Tempo see off Belcoo
Gareth Cauldwell • Published 27 Jul 2012 21:48
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Tempo 1-14; Belcoo 2-07
Daryl Keenan gave an exhibition of free taking as Tempo secured their place in the quarter-final of the Target Express Fermanagh SFC with a four point victory over Belcoo in Kinawley tonight.
Keenan punished any indiscretions by the Belcoo defence as he rattled over nine points in all, eight from frees, a number of which were from distance, as well as converting a '45 as Tempo saw off the Belcoo challenge.
The Maguires came flying out of the blocks and it took a fine save from James McGrath in the Belcoo goal to deny Niall McElroy a goal in the second minute.
By the midway stage of the half John McElroy's side were cruising, having built up a 0-07 to 0-01 lead.
However, Belcoo were thrown a lifeline when Tempo gave away possession and Declan Leonard capitalised by firing a shot into the corner of the net.
With Stephen Maguire helping the O' Rahillys get a footing at midfield having moved out the field from full forward, Belcoo cut the deficit to two points, 0-08 to 1-03. But Keenan notched three further frees in the final three minutes of the first half, bringing his tally for the half to eight, to leave Tempo five ahead at the break, 0-11 to 1-03.
Belcoo, though, did have the advantage of the breeze in the second half and they made a bright start to the half as Ryan Leonard and Maguire banged over points from play to make it 0-11 to 1-05. Tempo reasserted their authority on the scoreboard when Thomas Campbell beat goalkeeper McGrath to a high hanging ball from a Niall McElroy attempt at a point to palm to the net for a Tempo goal.
Belcoo's response though was immediate as they went straight down the field for Philip Leonard to fire home through a ruck of players to again leave three in it.
Belcoo were to have plenty of possession in the second half but they struggled to turn this into scores as Tempo managed to maintain their three point advantage.
With 59 minutes on the clock Belcoo did have a chance to level matters as Ian Corrigan got on the end of long ball and got his shot in on goal but Stephen Jackson in the Tempo goals got down to save.
And Niall McElroy then tapped over the insurance score in added on time for Tempo who progress to the last eight.
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