BRACKAVILLE.....................................0-9

GLENELLY...........................................0-11

TACTICAL awareness and key substitutions, at a crucial stage helped Glenelly over the winning line against Brackaville in a pulsating Junior Championship tussle, at Kildress on Tuesday evening.

Brackaville's injury problems were well documented, but on the night a youthful team played with great spirit and enthusiasm to take a fancied St Joseph's side to the wire.

In defence Thomas Corey and Paul O'Neill successfully negated the attacking power of Cathal Nicholas and Seamus Harkin, and with Conor Doris, and Conn Gervin working effectively, around midfield, they looked capable of causing an upset.

They had defeated Glenelly, at the same stage last year following a replay in Augher, but Tuesday's latest chapter in a growing rivalry rose to new heights, as both teams served up a cracking tussle.

Glenelly with Cathal Sheerin, Ciaran McBride and Joe McCullagh excelling recovered from a lethargic start, and as the game developed into a battle for survival a replay was beckoning, when Liam Nicholas guided over an equalising point on 59 minutes. Glenelly substitutes Ciaran Kearney and Kevin McCullagh landing injury time points to settle the issue.

Defeat was harsh on a valiant Brackaville effort because the only time they trailed was in the final minute, but Glenelly having kicked 12 wides to four marginally deserved their success in what was largely a very sporting contest.

Brackaville were out of the traps quickly as Ciaran Gervin (two), Brian O'Neill and Conn Gervin all pointed for a four point lead by the 7th minute, and as they produced some excellent attacking patterns Glenelly were given plenty to ponder.

Playing measured football Brackaville succeeded in applying pressure on Glenelly at every opportunity, and while Nicholas floated over a free to open their account, they would hit six wides in the opening quarter.

Kevin McAnena belted over a fine score, but as Glenelly misfired points from Mark McGee and a Gervin free handed the underdogs a deserving 0-6 to 0-2 lead by the 20th minute.

That proved to be their last score of the half, as Glenelly gradually settled to their task with Nicholas contributing two points before midfielder Rory McConnell blasted over the bar in stoppage time to leave the game hanging on a knife edge, 0-6 to 0-5.

It was evident from an early stage that this was going to be a dogfight with both teams standing toe to toe. The only meaningful action in the third period was the dismissal of Brackaville manager Brian McGeary following an altercation with the linesman over a very poor refereeing decision. A Doris '45' on 38 minutes opened the scoring after Tyrone minor goalkeeper Tim Harney produced an excellent save to deny Currie a goal after a defence splitting pass from substitute Cahir McGuinness.

A Nicholas free was Glenelly's sole response in that period, and as the game entered the home straight, it was boiling into a cracking encounter. Scores remained at a premium as both teams missed chances before Nicholas and McGuinness traded points. Following the introduction of Rouse, McGeary nudged Brackaville 9-7 clear on 53 minutes, but it was Glenelly's subs that would have the greater impact.

Kearney gathering a Liam Nicholas delivery to point, within seconds of his introduction, and as the temperature soared several players were booked in different incidents. Brackaville were holding on but substitute McCullagh teed Liam Nicholas up for the equalising point on 59 minutes, and as Glenelly's confidence rose further points from substitutes Kearney and McCullagh edged them home.