'Gers secure third Junior Cup title in a row

Jason Keenan's 27th minute header was enough to secure a third Junior Cup title in a row for Enniskillen Rangers against Tummery Athletic at Ferney Park today.

A player eligibility row which saw the game postponed from its initial May Bank Holiday slot, had saw Rangers reinstated into the competition at the expense of Bessbrook United and Michael Kerr's side made the most of their reprieve to retain the crown as they withstood late Tummery pressure to hold on for the victory.

Tummery had a couple of early Aidy McCaffrey half chances in the game but it was Rangers who were closest to opening the scoring in the 18th minute when player manager Kerr unleashed a fierce strike from a free kick but although it beat Chris Snow in the Tummery goal, it came off the inside of the post and across the goal before being cleared.

The holders though did go on to take the lead in the 27th minute as Kerr's pinpoint cross from the left was met by Keenan and he sent a looping header into the top corner to make it 1-0.

The second half saw Tummery push hard for an equaliser but they found Kerr and Richard Johnston in imperious form at the back for the 'Gers and when they did find a way through goalkeeper Jerome Carleton pulled off two terrific saves.

McCaffrey was again at the centre of things for Athletic as his thumping effort was headed over by Johnston and from the resultant corner Cathal Beacom prodded wide.

McCaffrey and Malachy McLaughlin then linked up to set up a chance for Ruairi Sludden but his attempt was saved low to his left by Carleton.

The pressure continued as the half progressed with Sludden again denied by Carleton while McCaffrey sent a spectacular bicycle kick narrowly over the bar.

Rangers were struggling to keep the ball as the contest drew to a close and Tummery created one final chance at the death but Cathal Beacom could not keep his effort down from a low Ciaran Beacom cross as Rangers stood firm to maintain their grip on the cup.