Stabannon Parnells Power Past Wolfe Tones To Reach Last Four

Stabannon Parnells produced a superb second-half display to cruise into a second successive CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship semi-final after overcoming Wolfe Tones at Darver on Monday evening.

The Stabannon side were below their usual standards during a scrappy opening half, missing several opportunities before eventually finding their rhythm after the interval. Once they did, Sean Reynolds and the Shevlin brothers, Dylan and Ryan, were particularly influential as Parnells turned the screw.

Wolfe Tones opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Chris Cudden converted a free, while Stabannon endured a frustrating spell in front of goal.

They finally broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. A short Sean McMahon kick-out was intercepted by Conor Clinton, who immediately released Dylan Shevlin. The Stabannon forward made no mistake, calmly finding the net to put his side in front.

Ryan Shevlin then added a two-pointer before Dylan Shevlin and Cudden exchanged points. Harry Butterly converted a free for Stabannon, but Wolfe Tones finished the half strongly, with Johnny Woods and Cudden adding scores.

Tadhg Gorman (Stabannon Parnells) gets a pass off despite pressure from Sean Flanagan (Wolfe Tones).

Half-time: Stabannon Parnells 1-4 Wolfe Tones 0-5.

The second half was a completely different story. Harry Butterly knocked over an early two-point free after a Wolfe Tones breach.

Stabannon came out with far greater intensity and began to dominate proceedings. After Mark Healy opened the half with a Wolfe Tones point, Ryan and Dylan Shevlin, Jake Corrigan and Conor Clinton all found the target as Parnells moved 1-10 to 0-6 ahead after 40 minutes.

Another Wolfe Tones infringement handed Harry Butterly the opportunity to punish them from a two-point free, which he duly did. Moments later, Dylan Shevlin provided the assist for Sean Reynolds, who was in the right place to palm the ball into the net and effectively put the result beyond doubt.

With 15 minutes remaining, Stabannon led 2-12 to 0-6.

Wolfe Tones continued to battle and Cudden and Shane Leslie added points, but Stabannon were now firmly in control. Reynolds, Butterly and the Shevlin brothers continued to influence the game as Parnells comfortably managed the closing stages.

Further scores were exchanged before the final whistle confirmed a convincing 2-14 to 0-10 victory.

Full Time – Stabannon Parnells 2-14 Wolfe Tones 0-10

Man of the Match – Dylan Shevlin (Stabannon Parnells)

The Stabannon full-forward delivered a decisive performance, finishing with 1-2 and proving a constant threat throughout. His influence was particularly evident during the tight opening half, before helping Stabannon take control after the break.

CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Semi-Final Draw

• St Brides v Geraldines
• Mattock Rangers v Stabannon Parnells