cathal Donnelly, Aron McKenna, Ciaran Rafferty, Darragh McMullen, Joe Sheridan, Niall Grimley (0-01), Conor Grimley (0-08, 6tpf, 2f)
Subs used: Eoin Grimley for Crilly (HT’), Paidi Comiskey(0-01) for McKenna (35’), Jack Murphy for Donnelly (44’), Liam Grimley for Lappin (55’).
Newbridge: Nathan Rocks, Shea McAteer, Shane McGrogan (0-01), Mark McGrogan (0-01), Callum McGrogan, Conor McGrogan, Padraig McGrogan (0-02, 1 45’), Conor Doherty, Conleth McGrogan, Eamon Young (0-02), Mark Doherty, Conor McAteer (0-04), Patrick McMullan (0-01), Sean Young (0-02), Oisin Doherty (0-05, 4f)
Subs used: Cathair McBride for M Doherty (56’) Dessie McGolgan for E Young (59’), Killian Burke for McAteer (59’)
Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)
