Enniskillen Athletic picked up a vital win in their bid for Mercer League safety with a 2-0 victory at home to Killen Rangers on Saturday.

Two goals just after halftime were enough for Athletic as Luke Flanagan scored a free kick from 45 yards out before John-Joe Strain fired in a second goal only minutes later to hand the visitors a first defeat in five games.

The home side had a much-improved side to when the teams met back in October where Killen ran out 7-1 winners.

The win saw Athletic jump up above Irvinestown Wanderers and Magheraveely into 10th spot.

Manager Darren Rodgers was pleased to see his side secure a second win in their last three.

“The boys were excellent despite a bit of a slow start, but after 15 minutes or so we got into it and got to grips in midfield.

"Everyone worked their socks off and played some really nice football at times. Overall, it was very pleasing.

"We played well defensively and managed to carve out a few good chances at the other end. James Maguire in goal and our back four was very solid throughout.”

Rangers started the better of the sides at the Lakeland Forum as they controlled the majority of the early possession without troubling Maguire too much in goal.

Colm McNally went close for the hosts as he picked his head up, spotting goalkeeper Alan Buchanan off his line and his effort from just inside Killen’s half rattled back off the crossbar.

Jake Smith made a vital goal-line clearance from a Killen shot to keep the game at 0-0 midway through the half before going close to opening the scoring himself at the other end when he headed just over from a corner.

Killen threatened with a couple of set pieces, but Maguire stood strong when called into action as the sides went into halftime goalless.

Flanagan grabbed the opener a minute into the restart as he caught Buchanan out with a free kick close to the halfway line to surprise the away side’s defence.

Paddy Reihill went on a solo run and almost got his shot off inside the box but was stopped by a last-ditch tackle.

However, Reihill then supplied Strain with a pass on the edge of the box and the latter watched his shot sail into the net for 2-0.

Killen pushed to pull one back for the remainder of the half but Athletic’s defence held firm with Smith making another crucial clearance off the line.