Ardstraw kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 win at home to Lisnaskea Rovers.

Goals either side of half time were enough to secure a vital three points as Lukas Crozier and Paul Fusco were on targets for the hosts.

The result makes promotion an uphill battle for Rovers who lie fourth in Division Two having lost their last two games.

Lisnaskea manager Shane O’Donnell said after the game: “The boys battled well on Saturday but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net despite having some decent chances.

“We had our chances to score or to even win it but it just didn’t happen.

“I think promotion is gone now but the lads played well considering we were missing a few lads as well.

“Ardstraw are a good side and are difficult to break down at the back.”

Rovers are back in action this weekend as they face an in-form Orchard Farm side who won 4-1 at the weekend.

Lisnaskea came close to taking a first-half lead on Saturday afternoon as they were unable to take their opportunities.

Brian McDermott rattled the post with a sharp right-footed strike midway into the half and Hayden Lynch was inches away from finding the target as he was put through one-on-one with Ardstraw goalkeeper James Baxter but watched his shot skip wide of the post.

Rovers goalkeeper Sean Montgomery was also called into action as he made a couple of key saves.

Ardstraw eventually broke the deadlock between the sides as a whipped cross was headed in at the back post by Crozier.

Lisnaskea saw most of the ball in the second half as they hunted for an equaliser and they were denied by the woodwork again as Lynch saw his effort come back off the post.

The host’s chances were limited following the restart but they were given the opportunity to double their lead when referee David Little pointed to the penalty spot and Fusco made no mistake with the spot-kick.