Second half setback for Juniors

After an even enough first half at the Ball Range in Enniskillen, an own goal put the Sligo boys ahead and they capitalised with two more strikes inside 15 minutes to put the match out of sight, and the victory gave them the Gary Bownes Shield, presented to the visiting captain after the match by Gary’s father, Ken.

Fermanagh manager Denzil McDaniel admitted that the second half was a setback for his side.

“Sligo seemed quicker and sharper than us in the second half,” said McDaniel.

“That was disappointing after good performances in recent weeks and a decent first half on Saturday. But we’re not unduly worried and we’ve encouraged the boys to keep working hard. The preparations so far have been very good and everyone has shown a good attitude.”

He said that even in Saturday’s setback there were a number of fine individual performances which shows the squad is continuing to develop.

“We need to keep believing in what we’re doing, and keep doing the right things,” added the manager, who recalled that the match was played on Saturday in memory of Gary Bownes, who passed away 12 years ago this week.

“I remember when he played for us under Harry McConkey at Ballinamallard, Gary was a lovely player, very skilful and with great balance. I remember he enjoyed playing with style, and had a picture of his hero George Best above his peg in the changing room at Ferney Park,” added Denzil.

“He loved football and played the game with a smile on his face, and was a lovely lad off the pitch.

“These kids in the present team were babies when Gary was playing at Ballinamallard and they wouldn’t remember him; but after Saturday’s disappointment, they would do well to emulate the style and enjoyment with which Gary approached the game,” said McDaniel.

“We’ve plenty of work today in the next few weeks, with training being stepped up and more games to come. The aim is to be ready on Monday, July 23,” the Fermanagh junior manager concluded.