Joe Stack’s 53rd-minute goal which put Midleton three clear, 2-10 to 0-13, and arrived after Midleton had struck five consecutive wides and desperately needed something to show for this mini-spell of dominance.

CAN'T IGNORE

The number of goal chances on either side which were not put away. Respective goalkeepers Jack McGann and Cian Long both produced fine saves, but too often the player in possession lacked the necessary conviction when pulling the trigger.

GOOD DAY

Midleton CBS. First Harty Cup in 13 years and their fourth overall. Atonement for last year’s final defeat and the form book upset as Midleton came into the game as underdogs.

BAD DAY

Christians managed just five points from play, a paltry return by their front eight.

BEST ON SHOW

Dylan Hogan was outstanding at full-back for Midleton CBS, a performance which becomes all the impressive with the revelation by Midleton selector Brian O’Callaghan that he carried an ankle injury into the game.

SIDELINE SMARTS

Midleton isolated Joe Stack and Jason Hankard in a two-man full-forward line and this paid off as the two players caused the Christians full-back line plenty of bother, as well as supplying the two goals which, ultimately, took them across the finish line in pole position.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

A couple of decisions which irked either side, but overall, Johnny Murphy had a solid outing.

WHERE NEXT

Both sides advance to the All-Ireland series. Midleton play the Leinster runners-up in the All-Ireland quarter-final on Saturday, March 2, Christians play the Connacht runners-up the same day.