Goals prove decisive as Fermanagh slip to defeat in Newbridge

Goals were the difference today in Newbridge as Fermanagh slipped to a four point defeat to Kildare in the opening round of the league.

The home side took the two goal chances they created but Fermanagh failed to take any of the three opportunities they had although manager Ryan McMenamin will take plenty of positives away from what was overall a good performance against a side who are among the favourites for promotion.

Fermanagh started brightly and should have had the ball in the back of the net in the fifth minute when Ciaran Corrigan collected a lovely ball from Ryan Jones and roiunded the goalkeeper only to see his shot come back off the crossbar.

Kildare made no such mistake three minutes later as Tommy Moolick slipped in midfield partner David Hyland and he took the ball around Fermanagh goalkeeper James McGrath before slotting to the net.

Conall Jones though was showing good accuracy from deadballs and he rattled over three frees as the sides were level after 13 minutes.

And the sides shared the next six points with Ryan Jones (2) and Darragh McGurn rattling over points for Fermanagh while Daniel Flynn and Neil Flynn registered for Kildare.

Points from Con Kavanagh and Paul Cribbin pushed Kildare two ahead as half time appraoched but Fermanagh then got in for another goal chance as Ciara n Corrigan was put through but his effort was well saved by Lilywhite goalkeeper Mark Donnellan who also denied Darragh McGurn from the follow up.

Conall Jones though rattled over the resultant 45 to leave one in it at ther break, 1-05 to 0-07.

McGurn fired over to level up matters on the resumption but three points in a row from Neil Flynn gave the home side a bit of breathing space.

Fermanagh though enjoyed a strong ten minute spell as they hit four points on the bounce to move one in front, 0-13 to 1-09.

Conall Jones (2), Ryan Jones and Ultan Kelm landed the points to put the away side ahead with 13 minutes to go but Kildare were back in the driving seat one minute later as they bagged their second goal of the day.

Shea Ryan teed up Daniel Flynn and he dispatched his shot to the net to put Kildare two ahead.

Eoin Doyle and Conall Jones then swapped points but Fermanagh could not get in for the goal they needed and late points from Neil Flynn and Daniel Flynn sealed the victory for Kildare.