Early points on the board for hurlers

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 14:37 0 Comments

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Fermanagh's Brendan McGarry closes in as Leitrim's Fearghall Carroll gets his hand pass away during Sunday's game at Brewster Park.

Fermanagh 1-16; Leitrim 0-14;

Fermanagh opened their National Hurling League Division Four campaign with a welcome five point win over Leitrim at Brewster Park on Sunday.

Rory O'Donnell's side were slow to get started but a goal from Brendan McGarry shortly before half time helped them go in at the break on level terms and an improved second half performance took Fermanagh to the victory.

For Fermanagh there were a number of fine displays, not least from free taker Paul McGoldrick who accounted for 11 points while there was also good showings from John Paul McGarry and Ryan Bogue, McGarry doing a fine job on Leitrim dangerman Clem Cunliffe.

O'Donnell admits that it was not a perfect performance from his side but he was delighted to have put the points on the board.

"We're definitely pleased to have got the win. Sometimes it was not pretty and not good too watch with players forgetting to do the simple things that they spend hours on in training but at the end of the day a win is a win no matter what way it comes," said O'Donnell.

The manager also had a word of praise for Lisnaskea man McGoldrick, who played his part in the victory.

"Paul scored 11 points and to have somebody who can do that is crucial to a side. I was pleased with how he did while I also thought that JP McGarry showed up very well at centre half back against one of Leitrim's better players," he added.

Leitrim, with a game already behind them, started much the brighter of the sides and they deservedly moved into the lead with Cunliffe banging over a number of points for the Shannonsiders.

And it took a terrific save from Fermanagh goalkeeper Peter McEvoy to stop the visitors increasing that advantage further, McEvoy saving superbly from Liam Burns.

The home side stayed in touch thanks to points from Ryan Bogue, Sean Corrigan and McGoldrick although as half time appraoched four points still divided the sides.

However, it was this spell at the end of the first half when the game began to swing the way of Fermanagh.

Brendan McGarry swooped to bang in the only goal of the game as Fermanagh trimmed the gap back to the minimum and the clinical McGoldrick then converted a free to draw Fermanagh level at the break.

Fermanagh were lifted by this in the second half and they began to pull clear of their opponents with McGoldrick punishing any fouling by the Leitrim rearguard with points.

The home side pushed their advantage out to four points and then late in the half John Duffy lofted over a point to give Fermanagh a five point win.

This win will have been a confidence booster for Fermanagh although O'Donnell feels that they will need to show an improvement this week when they take on Monaghan in Corduff (12.45pm).

"We will need to sharpen up our play as I would imagine that this week's game against Monaghan will be a lot tougher," he said.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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