The young Fermanagh team turned in a super all round team display to beat Antirm 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw after normal time. The better team throughout the second half, Fermanagh edged the dreaded penalties to take their historic place in the semi finals of the Northern Bank Trophy in what is turning out to be a super week for the Fermanagh teams

    The match against Antrim was also notable in that two cousins were on the opposing sides. Matthew Keenan lined up for Fermanagh while Andrew Cleary, a son of former Glentoran and Enniskillen Rangers player Jimmy Cleary, lined up for County Antrim.

    Indeed, both players were actively involved as each team scored in the opening minutes of the game. Firstly, Andrew Cleary whipped in a corner which hit an under pressure Richard Anderson on the chest before going into the net to give Antrim the lead after only 90 seconds.

    Fermanagh responded almost immedaitely when Matthew Keenan fired over a Fermanagh corner that was only half cleared and Gerard O’Callaghan slotted the balll into the back of the net to level matters after only three minutes.

    Conor Quigley headed just wide moments later but Fermanagh was rocked back in the 14th minute when Stephen McAlorum crossed for Ciaran Gargan who planted a firm header into the corner of the net. There was no more score in the first half but Richard Anderson went close when his shot from eight yards clipped the crossbar before going over the bar.

    At half time Antrim led 2-1 but it was still anyone’s game. Fermanagh dominated much of the second half and deservedly equalised on the restart when Kyle Robinson broke in from the left, confidently rounding the keeper before scoring from an acute angle.

    From there to the finish Fermanagh had the better of the play and went close from Robinson, Quigley and Finlay but the final whistle sounded and a penalty shoot out ensued.

    Feargal Murphy was to prove the hero of the hour. The substitute net minder came on with ten minutes remaining in the second half where he proceeded to save a penalty in the shoot out before converting Fermanagh’s fifth penalty to give them a dramatic and glorious victory 4-3 on penalties.