Cavan Gaels secured their first victory of the 2023 Cavan championship with a one point win over Laragh United.
Gaels winning out 2-8 to 1-10 in Kingspan Breffni, although they came close to another second-half collapse.
Gaels led by 10 points at half-time, having found the net twice. 2-4 to 0-6 was the lead.
The Gaels opening goal arriving on 12 minutes through Levi Murphy. Emmanuel Shehu and Jack Tully having kicked points for Gaels. A Paul Smith free the Laragh United response.
Jack Tully moved Gaels further ahead, but Laragh replied expertly. Three Paul Smith frees and two from Fergal McKenna saw the sides level three minutes before half-time.
Padraic Sexton moved Gaels back in front before a Paul O’Connor landed a second Cavan Gaels goal two minutes into first-half injury time. Gaels leading 2-4 to 0-6 at the break.
Laragh opened the second-half with a Paul Smith free. Fergal O’Rourke converted a 45 to make it a two point game on 42 minutes.
Laragh hit the front for the first time on 47 minutes, when Eoin Donohoe found the net. Cavan Gaels looking as if they would continue recent second-half performances.
However, the Gaels responded well with points from Evan Fortune and a Paul O’Connor free. Patrick Rudden converted a mark on 53 minutes to level the game.
A Paul Smith free had the side’s level again two minutes from time. Alas it was Paul Graham’s point from play a minute from time decided the game.
Levi Murphy saw red in the final moments, but Cavan Gaels held onto win 2-8 to 1-10.
Listen to Aideen Coyle's report from Kingspan Breffni.
The win leaves Cavan Gaels ninth in the championship table on score difference. Ramor United, Laragh United, Ballinagh, Lacken and also Gaels all have two points.
Fixtures continue in the Kiernan service Stations Cavan SFC over the weekend.
