Lisnaskea passed the first test in the Ulster Intermediate Club Championship with relative ease on Sunday afternoon at Pairc Esler in Newry. The Fermanagh men saw off the challenge of Down Champions, Tullylish, in a high scoring and high quality game of football. Peter Clarke’s men hit two goals in the first half as they sealed the win and progressed to a semi final meeting against Antrim Champions St Mary’s, Rasharkin on November 14.

Kevin McCartan opened the scoring for Tullylish before Paul Curran drew the side’s level with a point. Curran was on hand again minutes later with the opening goal of the game for Lisnaskea. A long ball played into the danger area fell to Curran and he made no mistake, tucking the ball away to the bottom corner of the net.

Shannon Brainey opened his account with a free for the Down men before the Emmett’s bagged their second goal of the afternoon. With only 14 minutes played Mark Little played Paul Curran on once more. The full forward palmed the ball to the back of the net for his second goal and Lisnaskea now held a 2-01 to 0-02 lead.

Brainey kept his side in touch with another free but Lisnaskea were dominating in all sectors and Tullylish were relying on frees for their scores. A point from Niall McElroy and a 45 metre kick from Daniel Kille increased the Emmett’s lead. Brainey pulled two points back for the Down men as half time approached (one free) but Daniel Kille finished the first half scoring with a free on 29 minutes, to leave the score 0-05 to 2-05, in favour of Lisnaskea at the break.

Lisnaskea picked up where they left off in the first half, with a point from the prolific Paul Curran, within 30 seconds of the restart. However, Tullylish showed great spirit during the next five minutes as they hit 1-02 without reply. Two points from Shannon Drainey (one free) and a goal from substitute Peter Quinn reduced the deficit to two points.

This Tullylish scoring spree drove Lisnaskea forward once again though. Five consecutive points for the Emmett’s from Daniel Kille (free), Conor Curran, Mark Little, Shane Ingram and Aidy Little gave the Fermanagh champions a seven point lead with ten minutes remaining.

Tullylish could only muster a solitary point from Seamus O’Hare whilst Lisnaskea finished off with a free from Daniel Kille to seal the victory. Best for Lisnaskea were Mark McKenna in defence. Brian Og Maguire in midfield worked hard and won the majority of possession in this sector. Up front Paul Curran proved difficult to handle, hitting 2-02 from play.