Gary O’Rourke: First kick-out straight out into the wind but saved smartly from Loughran and was strong in air against Garland. 7
Cian Reilly: Up against Garland and did well, alert and made an impressive interception. Fired in the kick-pass to set up Faulkner’s goal. 7
Killian Brady: Blocked a goal-bound early shot from McCarron and stuck closely to him, keeping him to a point. Aided attack, involved in Smith’s point and goal. 7
Brian O’Connell: Picking up the veteran Conor McManus and only allowed him one point from play – a tally he matched himself. 7
Padraig Faulkner: Some early attention on McCarron but had licence to get forward and used it superbly when he belted in the goal that got his team going. Also won plenty of possession. 8
Niall Carolan: Got forward to good effect, earning frees with his forceful returning. Carried the fight and the ball, and also used it well. 7.5
Conor Brady: Delayed a shot, dispossessed by Hughes, but put in a steady display in defence throughout. 6
James Smith: Up against Darren Hughes initially, then big Gary Mohan, didn’t make much of a mark before going off injured. 6
Oisin Kiernan: The Denn man tried hard on his debut, part of a collective defensive block before the break, but offered little going forward and was subbed. 6
Ciaran Brady: Started slowly with his side’s first wide but worked back impressively when under the cosh in the first half. Some strong running with the wind, assisted Smith’s point, and launched the last-gasp free from which Lynch netted his goal. 6.5
Gerard Smith: Made little impact in first half, although kept trying, and was key to Cavan’s victory with his running and link play. Showed the right approach with his point and turned the game with his brilliantly-taken goal. 7
Oisin Kiernan: Despite being ordered forward by his boss the Castlerahan man did a lot of defensive work, often back winning ball. 6
Cian Madden: Supplied Lynch with a goal chance but shot a couple of poor first half wides and didn’t pose too many problems. 6
STAR MAN
Paddy Lynch: Kept Cavan in contention before the break with his impressive placed ball kicking, especially into the wind, with four frees and a ‘45′ converted before the break. Continued to occupy Killian Lavelle with his movement and to encourage his colleagues with his accuracy. His sole point from play was uplifting and he added a late long-range free and his outrageous goal to seal a stunning victory. 8
Oisin Brady: Full of running and effort, mostly on the right. Scored early in second half and although he had a couple of ambitious wides his industry was important to Cavan’s victory. 6.5
Substitutes:
Luke Fortune: Came on after James Smith was forced off injured but didn’t get too involved in the game until late on. 6
Tiernan Madden: Too slow to gather a cross-field kick-pass from Lynch. 6
Cormac O’Reilly: The Mullahoran man made a significant impact, winning ball and setting up scores, including the second Cavan goal. 7
Ryan Donohoe: Not on long enough to be rated.