Enniskillen Athletic …………..4
Magheraveeley …………………..2
This Division Two encounter between the two promoted sides from last year seen Enniskillen Athletic edge out Magheraveeley as John Joe Strain scored the final goal 3minutes from time to settle the contest.
There was little to separate the teams in what was a high quality affair and having met on four occasions last season they were fully aware of what their opponents would serve up.
Athletic came out on top for the first time having drawn two and lost two when the sides met previously. Magheraveeley’s Rodney McVitty stated “Athletic are a very good side and they were probably due a win against us but it was an entertaining game and we could have taken something from it”. Winning manager Peter Goan was pleased to pick up the three points “It was a good all round team performance from us, Magheraveeley have held the upperhand on us last year so we are happy to have come out on top on this occasion”.
It was the visitors who got the ball rolling on 14minutes with a superb strike from Nathan Stewart and they almost doubled their advantage but the woodwork saved Athletic moments later.
It wasn’t until the mid-point of the half that Athletic began to play the football they can and they were awarded a penalty when Emmet Cassidy was upended, the visitors felt it was a harsh call but referee Barney Gault had no doubt.
William Simpson tucked away the spot kick to level matters. It would remain 1-1 at the interval.
Athletic began the second period very well and were denied on two occasions by the woodwork.
John Joe Strain and Cassidy both hitting the post before a half volley from Cassidy nestled in the corner from 18yards for 2-1.
A set piece seen Athletic move 3-1 in front, a powering header from William Simpson finding the net but Magheraveeley hit back when Andy Little’s mazy run through the middle and stunning shot from 25 yards flew into the net for 3-2.
It was nip and tuck over the closing quarter with Magheraveeley pressing for the equaliser they were caught on the break three minutes from time.
John Joe Strain beating a defender before rounding the goalkeeper and tapping into the empty net securing the three points on a 4-2 scoreline.
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