Fermanagh Juniors 2
FC America 1
By Aaron Hazzard
It was a historic early evening at Parker Avenue in Portrush for Co. Fermanagh.
For the first time since 2016, the Junior’s won two of their three opening games of Super Cup NI, guaranteeing their highest-ever finish, following a comeback 2-1 victory over a dogged FC America side.
After a first half of few opportunities, the American side edged ahead in the opening minutes of the second interval following a fine individual effort.
This setback failed to deter the Ernemen with Jay Ely responding with two goals in two minutes, including a powerful header and chipped finish, to secure another famous victory for the boys in green.
Daniel McCarron had the first chance of the game for Fermanagh, but he saw his early effort scooped up by Greyson Thorn.
It was a good start from Fermanagh, with Cathair Maguire and Kacper Ferens bright sparks on the right for the Ernemen.
The first chance for FC America came from a set-piece, with Roman Bas dropping his free-kick just wide of the near post, before another attempt was flashed over the bar.
Fermanagh threatened again, a Nathan Coyle cross from the left found Kacper Ferens at the far post, with his header plucked safety by Thorn.
Niall Goodwin, who demonstrated some moments of brilliance throughout, linked up with Jay Ely on a couple of occasions, with the prolific forward seeing both his efforts blocked behind for corners.
Luca Hall then saw his speculative effort drop wide of the post, before an excellent solo effort by Ferens was followed up by a curling Maguire shot as the first half drew to a close.
FC America came out strong in the second half and scored inside the first two minutes following a fine individual effort down the left side.
Fermanagh responded with Niall Goodwin again supplying Ely, whose individual shot and dribble and shot forced a fine stop from Thorn.
Ely forced another corner and it was from here Fermanagh drew level. Alfie Jones swung in the corner for Ely to power his effort beyond the reach of the inspired Thorn.
Jay Ely scored both Co. Fermanagh’s goals against FC America
Two minutes later, Fermanagh were ahead.
Coyle’s initial cross from the left found its way to the far side of the pitch, with Nicky Milligan returning the ball to the feet of Ely before the languid centre forward chipped a fine effort over the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net to complete a quickfire turnaround.
Kimi Thompson saw his low effort gathered by the America goalkeeper, before a deep corner from FC America saw goalkeeper Jake Agnew come out bravely to punch away the danger.
The best opportunity to equalise came when Collin Judkins received the ball in midfield and drove forward towards the box, skipping past a defender before rolling an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Fermanagh play Co. Londonderry in today’s (Thursday)Glove semi-fianl at 2.30pm in Broughshane.
Fermanagh: Jake Agnew, Alex Kavanagh, Jim Sherry, Daniel McCarron ©, Lucas Connolly, Jay Ely, Kacper Ferens, Cathair Maguire, Niall Goodwin, Nathan Coyle, Luca Hall
Substitutes: Timothy Armstrong, Alfie Jones, Nicky Milligan, Shea McManus, Kayden McGovern, Kimi Thompson, Aodhan McGranaghan
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