‘I couldn’t ask for any more’ says relieved Clarke

Lisnaskea Emmetts secured their Intermediate Championship status with a two-point victory over Derrylin in Teemore on Saturday while the O’Connells now face a relegation play-off against Aghadrumsee as they look to ensure that they don’t drop straight back down to Junior.

Sean Keenan’s first minute goal ultimately proved decisive in the contest and was vital in keeping Linsaskea in touch at the break having played against the breeze in the first half.

Derrylin went in at half time with a three-point advantage but that was wiped out in the third quarter and although the O’Connells battled hard to try and find a goal at the death, a resilient Lisnaskea held on for the victory.

“I was very pleased with the win,” said Emmetts manager Peter Clarke. “In the second half they gave me everything, I couldn’t have asked for any more from them. Derrylin pushed us hard but we showed good resolve and toughness defensively.

“It is a job well done in terms of retaining our status and it was a positive performance to finish off the campaign.”

The Emmetts played against the wind in the first half but Keenan’s goal gave them the type of start they wanted to the contest.

However, Derrylin soon took control of the game with Luke Flanagan’s runs from the half back line causing problems for Lisnaskea, Flanagan contributing three points for the O’Conells in the first period.

Jake Smith also knocked over points while Cathair Leonard chipped in with a brace as they opened up a lead.

Daniel Kille lobbed over a couple of scores for Lisnaskea but at the interval Derrylin led 0-09 to 1-03.

However, Lisnaskea got a grip on matters in the early stages of the second half and four points in a row from Keenan, Kille, Hayden Lynch and Mark Smyth saw them get their noses on front.

Derrylin did have a couple of points from Smith in the second half but they were finding the Lisnaskea defence difficult to breakdown and with Kille again among the points Lisnaskea managed to see out the remainder of the tie to claim a two point victory.