ON SONG… Enniskillen Gaels’ Brian McAleer
Brookeboro 0-12
Enniskillen 2-13
It has been a testing season so far for Enniskillen as they suffered a string of depressing defeats over the opening sequence of games but the Gaels have finally got off the mark with this seven points success over Brookeboro.
It wasn’t until the second half however that they finally managed to gain control of the game, the teams had reached the interval level on six points each and there had been no indication that either side had the capability of establishing a firmer grip on matters.
But Brookeboro had lost full back Cathal Moane through injury and this unhinged them to a certain degree and over the second half they didn’t manage to maintain the enterprise and effort that they had displayed prior to the break.
Enniskillen too introduced the experienced Colm Bradley and the stream lined veteran was to give the Gaels attack a cutting edge long absent from their attacking play. Two second half goals also crucial in determining the outcome, Conor Kelly who was one of Enniskillen’s most consistent forwards much to the fore here.
A nicely poised opening half however as the teams traded a succession of points. Brian McAleer entrusted with the place kicking duties for Enniskillen and he was on song with the alert Kelly chipping in with other scores.
For Brookeboro, Niall Moane, Aiden Boyle, John Mellarkey and Oisin Howell were all on target and six all on the turnover was a fair enough reflection on the thirty minutes of even play.
But Brookeboro’s challenge faded as the second half advanced and they had no answer to the two goals which Enniskillen collected.
Both goals came in a relatively short period around the threequarter mark.
The adventurous Patrick Reihill heavily involved in both, his sortie forward creating the chance for Kelly to rap home a crisp shot and Neil Cox was on hand to palm home a ball that had been parried out by the Brookeboro keeper.
Brookeboro did have sporadic points over the half from Sean Breen and Aiden Boyle but the goals had left them far too far adrift. Enniskillen were also picking up their tally of points, Bradley making his presence felt and Ryan McCluskey drove forward to notch a few also with the dependable McAleer continuing to steer over the placed kicks.
For the Gaels who will breathe a sigh of relief that they have at last broken the ice, Paul Mullen was steady in defence and Kelly, Bradley were to the forefront in the attack.
For Brookeboro, Aiden Boyle, Paddy Boyle and Niall Moane all worked hard but their second half challenge lacked the intensity of their first half effort.
Referee; Joe Smith; Roslea.