Magheraveely are through to the second round of the IFA Junior Cup after securing a narrow 2-1 victory over Desertmartin Swifts. Second half goals from Gregory Johnston and Sean Mullaney were enough to earn a place in the draw for the next round, but the Fermanagh side had to withstand a late flurry from Swifts as the away team pressed for an equaliser in the closing moments.

“It was a good win and a good performance as well,” said Magheraveely’s Rodney McVitty. “They were a decent side and it was a good even game, especially in the first half. From a very comfortable winning position we nearly threw it away in the last few minutes, but we seem to be getting better every week now after a stop start beginning to our season.” Magheraveely started well and were the first side to carve out a clear cut opening, but not for the last time the goal keeper in Swifts goal was proving difficult to bypass. He was first called into action when Joseph Williamson slid a pass through to Sean Mullaney, but his effort was well saved. Ten minutes later it was Warren Stewart who raced clear, but once again the keeper kept his effort out. At the other end Magheraveely were limiting their opponents to long range efforts and occasional set pieces, but they reached the break with the game goalless.

Five minutes into the second half Magheraveely finally made the breakthrough. Swifts only partially cleared a corner and Matthew Irwin gained possession on the left wing. He beat the defender and whipped a dangerous cross deep into the penalty area, and Gregory Johnston was at the far post to head home.

Ten minutes later the home side doubled their advantage. Gregory Johnston ran on to a Alan Jordan throw in and drilled in a low cross that Sean Mullaney directed into the net from six yards out.

Magheraveely continued to press forward and both Warren Stewart and Gary Kettles saw goal bound efforts well saved.

With the 90 minutes almost up Swifts grabbed a lifeline when their centre back headed in from a corner, and the goal sparked a late revival from the visitors with Robert Wiggins in the Magheraveely goal twice called upon in injury time to make saves. Despite the late scares the defence held firm and Magheraveely will take their place in the draw for round two.