where his five points finally killed off Monaghan's dogged challenge.

The Breffni county now face Tyrone in the Ulster final in a fortnight with

much work to do, following a sluggish and unconvincing display.

Monaghan got off to a positive start with early points from Declan Smyth and

Darren Farmer, but once Dermot McCabe began to assert his authority on the

midfield area, Cavan began to prosper.

They reeled off six points without reply, Larry Reilly, Finbar O'Reilly (2),

McCabe (2) all hitting the target, before Paul Galligan fired over a

magnificent score from the left wing.

Cavan struggled to get the ball forward to their dangerous front men, but

when they did create a golden goal chance. Raymond Ronaghan, however, rushed his shot and the ball flashed just wide of a post.

Ciaran Tavey ended a 17-minute Monaghan scoreless spell with a free, and his

side clawed their way back into the contest, with James McElroy and Jason

Hughes now enjoying some success at midfield against the flagging McCabe.

Smyth tapped over a free, and substitute Thomas Freeman also hit the target

to cut the deficit to just two points, Cavan ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 at the

interval.

But Monaghan were an inspired side on the restart, Freeman hitting two points

in the opening minute to level the scores.

And they went two points clear through Gary Meehan as Cavan's challenge faded alarmingly.

They did manage to create two goal chances on the breakaway, but Monaghan

goalkeeper Glen Murphy came to his side's rescue with stunning saves from

Jason Reilly and Peter Reilly.

Cavan 'keeper Aaron Donohue also earned hero status with a superb stop from

Freeman's fiercely struck effort, but Monaghan somehow lost their fluency and

allowed their opponents back into the game.

Finbar O'Reilly converted three frees, centre back Anthony Forde pressed

forward for an inspirational score, and as the game moved into its final five

minutes, Cavan held a 0-12 to 0-10 advantage.

Freeman narrowed the gap yet again with his fourth score, but McCabe sealed

Cavan's appearance in the Ulster decider with an injury-time free.