North End v Freebooters (FAI Junior)
North End lost their FAI Junior crown in dramatic circumstances in a windy New Ross this afternoon as they conceded a late goal to Freebooters and then had two players sent off. Freebooters were the better side in the first half and went ahead on eight minutes when a cross from wide left sailed in at the far post to give the NE keeper no chance. With Freebooters pressing high and Paddy Cahill and Peter Higgins dominating midfield, NE lost any pattern of play in the first half with Spot and Jay Murphy starved of any service up front. On 14 minutes, Paddy Cahill had a shot just over for Freebooters. Only chance of the half for NE came on 20 minutes to Jay Murphy, but he shot well over when he probably had time for a second touch. The Freebooter centre-halves were also dominating in the air so anything pumped into the Freebooter box was being dealt with capably. 1-0 to Freebooters at half-time.