NFC Kesh 7 Enniskillen Athletic 1

Three goals in the space of six first half minutes for Kesh helped them to a convincing 7-1 victory at home to bottom of the table, Enniskillen Athletic.

For Athletic boss, Darren Rodgers, he had no complaints about the loss: “The better team won on the day.

“We were beat by a good, well organised side. Kesh is a hard spot to go and get a result, “ added Rodgers who gave credit to his players who he felt kept trying right until the end.

Ryan Campbell, Kesh’s player/manager, was pleased their first outing in the league in 2024 was a successful one: “I was happy the way that the game went on Saturday.

“We knew it was our first league game of the year so we knew it was vital to get up and going right in 2024.

“In fairness to Athletic they sat in well and were compact and they held us out for half an hour or more.

“They were well constructed but thankfully we broke them down and then got three quick goals that kind of killed them and killed the game.”

Campbell added: “It was pleasing, some good goals scored. Just disappointed with their consolation goal at the end, we got sloppy.

“Overall I can’t complain too much when you put seven past a team and play well.”

There was little between the sides for the first half hour of the game.

But on 31 minutes Sam Robb broke the deadlock with a fine finish from the edge of the box.

This was quickly followed by a Kyle Malone goal as he got on the end of a Lee Walker cross.

Three minutes later, Campbell, got his first of the day as Walker again assisted for the striker to finish to leave it 3-0.

Campbell had a chance to increase his tally five minutes into the second half but he missed a penalty but it was not long before it was 4-0.

Robb’s effort beating Athletic keeper, James Maguire.

Nathan Cashel was next on the scoresheet as he hit two goals in the space of three minutes. His first a great finish from a tight angle while he was set up by Campbell to make it 6-0.

It was Campbell who rounded off the Kesh scoring in the 80th minute as Cashel repaid the favour to set him up to make it 7-0.

Athletic did hit a late consolation goal on 89 minutes through Luke Flanagan as it ended 7-1 to the North Fermanagh club.

Next up for Kesh is a game against in form Lisbellaw United while Athletic have a difficult trip away to Strathroy Harps as they try and turn their season around.

Looking ahead to the Lisbellaw game, Campbell is expecting a tougher test.

“I know this week it’s going to maybe be a different story with Lisbellaw at home because they are flying too. It’s the making of a good game.

“The two of us will be looking to get the three points, so looking forward to that one,” Campbell concluded.