SUPER CUP NI WARM-UP FIXTURES

Portstewart 1 Fermanagh Premiers 2

MARC McCleery oversaw a second ‘pleasing’ performance in a week as Fermanagh concluded their double-header of fixtures with a 2-1 success against a Portstewart FC youth side in Coleraine on Saturday morning.

After a hard-fought opening period, the Ernemen took a 1-0 advantage to the break after Cathaír Maguire converted from the penalty spot.

Portstewart equalised in the second half, but Fermanagh had the final say. Alfie Jones curled home a low free-kick to secure back-to-back friendly wins for the county side, who were grateful for Tadhg Kernaghan’s penalty save late on.

McCleery was pleased with how his side adapted to the conditions at The Crescent.

“In very tricky conditions, it was really pleasing how we kept trying to play,” he said. “We created a lot of opportunities. Again however, we do need to make more of the opportunities that we create.

“The backline was superb also. They continue to grow as a unit, and it was great to see both goalkeepers deliver when called upon, including Adam’s stops in the first half and Tadhg’s penalty save.”

Chances were at a premium in the opening half, before Fermanagh made the crucial breakthrough. Ollie Taylor threaded an exquisite through ball into Charlie McCabe, who was brought down in the box. Maguire stepped up and directed a fine penalty into the left corner of the net.

Maguire almost turned provider, as Fermanagh looked to add a second. His cross was finished by McCabe at the near post, but the referee’s whistle had already been blown. At the other end, Adam Magee made an outstanding save from close-range to ensure a half-time lead.

Jay Largo Elis had the pick of the second half opportunities for Fermanagh, before Portstewart equalised with 15 minutes remaining.

However, the Ernemen, undeterred, sought a late winner and were rewarded through Alfie Jones, his second goal in two days.

Jones won a free-kick on the edge of the box, before stepping up and curling the dead ball into the bottom corner.

Portstewart applied some late pressure, forcing Kernaghan into a superb one-on-one stop before saving a low penalty, as Fermanagh held on for the win.

It was a physically demanding weekend for McCleery’s boys, who deemed the double-header exercise a success.

“In terms of loading it was massively beneficial to play two games in two days, against different types of opponents. Portstewart provided a more physical challenge, and our lads stood up to that test,” concluded McCleery.

Fermanagh Premiers 3  Sligo Rovers2

FERMANAGH Premier boss Marc McCleery was ‘hugely impressed’ by his squad, who secured a 3-2 success over Sligo Rovers at Devenish College on Friday night in the first of a double-header of fixtures.

Donnacha Malone opened the scoring for the visitors following a stunning strike, before Fermanagh’s Kacper Ferens equalised 9 minutes before the break.

The Ernemen went through the gears in the second half, with quick-fire strikes by Alfie Jones and Jay Largo Elis opening a two-goal advantage.

Malone added a late consolation for Sligo, but McCleery was impressed by all aspects of his side’s play.

“I felt that our squad put in a really good performance against Sligo” he said. “We looked dangerous in the attacking areas of the field, scoring three goals and creating further opportunities. Despite conceding, defensively our shape was good and both goalkeepers pulled off some decent saves. Overall, a very positive, beneficial workout.”

Fermanagh started the game brightly, with Oisin Morris and Largo Elis both having early sights at goal. But it was the visitors who scored first through Malone following a powerful effort from distance.

Tadhg Kernaghan made a strong save from Malone to keep the score at 1-nil, before Ferens equalised, finishing into the top corner following a low cross from Ollie Taylor on the right.

The hosts came out strong in the second half. First, Ferens hit the post following a Charlie McCabe through ball before Ferens then became provider as the Ernemen took the lead. Receiving the ball in the boss, Fermanagh’s number 11 squared a pass to Jones in the 6 yard box who applied the finish.

Largo Elis then added a third for Fermanagh, his high pressing rewarded as he poked a shot home from close range. Malone added a late consolation for Sligo, driving inside from the right and drilling a low effort into the corner.

McCleery accepts that fresh legs made a difference in the second half, while also citing the need to be more clinical in front of goal.

“We were able to make several changes in the second half, which gave us fresh impetus in the attacking areas when our opponents perhaps began to tire,” he added.

“We had chances to extend our lead further. I’m now challenging our group to capitalise on the opportunities we create. Scoring opportunities will be at a premium at SuperCupNI and if we don’t take them, we will be punished.”