Mullan guides Oak Leafers to late victory and final berth

A POWERFUL finish saw Derry snatch victory in Trim on Saturday.

Trailing 3-14 to 3-12 on the hour, the Oakleafers reeled off the last four points of the game to win by two and book their place in the final.

Richie Mullan top scored for the winners, hitting 1-7, with the Kevin Lynch’s man finding ample support from Brian Cassidy, who nailed the last two points of the contest to confirm victory.

Substitute Cian Rodgers, with 1-5, top scored for Meath, with Daithí McGowan and Mickey Mullen scoring the other goals for the Royals.

McGowan’s goal, punishing a defensive howler from Derry, was the last action of the first-half, but it was very much the visitor’s opening 30 minutes.

Goals from Brian Cassidy in the 10th minute and Mullan soon after backboned a powerful opening half from Collie McGurk’s men, who led 2-7 to 1-5 at the break.

The second-half saw Meath gradually reel Derry in. Impact sub Rodgers was the catalyst for the Royals revival, banging home their second goal in the 31st minute.

And when Mickey Mullen scored a third straight after, it gave the home side the lead for the first time in the match at 3-6 to 2-8 in the 36th minute.

Derry recovered through the free-taking accuracy of Mullan and a Darragh Cartin goal, and with five minutes to go the teams were level at 3-12 apiece.

A Jarlath Ennis point appeared to give Meath the upper hand in the home straight, but huge points from Slaughtneil men Shane McGuigan and Brian Cassidy brought late, late joy for the Oakleafers.