Enniskillen Athletic won their first ever Irish Junior Cup tie, defeating Lisnarick after a strong second half performance.

“It was the old cliché of being a game of two halves for us,” said manager Peter Goan. “The first half was poor all over the pitch by our standards and to be honest we were probably a bit lucky to be going in at 1-1 at half time. The second half was a big, big improvement and we dominated the last 20 minutes. The most important thing was to get into the hat for the next round. That was key. It was our first appearance in the competition so it was a bit of history.” Lisnarick joint manager Peter Gormley admitted his team faded towards the end of the game, but he felt two crucial refereeing decisions went against his side. “Peter Law had a shot deflected onto post from defenders a hand but the referee didn’t see it,” he said. “It probably would have been a straight red card and a penalty and that would have changed things because we were already 1-0 up at that stage. Then their third goal was offside and we were disappointed that it was given. That really was the nail in the coffin for us. It was a disappointing result and I don’t think the score line reflected the result completely. We should have been on top at half time but we didn’t take our chances and they really turned the screw in the last 20 minutes.” Lisnarick started well and went ahead after 15 minutes. Kevin McAuley won possession in midfield and rode a tackle before unleashing a 25 yard pile driver into the top corner.

The lead lasted for ten minutes until Athletic levelled from the penalty spot. Danny Dunbar cut in from the wing and was felled in the penalty area, and William Simpson stepped up to blast the spot kick into the top corner.

James Ferguson came close with a long range effort for Athletic, but it was Lisnarick that looked the more likely to score. In addition to the controversial shot that was cleared off the line, Peter Law twice came close with headers but one found the side netting and one flew over the crossbar.

Law finally got his reward eight minutes into the second half when he pounced on a loose ball from a corner to give them the lead, but the goal sparked Athletic into life. Christopher Currie was introduced at half time and his presence made a difference for the home side, who started to dominate proceedings.

William Simpson netted from the penalty spot for the second time after Michael Simpson was felled in the area to draw the sides level, and Michael Simpson scored the third to give them the lead. The influential Currie netted from six yards to seal the victory, and Lisnarick goalkeeper Francis Ward received his marching order late in the game after he reacted to a challenge.