Of Newmarket

O’Hagan popped over his fifth point for the Avondhu side to lead 0-7 to 0-4 at the break.

On the restart and an exchange of points yet Fermoy again held the better of the exchanges and a productive spell yielded points to Alan O’Connor, Padraig Clancy and Morrison in quick succession.

Newmarket attempted to remedy the situation, forfeiting a goal opportunity, Fermoy custodian Coleman dealt capably with Culloty’s effort. Trailing 0-12 to 0-6, Newmarket demonstrated battling qualities, Aidan Browne and Culloty on target though O’Hagan tacked on a pointed free at the opposite end.

Still Newmarket went about their task with plenty of hunger and gusto. That stemmed from shuffling the line up, Aidan Browne, Bart Daly and Paudie Allen emerged strongly in defence with Brosnan and Cottell conspicuous in the centre, O’Sullivan now operated further upfield with Donal Hannon and Conor O’Keeffe adding bite in attack.

The game was in the melting pot in the 52nd minute, Alan Ryan set up Daly for a smashing goal. Now Newmarket gained a new lease of life, O’Keeffe and Culloty pointed to square up the tie.

As the tension rose, so did the excitement, Fermoy regained the lead courtesy of a terrific Morrison point. Those closing minutes weren’t without debate, Fermoy failing to convert a 45 but the referee penalized Newmarket on awarding a re-kick 13 metres further in that O’Hagan duly converted.

The drama continued, all or nothing for Newmarket on trailing by two points.

Somehow they found additional reserves of energy to rise to the challenge again and deep into injury time, Newmarket searching for a reprieve came to fruition, Brosnan’s delivery landed where intended and Culloty connected to steer the ball across the goal line for a dramatic winner.