It was Plumbridge indeed playing with a strong breeze at their backs, who built up a half-time advantage of 0-6 to 0-3, Tyler Stockton contributing three of those points for St.Joseph's before unfortunately having to depart the fray fifteen minutes in having sustained a serious neck injury.

This was a big blow for the side but a fine second half goal from Tony McGrinder suggested that they could still prevail, especially as Kyle Devine in goals pulled off several fine saves, while Michael Mossey and Patrick Northern were defending stoutly.

However St. Johns piled on the pressure and with Niall O'Neill dominating at centre half back and Cathal McCarron and Emmet O'Neill combining well the Dromore boys drew level,Cathal Moore coverting two frees and scoring one point from play.

At this stage tension was high and with both teams exchanging scores the match entered the final minutes all square.

St.Johns then scored a point to hold a slender lead and as full time approached the match was made safe when a long ball into the square by Emmet O'Neill was fisted to the net by Declan Garrity.

The final whistle was greeted with great joy by St. Johns players and supporters alike and the St. Josephs boys to their credit, though bitterly disappointed, shook hands with their opposite number.

TEAMS AND SCORERS

St.Johns, Dromore: D McKenna, P Martin, D Hannigan, B McAleer, E O'Neill, N O'Neill, S Cunningham, C McCarron (capt) C McCourt, S Deery, D McKenna (0-1), S Monteith(1-0),C Moore (0-6), D Garrity(1-1), F McAlynn. Subs: G McElroy, K Brogan, S McCusker, C O'Neill, C McGurren, M Gallogly, E Gormley C McAshea (for B McAleer), C McAnespy(for S Deery)

St.Joseph's, Plumbridge: K Devine, M Mossey, B Devine, S McGill, G Patten, S McGill, P Northern, G Houston (0-1), S McBride (0-1), G Nicholas, T Stockton (0-3), J Harper, T McGrinder (1-0), K Mossey (0-1), N Kerlin. Subs used: D Crawford, T McBride, J Duffy (0-1).

Other replacements: P McGurk, D Sharkey, S Blee.