Longford Slashers grabbed a Longford SFC quarter-final spot thanks to a late Daire O’Brien point.
Slashers downed Mostrim by one point, 1-12 to 1-11 to finish fourth in group one and setup a quarter-final with Killoe.
In a dramatic finish, Daire O’Brien’s 60th minute point sent Slashers through. As Clonguish beat Granard, only a win would do for Slashers.
Slashers got off to a flying start, leading two points to no score after four minutes. Ronan Kenny with a fisted point and a Robbie Clarke free putting Slashers ahead.
Mostrim responded expertly. Quick-fire points from Padraig Joyce and Tiernan Hussey had the side’s level on six minutes.
Jack Belton, showed power and soccer skills as Mostrim turned over the restart and Belton bundled home a goal.
Joyce’s second point of the day made it a four point game on eight minutes. 1-3 to 0-2 for Mostrim.
Robbie Clarke and Andrew Dalton settled Longford Slashers nerves. Clarke’s third point of the day on 17 minutes made it a one point game.
Ronana Sheahan sent over the equaliser eight minutes from half-time. A Darragh Doherty free inched Mostrim back in front moments later.
Slashers hit Mostrim for a goal a minute before the break. Sheahan with a smashing finish to the net.
However Mostrim went in level at the break. Two Padraig Joyce free’s leaving it 1-6 apiece at half-time.
The second-half was just as end-to-end. Tiernan Hussey and Paul Kelly (mark) exchanging scores.
David Sheahan produced an excellent save from Darragh Doherty on 33 minutes, denying what would have been a telling goal.
Doherty and Ronan Courtney kicked a point each to move Mostrim 1-9 to 1-7 clear on 37 minutes.
Longford Slashers comback
Andrew Dalton brought it back to a point on 40 minutes. Doherty converted another free to restore Mostrim’s two point lead a minute later.
As the game entered the final quarter, the Edgesworthtown side clearly tired. Dalton’s point bringing it back to a one-point game.
Slashers would kick two straight wides as they fought for an equaliser. The town side kicking 10 wides all game.
Robbie Clarke levelled the game with a free 10 minutes from time, but Mostrim weren’t done! James Connell returned to the field from an earlier injury to kick Mostrim ahead six minutes from time.
However, Daire O’Brien equalised immediately. Again Slashers would kick two wides, before O’Brien would convert the winner on the hour mark.
Mostrim attempted to work an opening only for referee Patrick Maguire to blow time and send Slashers into the quarter-final.
Dromard win group one
Elsewhere, Dromard secured top spot in group one when they cruised to a 1-19 to five point win over Ballymahon. Ballymahon finish the group stage with no points and a score difference of -118.
Whereas, Clonguish sealed third spot as they ran in four goals against St Mary’s Granard, winning out 4-14 to 0-7.
With group one finished, Longford Slashers will meet group two winners Killoe in the quarter-final. The final round of group two is set for Sunday, although Killoe have secured top spot in the group.
While, Dromard will play the fourth placed team in group two. Clonguish will face the group two runner-up, while Granard will face the third placed team in group two.
