Late Morgan magic swings it Glenavy’s way

LGFA Ulster Intermediate Football Championship

Glenavy 4-7 Rostrevor 2-7

A late Ellen Morgan piece of magic swung this Ulster LGFA IFC clash the way of St Joseph’s Glenavy when they overcame the considerable challenge of a Niamh Rice inspired Rostrevor in the Ulster Intermediate Football Championship in wet conditions at Chapel Hill on Saturday.

The home side looked to be heading for a comfortable victory when they led by 2-3 to 0-1 after 19 minutes, their goals coming from Aoibheann Monaghan and Grainne McLaughlin but it was visitors Rostrevor who finished the half strongly.

**Ellen Morgan (14) struck a late goal to swing the game Glenavy’s way**

Niamh Rice led the way for the Down champions and she would add 1-3 to Aislinn McGeough’s early point to close the gap to a goal by half time, the Glenavy cause not helped by a yellow card decision late in the half

Rostrevor started the second half as they had finished the first with Colleen Crios and Aoife Murphy pointing to close the gap to one after six minutes before Ellen Morgan edged the home side two in front with a point in the 11^th minute, their first score in over 20 minutes.

It seemed in vain as the Down girls came roaring back and when the impressive Niamh Rice rattled the Glenavy net in the 16^th minute, Rostrevor were ahead for the first time and looking the likelier winners.

Clara Mulvenna followed with a point to put the Down champions two ahead in the 18^th minute but it would be their final score of the game as Glenavy picked themselves of the canvas to finish strongly.

Megan McGarry replied with a point in the 21^st minute as the Down side lost a player to a yellow card before Grainne McLaughlin levelled matters from a 26^th minute free.

The Chapel Hill side pushed hard for a winner and Kerrianne Par in the Rostrevor goals pulled off as fine save to deny them and he game looked to be heading into extra time when Ellen Morgan produced her moment of magic with a goal, deep in injury time.

Rostrevor looked destraught and to rub salt in their wounds Natasha O’Neill followed immediately with another to send the Antrim champions through to the semi-finals where they will again enjoly home advantage when they face Grangemore.

Glenavy Scorers: Ellen Morgan 1-2, Grainne McLaughlin 1-2, Aoibheann Monaghan 1-0, Megan McGarry 0-2, Cara McGarry 0-1

Rostrevor Scorers: Niamh Rice 2-3, Aisling McGeough 0-1, Colleen Crios 0-1, Aoife Murphy 0-1, Clara Mulvenna 0-1