Fermanagh 1 Down 1

(Fermanagh win 4-2 on pens)

Fermanagh are through to a Northern Ireland Super Cup Globe final against County Tyrone, after a penalty shoot out victory over County Down.

Captain Aaron Smyton dispatched the winning spot kick to spark scenes of joyous celebrations among the Fermanagh players and supporters, after Kealan Fitzpatrick had equalised in normal time to take the game to penalties.

There was little to choose between the sides in an often cagey match that was short on goal scoring chances.  The best opportunity of the first half came from a Fermanagh corner, but Alex Brownlee’s towering header came back off the crossbar and was cleared to safety. 

The game sparked into life at the start of the second half. Down stole possession twenty yards from goal, and although Jamie Ray saved the initial effort, the Down striker tapped home at the far post to give his side the lead. 

It was a short lived advantage however as Fermanagh got back on level terms within a minute.  Danny Wilson  beat the full back on the right wing, and cut a ball back from the byline for Kealan Fitzpatrick to stab home from six yards.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the game went to penalty kicks. Jamie Ray saved Down’s first effort, with Corey Smith, Joel Byrne and Tommy Connolly all scoring to maintain their lead. 

When Down’s fourth penalty was fired wide of the post, the crucial kick fell to Ballinamallard player Smyton, and he found the top corner of the net to send his team through to the final.

Fermanagh will play Co. Tyrone in the Globe Final today (Friday) at 4.30pm in Broughshane.

In the Junior Section, Fermanagh were beaten 2-0 by San Francisco Glens in the SuperCup Vase. They play Atlante in the second round of fixtures today at 2.30pm in Portrush.

Ballinamallard were beaten 3-0 by Stella Maris in the Minor Section Salver semi-finals and will face Loughall in the 3rd/4th place playoff at 11am in Coleraine. While in the Youth Section, Ballinamallard were beaten 4-0 by Greenisland in the Bowl semi-final. Tey play Ballymena United at 2pm in Limavady in the 3rd/4th playoff.