Minors advance to Ulster semi

Cavan 0-12
Fermanagh 2-5

Cavan minors booked their place in the Ulster MFC semi-final with a second spirited one-point win in eight days this evening (Sunday) in Clones.

Cavan dominated the opening 15 minutes but, in tough, slippery conditions, failed to make their superiority count on the scoreboard.

Two frees from Ben Kiernan and a point from play by Pierce Smith helped them into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead but Fermanagh replied with a goal and two points just before the break.

Cavan captain Tom Hayes had the beating of the Erne defence, however, and he pulled back two super points in first half injury time to leave the sides level at the break.

Fermanagh goaled again 20 seconds into the second half but points from sub Harry O'Neill, Hayes, impressive defender Conor Bradley and Niall Clerkin made it 0-9 to 2-2 by the three-quarter mark.

Fermanagh responded with a Shane Mimna point but another good score from Cootehill's Hayes, a second for Bradley and a fabulous free by Kiernan from the right corner saw Cavan hold on in what was a tense finale.

Cavan face Ulster league winners Monaghan, who beat Antrim by a sensational 4-20 to 3-6, next time out.

See this week's paper for full report, reaction and analysis.