Irvinestown Wanderers 1 Enniskillen Town 3

After two games without a victory, Enniskillen Town returned to winning ways to leave Irvinestown Wanderers rooted to the bottom of the Mercer League table.

A controversial penalty in the first half set Town on their way to victory, with Callum Jones converting from the spot before Ethan Beresford and Johnny Hoy added second half goals. A late consolation from Stephen Sheridan never looked like changing the destination of the points, but Wanderers’ manager Ryan Beacom was frustrated with the penalty decision that put his team on the back foot.

“Since the turn of the year I have been very happy with our performances and we have been getting better, but we are just getting no luck,” he said.

“The first goal in any game is going to be a big goal, and we were playing against a strong breeze and keeping our shape well and we were keeping them at bay, and to concede a goal the way we did. It wasn’t a penalty. Given where we are at the minute, we can’t be getting those decisions given against us, especially when we are working so hard. It leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

“The only person that saw it as a penalty was the referee. There was no doubt that Town played more football than us, but with not being able to name a full squad, and fighting against the wind, we knew it was all going to be about discipline and keeping our shape.

“If we don’t concede a penalty and we go in at 0-0 then it is different for us. We don’t have to go chasing the game in the second half and we don’t have to be as expansive, so it was definitely a kick in the teeth.”

Enniskillen Town boss Rory Judge agreed the penalty decision was debatable, but the result was not.

“From where I was it certainly looked harsh and I would have been disappointed if it was given against us, but it didn’t matter,” he said.

“We could have been 4-0 up at that point and we created so many other opportunities, so for me it didn’t alter the result in any way. It was very comfortable for us, and three goals probably flattered them.”

Town were quickly on the front foot, but despite carving out numerous opportunities they struggled to find the back of the net.

Callum Jones had two early chances, and Ethan Beresford and Frank Wallace had sights of goal, but no-one could make the breakthrough until they were awarded the penalty.

Wanderers sole threatening moment of the first half came from good link up play between Sheridan and Mahon, with Sheridan’s shot directed wide of the post.

As Irvinestown pushed forward looking for an equaliser in the second half, Town took advantage of the extra space and extended their advantage through Beresford and Hoy.

Wanderers snatched a late consolation when Sheridan diverted McCann’s cross past the keeper, but the strike did little to improve their survival hopes.

They now face Omagh Hospitals in a game that could be pivotal in their season.

“We are playing a team that is in a similar position to ourselves and they will be aiming for the three points as well,” said Beacom. “There are no easy games in Division One and we know how tough it is, but we would like a wee rub of the green. They say over a season it balances itself out so hopefully coming into the final third of the season that happens and it goes for us.”

In contrast Town face Junior Cup action, with Goodyear making the trip to Fermanagh with a quarter final place at stake.

“We hope to get Cathal Beacom and Darren Freeman back, and if we can get those two boys back on the pitch then we will be more than ready,” revealed Judge.

“We have the game switched to St Michael’s.

“Our first match down there will be an historic one, but hopefully we can get a good crowd down at it and get a good result as well.”