Na Fianna 2-17 Sarsfields 1-18
Na Fianna are through to the Leinster Club Football final after a hard fought semi-final replay victory over Sarsfields in Newbridge this afternoon.
The Dublin side ran out comfortable winners in last weekend’s original fixture but were found to have miscalculated the number of substitutes used.
Na Fianna used six substitutes in the course of that game, one more that is permitted under GAA rules.
The Leinster Council met on Monday last and sanctioned a refixture for today. Their decision was agreed upon by both clubs.
Both teams did their utmost to brush aside the lingering controversy by treating the crowd to a real ding-dong battle.
Dessie Farrell and Ian Foley combined to score Na Fianna’s two goals while Stuart McKenzie Smith netted for the home side.
Sarsfield’s Dermot Early - an renowned inter-county star with Kildare - scored two beautiful points late in the game to stretch the home side into what looked an unassailable lead with little time to play.
Na Fianna, however, clawed back the difference and forced the game into extra time. The score at the end of normal time was Sarsfields 1-14 Na Fianna 2-11.
In extra-time, both sides matched each other point for point but nearing the end of the first period, Na Fianna tip-toed their way through the mud to claim the lead. Sarsfields would never get back on terms.
Na Fianna star Kieran McGeeney held a tight line at the back. The Armagh centre-back shone as Na Fianna witheld late pressure from Sarsfields at the death.
McGeeney, Foley and Farrell added the match winning scores to see Na Fianna through to next weekend’s final against Rathnew.