ST MARY'S scored a narrow victory over Athlone RTC in the first round of the Sigerson Cup in Belfast yesterday, with substitutes Aidan McGivern and Red Daly getting the winning points.

In an evenly matched contest, Athlone RTC had plenty of possession but some poor finishing cost them dearly.

Padraig Davis's goal was the highlight of the first half, and it helped Athlone to a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at the break.

The second half was very much a sea saw affair. Athlone's tendency to miss the target and waste possession was eventually punished, as the Belfast side got the last four points of the game to ensure a quarter final tie against UCD in Dublin next weekend.