Ballycran had moved into a lead at the start of the game when Malachy Gilmore hit early scores. However Kilclief soon settled and had the Ardsmen reeling with scores from Colm Fahy (1-1), Conor Hynds (1-0) and Ciaran Sloan (0-2). All was going well and Kilclief looked in control when mid way through the half disaster struck. In what Micheal O Hehir would have termed a minor 'schemozzel', the referee decided that Niall Conway had overstepped the mark and sent the talented midfielder to the line. Spurred into action by this, Ballycran hit points in quick succession but Kilclief were not giving up easily. Further scores from Ciaran Sloan saw the homeside go in at the interval with a two point lead.

In the second half , the Kilclief defence came under sustained pressure but strong performances from Paul Watterson, Ryan Kerr, Fintan Conway and Liam Deegans initially repelled the visitors' attacks. As the game wore on however, Ballycran's numerical advantage began to pay and goals from Colm and Gerard Mc Manus put them in front. Further 'Cran scores followed but Ben Dearg showed their resilience and reduced the deficit with a well taken Conor Sloan goal.
This inspired the home side and Kilclief had further chances but the Ardsmen held out and with some late points won the game on a 3-12 to 3-5 scoreline.

Best for Kilclief were Paul Watterson,Timmy Colhoun, Karol Shields and the Sloan brothers while the Ardsmen had good performances from Malachy Gilmore, Michael Ennis and Greg Hughes.