THREE goals in a blistering sixminute spell propelled Rostrevor into the Ulster Minor Championship final, scheduled for Boxing Day. On Sunday at a dull and cold Casement Park the St Bronagh’s lads were trailing a classy Scotstown side by two points with eight minutes of the second half gone.

And in truth the Monaghan boys deserved their slight advantage. But one lucky goal and two sizzling efforts turned the match. First the best player on the park, Dermot Morgan, shot hopefully from 20-yards, a shot that keeper Sean Gilheeney really should have stopped with ease.

But the net-minder fumbled, with the ball squirming out of his hands and over the line to put Rostrevor in front for the first time in the game. If that opening goal was lucky there was nothing fortunate about the next two.

Four minutes later midfielder Declan Magee lofted in a great ball from a sideline kick and there was the spring-heeled Christopher Morgan rising high to fist into the Scotstown net. And indeed a further two minutes on Rostrevor added another goal – easily the best of the match. Morgan, the talented half forward, showed steel, speed and skill as he thundered forward on a dynamic 40-yard run, swatting aside Scotstown defenders like flies before finishing with a stunning left-footer into the back of the net.

For his first goal Morgan looked almost embarrassed, shrugging his shoulders almost apologetically, as his weakly-hit shot crossed the line. But when he netted his second his celebrations were wild and unrestrained. Dermot knew his goals had won the match. This was a magnificent Rostrevor victory. Scotstown were good with at least half a dozen truly classy players.

But they couldn’t match St Bronagh’s will to win, unselfish teamwork and unstinting belief. Dermot Morgan was the Seasiders’ top man but quite a few others ran him close.

Twin midfielders Declan and Damian Magee, will ‘o the wisp corner forward Sean Mackin, the speedy Richard Reynolds and never-say-die defenders Kieran Mooney, Shane Murney and Michael O’Boyle each contributed mightily.

Though in fact every player sweated blood for the side. Dominic Tinnelly, a member of the Rostrevor management team, told the Democrat: “We missed two golden opportunities in the first half but we made up for those misses in the second.” Scotstown began in style and on 35 seconds Mark McDevitt knocked over the bar.

Though after Sean Mackin and Richard Reynolds each fired wide with clear-cut goal opportunities, Sean Mackin levelled with a free on four minutes.

Shane Maguire and McDevitt put the Monaghan champions two points in front. But back came Rostrevor with Richard Reynolds knocking over the bar and Miceal Mackin pulling the sides together again with the point of the game, a tremendous effort from 45-yards.