Enniskillen Town moved to the top of the Division One league table for the first time this season with a 2-1 victory over Beragh Swifts.

Town struggled in a disjointed first half, but second-half strikes from Darren Freeman and Duwayne McManus extended their unbeaten league run to 10 games, with Eamon McGrath’s penalty coming too late to change the outcome of the match.

Town manager Rory Judge was relieved to get the three points after a performance he reckoned was below par.

“We were far from our best, but a lot of that was down to Beragh and how they played,” he said.

“I was very impressed with them in the first half, and we could hardly string two passes together. It was very unlike us.

"They pressed us very high and put us under a lot of pressure and we were doing things we don’t normally do, putting the ball out and giving possession away very cheaply.

"We were very fortunate to go in at 0-0 at half-time.

"The second half was a different story, and I think the catalyst for it was Darren Freeman coming on at half-time.

"When he came on he attacked them and put them back and allowed us to get space elsewhere. They scored a bit too late to put pressure on us, and we held out comfortably enough. It was a very good three points for us considering we were missing six players.

"They beat us last year at home, and we drew down there at the start of the season, so we are very satisfied with the three points.”

Beragh made a confident start as they looked to record back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season, and McGrath dragged a left-footed shot wide of the post in the opening minutes.

Gary Doherty in Town’s goal then had to be alert to block a close-range effort, but Town did have their own chances in a tight first half.

Conall Quinn struck the crossbar with the goal gaping, and debutant Alfie McCaffrey forced a save from Wood, who deflected his shot around the post with his foot.

McCaffrey made way for Freeman at half-time, and Town immediately looked more threatening.

Eight minutes into the half they took the lead when Wood could only parry Watson’s free kick, and Freeman fired home the rebound.

Freeman then turned provider, cutting the ball back from the byline for McManus to sidefoot into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.

Quinn then fired over the bar, but Beragh were given a lifeline when Brendan Lilley was dismissed with 12 minutes remaining.

McGrath did pull a goal back for the visitors with a penalty in the final minute of normal time, but Town held on to climb to the top of the league table.