FERMANAGH ...........2

TYRONE ..................2

(FERMANAGH WON 4-3 ON PENALTIES)

Fermanagh won their opening game at Lord Lurgan Memorial Park in a dramatic penalty shoot out. Tyrone began the match brightly seeking revenge for their defeat in the Erne cup but found the talented Fermanagh goalkeeper Joe McGovern in fine form with some terrific saves. However on six minutes he was beat with a clever lob that sailed over his head. Fermanagh rallied well with Colin Kennedy and Christopher Sheridan combining well up front and causing the Tyrone defence numerous problems. Indeed it was this combination that were involved in the Fermanagh equaliser when a free kick from the left taken by Rory Corrigan was headed down by Kennedy for Sheridan to score. Fermanagh then went ahead in similar circumstances when another good free kick by by Rory Corrigan sailed over the Tyrone defenders and John Currie scored at the back post. In the second half Tyrone got an equaliser with a quickly taken throw in that caught the Fermanagh defence out. In the penalty shoot out Rory Corrigan,Rory Mc Grade, Chris Sheridan and Nathan Rutledge all scored to see their side into the final.

FERMANAGH .........1

ANTRIM ..................3

In the final, Manager Robert Walker made several changes to his side and gave all the squad an opportunity to get competitive football. Antrim fielding several Northern Ireland players stormed into a two goal lead before Fermanagh settled. Indeed the score line could have been more but for Goalkeeper Andrew Nevin who dived at a forwards feet to rescue his side and some good challenges by Stephen Blair. A third goal did come before halftime and a demoralised Fermanagh trooped off at half time. In the second half Fermanagh recaptured their earlier form and took the game to to Antrim with Colin Kennedy scoring with a powerful drive. The driving runs of Rory Mc Grade and the versatility of Louis Leonard when moved to midfield kept the Fermanagh side on top and they were unfortunate not to add to their goal tally.

Manager Robert Walker said, "Overall I am very pleased at how the squad is progressing and this Tournament is great preparation for the Milk Cup. In the coming weeks we are planning for more competitive games of a similar standard."

Coach Mervyn Elliott added, "These highly competitive games are an ideal preparation for the side and give some indication of the standard of play we are required to achieve at the Milk Cup. The Antrim game was a good test and I am particularly pleased with the character of the side to lift their game when facing defeat."