Fermanagh worthy winners over Armagh

January 10, 2008
Fermanagh under their new manager and former player, Malachy O'Rourke chalked up their second win in Group A of the Dr. McKenna Cup competition, when on Wednesday, 9th of January at wind and rain-swept Kingspan-Breffni Park, Cavan they were deserving winners over an experimental Armagh side on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-10. This win sets the Fermanagh side up nicely for their top-of-the-table clash with Derry in Glen on Sunday afternoon next, 13th of January - and a win would book their place in the knock-out stages of the competition. Fermanagh who themselves included a number of newcomers to inter-county senior ranks dominated the opening half of the game on Wednesday night, thanks to some great play around the middle of the field and at the break they were good value for their 1-7 to 0-4 lead - after leading by 1-5 to 0-1 after 23 minutes play. The Fermanagh goal came in the 18th minute from a fisted effort from the experienced Liam McBarron who lines-out in the full-forward berth. As expected Armagh regrouped well for the start of the second-half and two early points from Gregory Loughran and Liam O'Hare gave them an early boost. They more than held their own possessionwise for the remainder of the game - which saw more bite in the play, and with the game entering the final quarter worked their way back into contention to reduce the leeway to three points 1-9 to 0-9. However, Fermanagh never panicked and while they were put under greater pressure by the Orchard county in the closing minutes always had that little bit in hand to come away with a deserved four points success - 1-11 to 0-10. Armagh really went for 'broke' in the closing minutes for a goal that could have saved the day for them. However, they were lacking a Steven McDonnell or Oisin McConville on this occasion, and came up short in the finish. This was a good all-round team-performance from the Fermanagh side, and their application to the task in hand and work-rate all over the field must have really pleased their new management. Two wins from two competitive starts is a good way to start the season - but their real test will come on Sunday next, 13th of January when they come up against unbeaten Derry in this eagerly awaited clash at the Glen venue. Fermanagh - Chris Breen; Shane Goan, Shane McDermott, Declan O'Reilly; Raymond Johnston, Shane Lyons, Peter Sherry; James Sherry, Ciaran Boyle; Niall Keenan, Shaun Doherty (0-2), Ciaran McElroy (0-2); Patrick Cadden (0-4, all frees), Liam McBarron (1-0), Ronan McCabe (0-2, both free). Subs - Jonathan McGurn for Liam McBarron; Ciaran Leonard (0-1) for Ronan McCabe; Ciaran Maguire for Niall Keenan; Mark Murphy for Shaun Doherty. Armagh - Paudie Rodgers; Gerard McCreesh, Enda McNulty, Gerard McCoy; Kieran McKeever, Aidan O'Rourke, Finian Moriarty; Dara Edwards, Ronan Austin; Brian Mallon (0-1), Gregory Loughran (0-2), Liam O'Hare (0-1); Martin O'Rourke, Gareth Swift, Kevin O'Rourke (0-3, one free). Subs - Mark Quinn for Ronan Austin; Paddy McKeever (0-3, two frees) for Dara Edwards; Gary Reel for Gerard McCoy. Referee; Jimmy Galligan (Cavan).

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