FEALE RANGERS bid to set up an all Kerry final in the Credit Union Duhallow U20 Football Invitation Cup failed to materialise on relenting narrowly to Avondhu in the penultimate hurdle at Knocknagree on Sunday. Showing their true grit in recovering from a seven point deficit, Avondhu offered commendable composure on clawing their way back though it took an all important 56th match winning point from Eoin Stanton to allow the North Cork side hit the front for the only occasion.

That was good enough for it proved Avondhu were up for the job and when it mattered most, they found the kick to take them across the finishing line ahead and the right to take on defending holders West Kerry in the decider.

Aided by the fresh breeze in the opening half, Feale Rangers grabbed a hold of the game on Paddy Curtin pointing a pair of pointed frees. The initiative remained with Rangers, Curtin on target before the big number 14 almost caught the Avondhu defence napping , hitting a close in free off the woodwork, but James Flaherty picked up the rebound to point.

Avondhu broke their duck on 12 minutes, Sean Finn pointing. However Rangers remained on the ascendancy, target man Curtin a real thorn for Avondhu with three additional points recorded. Avondhu rallied from encouraging points to Teddy O'Shea and Rory O'Hagan. Feale courtesy of Curtin held the facility to respond and forge ahead 0-9 to 0-3 at the break.

Upon the resumption, Curtin chipped in with his 8th points for what proved Feale's only contribution to the second half. Avondhu refused to be ruffled and fought back once Shane Beston bisected the posts. Adopting a much more purposeful and assertive approach, Avondhu availed on the untiring efforts of Eoin Crowley, Tadgh O'Sullivan and Fionn O'Shea in defence while Jack Hutchings and Finn muscled in at midfield.

And the move of Beston into full forward worked a treat, confirmed on the Mitchelstown player gathering possession from a long free by Tomás Clancy to rifle an unstoppable drive to the roof of the Feale net. Growing in confidence, Avondhu continued to surge forward, pointed frees to Hutchings and O'Shea squared matters. As the tension rose, a stalemate continued before Avondhu nudged ahead thanks to the accuracy of Stanton who won the ball following good work from Finn and O'Shea.

Both sides held further scoring opportunities. Indeed Feale attacked late on but heroic defending allowed Avondhu hold on much to the delight of team and management.