Fermanagh suffered defeat in their opening Ulster Minor League game on Tuesday night when they went down to Donegal, but Fermanagh manager Niall Jackman was happy enough with the work out and felt that the dismissal of centre half forward Shane Rooney early in the second half ended their chances of taking anything out of the contest.

Fermanagh went in at the break trailing by four points, but two points in the opening exchanges of the second half had them right back in contention. However, Rooney then was sent off after picking up a second yellow card and Donegal were able to push on for the win after this.

“We had a lot of possession in the first half but we made too many mistakes. We got right back into it though at the start of the second half but we then had the sending off, which we felt was harsh, and that more or less ended it for us. The boys did continue to battle hard and there were positives to come out of the game which we will be looking to take into the Antrim game this Saturday,” said Jackman.

Fermanagh, who have been badly hit by injuries at present, did see plenty of the ball in the first half but were guilty of turning the ball over on too many occasions while in contrast Donegal were clinical when in possession as they went in 0-08 to 1-01 ahead at the interval.

Matthew McGrade knocked over the point for Fermanagh in the first half while the goal arrived ten minutes before the break with Jason Flanagan getting the final touch following a scramble.

Fermanagh made a fine start to the second half with Patrick Hyde very impressive in the middle of the park throughout the game and with Rooney and lively substitute JJ O’Brien lofting over scores, they cut the gap back to two.

However, Rooney was then to be shown a second yellow card and although Fermanagh kept going, Donegal were able to make good use of the extra man. Hyde and McGrade did register further points for Fermanagh but it was Donegal who ran out winners on the night.

Jackman also revealed that Shane Mimna will captain the side this season with Gareth Fox vice-captain.

“The two players lead by example and I thought they did well on Tuesday night. In terms of commitment and performance they have been excellent and they are also good in the dressing room so I’m happy with my choices,” stated Jackman.