Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship Semi-Final

GALWAY 2-9 LEITRIM 0-6

By Billy Coss at Tuam Stadium

Late goals from Michael Moughan and Matthew Thompson handed Galway a flattering nine-point victory over Leitrim in this evening's Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship semi-final at a rain-sodden Tuam Stadium.

Dónal Ó Fatharta's side came in as favourites after capturing the John Kerins Cup but had to grind out a hard-earned result against the visitors who showed character to fight back and trail by just a solitary point during a wind-assisted second half.

Jake Slattery kicked three points and Sam O'Neill two as the Tribesmen turned around with a 0-6 to 0-2 interval advantage. Paul Moran (free) and Ben Guckian accounted for Leitrim's first half scores and they were fortunate not to be further in arrears after Galway racked up seven first wides to their one.

The hosts were in danger of paying a high price for that wasteful finishing as Leitrim kicked four of the five points that arrived in the third quarter with Jamie McGreal, Radek Oberwan and Moran (two, one free) all finding the range.

It was back in the melting at 0-7 to 0-6 but Galway summoned a strong finish. Thompson and Maidhc Mac Gearailt drew pressure-relieving frees that Seán Birmingham, scorer of four points, converted to push the margin out to three.

Galway would close out victory with those two late goals. Moughan put the result beyond all doubt, blasting home at the end of a superb driving run and further gloss was added deep in added time when Thompson was on hand to net their second.

The action in Connacht moves to Dr. Hyde Park on Wednesday evening for a quarter-final clash between reigning champions Sligo and Roscommon. Mayo await the winners in the last four.

Scorers for Galway: Seán Birmingham 0-4 (3f); Michael Moughan and Matthew Thompson 1-0 each, Jake Slattery 0-3 and Sam O’Neill 0-2.

Scorers for Leitrim: Paul Moran 0-3 (2f), Ben Guckian, Jamie McGreal and Radek Oberwan 0-1 each.

GALWAY: James Egan; Luc O’Connor, Éanna Donohue, Colm Mac Donnacha (captain); Bernard Coen, Brian Cogger, Jack Folan; Sam O’Neill, Patrick Egan; Matthew Thompson, Jake Slattery, Fergal Ó Sé; Charlie Power, Seán Birmingham, Cillian Ó Curraoin. Subs: Michael Moughan for Coen (HT), Maidhc Mac Gearailt for Power (49), Jack Lonergan for Folan (54); Jack McCabe for Ó Curraoin (60+1), Daithí Kilcommins for Ó Sé (60+1).

LEITRIM: Conor Flood; Jack Foley, Brian Donohoe, Ryan Cunningham; Jamie McGreal, Daniel McLoughlin, Mark Lenehan; Daniel Bosquette, Gavin Reynolds; Emme Regan, Ben Guckian, Jack Casey; Kyle McCrann, Paul Moran, Radek Oberwan. Subs: Jake Tobin for McLoughlin (28); Michael McKiernan (captain) for Regan (53); Tommy Taylor for Bosquette (59).

Referee: John Gilmartin (Sligo).