Monaghan 1-10 1-13 St Mary's

Seamus McEnaney's side were deservedly beaten at Emyvale

CJ McGourty's first-half goal helped St Mary's College beat a sluggish Monaghan outfit in Sunday's Gaelic Life McKenna Cup clash at Emyvale.

Monaghan hit the opening three points but Mary's soon levelled and McGourty's 15th-minute goal then put them ahead.

Conor McManus' penalty got Monaghan on terms but Mary's regrouped to lead 1-7 to 1-5 at the interval.

Mary's extended their advantage to four and Monaghan were unable to get on terms in the closing stages.

McGourty finished with a tally of 1-5 while Sean O'Neill and Barry McGoldrick were also among the Ranch scores.

McManus was Monaghan's top scorer with 1-1.

Monaghan lost Rory Woods and Dessie Mone in the first half because of yellow cards while JP Mone departed for the same reason in the second period.

The win keeps alive St Mary's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals although they will need to defeat All-Ireland champions Tyrone in their remaining Section B match.

Monaghan are also not out of contention with their two games against Down and Tyrone to follow.