Naughton late hero for St John’s; UCD topple Synger

Luke Naughton was the supersub for Ballinteer St John’s as his late goal helped his side to a 2-10 to 0-12 victory over Cuala in Saturday’s Dublin SFC first round at O’Toole Park.

Shane McCann’s first half goal helped St John’s to a 1-5 to 0-7 advantage.

Luke Keating’s free three minutes into the second half brought the sides level and the sides were level on five occasions during the second period.

The contest looked to be heading for extra-time before sub Naughton popped up for the vital match-winning goal for the Ballinteer men.

There was also plenty of late drama in the UCD v Templeogue Synge St contest with a last-gasp Rob Carr free saw the students prevail 1-10 to 0-12.

Carr was UCD’s top marksman tallying 0-7 (0-3f) every one vital in such a tight battle for the students who had corner-back Ross Murphy was sent off in the 40th minute.

Synger led 0-8 to 0-6 at the break with Declan Treanor and Cathal Morley to the fore

A Mark Hughes in the 39th minute aided UCD’s momentum but a Fintan Coffey point brought the sides level late on before Carr’s free saw UCD to victory.