Late first half goals costly as Fermanagh slip to a league defeat to Yeatsmen

A dominant closing period to the first half was decisive as Sligo left Derrygonnelly with a five-point win over Fermanagh in the Ulster Minor League on Saturday lunchtime.

Fermanagh had played against a strong wind in the first half, and for 25 minutes they had coped well, but Sligo hit a purple patch in the five-minute spell before half-time, bagging two goals, as they went in at the break with a 2-07 to 0-03 advantage.

The home side did battle hard in the second half, and had goals from Luke McAnespy and Cian O’Brien, but the gap was just too great as the visitors secured the win.

“We had managed well up until that last five minutes of the first half when they hit two goals,” said joint Manager Tony Collins.

“It left us a lot to do but it was a decent second half performance, and I thought the lads showed a lot of resolve and character.”

There was little between the sides in the opening as pointed frees from Cian O’Brien and Tiernan McKenna had the sides level at 0-02 apiece.

McKenna added another point for Fermanagh in the first half, and with 25 minutes played only two points divided the sides, 0-03 to 0-05.

However, Sligo took control in the closing stages of the first half and goals from Gavin Lynch and James Foley helped them into a commanding 2-07 to 0-03 half-time advantage.

Fermanagh though made the perfect start to the second half as Luke McAnespy slotted to the net, and Cian O’Brien added on a point from play and another from a free to bring the Ernemen back into contention.

Indeed, Fermanagh were in the ascendancy at this point, and they had two further goal chances that fell to Mattie McDermott, but he failed to avail of these although Fermanagh felt that the second should have resulted in a penalty for a foot block.

However, Sligo hit back when they broke down the other end of the pitch and Lynch netted his second and Sligo’s third goal of the game.

The sides then traded points as Sligo remained eight points to the good, 3-08 to 1-06.

O’Brien did grab a late second goal for the home team but this was to prove only a consolation score as Sligo saw out the remainder of the game to seal the victory.

Next up for Fermanagh is a meeting with Cavan this weekend and Collins is hoping to have a few players return for that game.

“We had a few players missing against Sligo but we’re hoping to have one or two back for this week.

“Cavan will be a good test to see just where we are at and ultmately it is all about building towards that championship game against Down next month,” he stated.