Kilmacud Crokes manager Robbie Brennan said the build-up was a ‘shambles’ as they clung on to beat Castleknock – sealing a Dublin SFC quarter-final spot.
The 2018 champions led from the opening score until full-time at Parnell Park and won 1-11 to 0-12.
But they were rarely out of the woods and relied on a fast start and an early Dara Mullin goal to prevail.
Inspired by Ciaran Kilkenny, 2016 finalists Castleknock actually outscored Crokes by three points from the sixth minute onwards.
But that goal provided Crokes with a vital cushion and they progress as Group 4 winners though Castleknock can still qualify if Raheny, also on two points, lose their rescheduled tie against St Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruadh.
Crokes boss Brennan said the build-up was tricky with star forward Paul Mannion, who hit two points, bizarrely denied entry into the ground initially.
Brennan said: “It was difficult, we haven’t been in Parnell Park this year under these conditions and even just trying to get in was a job. There was a mix up with tickets. Paul Mannion couldn’t get into the ground, they wouldn’t let him in.
“He had a ticket but the wrong ticket. He had a supporters ticket so it was a bit of a shambles.”
Star-studded Ballymun and Skerries are through to the quarters from Group 1 while St Judes and Na Fianna have qualified from Group 2.
Holders Ballyboden and St Vincent’s made it out of Group 3.
Holders Ratoath are in pole position in their Meath SFC group after winning an intriguing derby with Skryne by 1-10 to 1-5.
Underdogs Skryne, beaten by Simonstown in Round 1 and fighting for their lives, led by a point at the second-half water break. But Ratoath finished strong with Cian Rogers and Jack Flynn pointing and Conor Rooney firing a goal too.
