NFC Kesh 2 Enniskillen Athletic 1

Player-manager Ryan Campbell struck twice for Kesh in their 2-1 victory over Enniskillen Athletic at the weekend to move his side into sixth place, level on points with Beragh Swifts in the Mercer League table.

An expertly right-footed finish ten minutes from time sealed victory for the home side on a greasy pitch at Connolly Park.

Campbell opened the scoring inside a minute after Gareth Keys’ through ball found the striker and he took two touches before rolling the ball into the bottom-right corner to give Kesh an early lead.

The home side continued their early pressure and pushed for a second, but Athletic goalkeeper Ryan McNulty made some key saves including a fingertip save from long range that he touched onto the crossbar.

Grant Ellis came close to adding a second, but Glenn Treacy cleared his effort off the line.

As the game wore on Athletic managed to fight their way back into it, Gavin Greene saw his effort saved before sending a free kick just over the crossbar.

And on 30 minutes, Athletic found the equaliser.

Jake Smith’s initial pass was cut out, but it came straight back to the centre half and he fired the ball into the path of striker Colm McNally, who turned and drilled a shot from outside the box that came off the post and into the bottom corner to bring Athletic roaring back into the game.

Chances were then limited over the remainder of the half with neither side wanting to take too many risks heading towards the half-time whistle.

It was an even opening to the second half with Kesh just edging out the away side on possession.

However, the home team’s best chances came from set pieces as they had one header go over the bar and another from Dylan Aiken saved by McNulty.

With 25 minutes remaining Kesh made a triple substitution with Jordan Flack, Josh Flack and Danny Wilson coming on, and it was Wilson’s flick around the Athletic defence that released Campbell, who again finished into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.

In Athletic’s push to find an equaliser they almost conceded a third, but some excellent last-ditch defending prevented Kesh, firstly Caoilte Hamill blocked a shot off the line before the rebound was blocked by Jake Smith.

Athletic’s late surge wasn’t enough, and Kesh held on to seal three points.

Kesh are scheduled to host Enniskillen Rangers this weekend while Athletic play Strathroy Harps at the Lakeland Forum.