Fermanagh Manager Lisa Woods was left feeling a little frustrated after Sunday’s drawn game with Wexford. The Erne ladies led by seven points early in the second half but a contentious penalty proved to be the catalyst that helped the Leinster side claw their way back and salvage a point.

“It was not the result we expected or wanted,” said Lisa. “It’s a point on the league table though and we’re going in the right direction.” Asked about the penalty decision she said: “It was unbelievable! You train girls to stand off and hold back on the contact. Then one of their players wins the ball clean and just drops to her knees - no one touching her. We were very unlucky because that decision changed things. Even Wexford people were saying ‘I don’t know how we got a penalty’. The referee was behind the player though and I’m not sure what his point of view was but it was blatantly clear for everyone to see, it was not a penalty. When decisions like that go against you, it does affect players but you’ve no choice but to accept it.” It was one of those days when things favoured the opposition. In the first half, Fermanagh battled against a strong wind but in the second half the wind factor disappeared.

“We couldn’t believe it when we came out in the second half. The sun was shining, there was no wind. That had a big impact on the game. I think if we’d been playing with the wind in the first half, we would have racked up a bigger lead than three points.” Instead, Wexford dragged themselves back into the game and salvaged a draw as Fermanagh still search for their first win.

“We need to produce a better second half performance in our games. We have been playing well in the first half but there has been something missing in the second half; that killer instinct at the end of the game to push on. We need to put them scenarios into practice in training.” Next up for Fermanagh is Tipperary, at home. Lisa admits this is a game they have to win if they’re going to secure a play-off place: “We’re still hoping for a top four position. We can still do that if we get a result this weekend. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and 100 per cent effort on the pitch, which we haven’t seen yet. We haven’t had a full panel to choose from either, so hopefully that’ll be different this weekend.” Last weekend, Fermanagh were without the experienced Noelle Connolly up front and Lisa understands the dilemma players face giving up their time: “Players have commitments and we have to work with them. It’s a voluntary sport and they work with us and we have to give the same back in return.” Should Fermanagh have their full compliment of players to choose from, Lisa is hopeful they can get their first win in Brewster Park: “I hope I’m talking about a victory. The girls are improving all the time. What I don’t want to happen is they feel under pressure to get the win. I want them to go out and play the football they’re capable off and not think about the win.”