Kilcoo defeat Crosserlough to book semi-final spot

Paul Devlin top-scored in the Pairc Esler game with seven points

Pre-match favourites Kilcoo were pushed all the way by Crosserlough but they did just enough to claim a 0-15 to 1-10 win in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final.

Crosserlough were left to rue picking up three black cards as well as a late red card in Newry.

The underdogs got off to a dream start when two of the Smith brothers combined to find the net in the opening five minutes. Peter’s cross-field ball was palmed into the net from close range by James.

The two sides traded scores before Crosserlough’s Oran Rehill was shown a black card for a late hit on Miceal Rooney. Whilst he was off the pitch, Kilcoo outscored the Cavan champions 0-4 to 0-3 to cut the gap to one.

The Magpies built steadily as the half went on, and despite impressive scores from Crosserlough’s Peter Smith and goalkeeper Shane McManus, two Paul Devlin frees either side of a Jerome Johnston score had them one point to the good at half-time.

Crosserlough had to start the second half with 14 men after Kieran Smith was shown a black card at the end of the first half.

The second half was a tense affair as Kilcoo could never shake the Cavan champions. Seemingly every time they scored, Crosserlough had a response.

Down manager Conor Laverty made a telling impact off the bench, hitting a superb assist for a Devlin mark, as well as a peach off the outside of his right boot.

Crosserlough fought to the bitter end and were level with five minutes to go after a superb point from Matthew Costello.

But it was to be Kilcoo’s day and Devlin – who top-scored with 0-7 – scored their two decisive points down the stretch, whilst Crosserlough’s Dara McVeety (black card) and James Smith (red) finished the game sitting in the dugout.

Kilcoo's reward is a last-four meeting with Erne Gaels or Scotstown.