DERRYGONNELLY ...........................1-6

NEWTOWNBUTLER .........................1-7

Newtownbutler returned from their trip to Derrygonnelly with two points secured but they rode their fortune somewhat as the Harps really should have earned a draw, but for a very poor miss by placekicker Johnny McGurn in the final moments of the game.

This was a low scoring game all the way through with both defences decidedly having the better of matters. It meant for a competitive enough tie with very little to separate the teams at any juncture.

Tied level on four points each at the interval, it was to continue to be a tight affair in the second half, the two goals that were to be scored coming within a few minutes of each other.

Newtown were to make the slightly more enterprising opening as they eased themselves into an early lead with two finely executed points, one a terrific angled free from Ryan Carson and the other from Kevin Connolly who hoisted over another.

But Derrygonnelly were able to respond to this and they hit back with an impressive enough surge, three points tossed over by Sean Meehan, Kevin McGrath and Kevin Cassidy.

It set the tone for the rest of the contest, virtually nothing between the teams and with both defences now beginning to exert their command, the scoring rate began to falter.

Paul Johnson and Brendan McBrien hit isolated scores for Newtown before Johnny McGurn had a levelling score from a free, close to the break.

There was to be a brisk restart with a goal collected at each end. First blow went to the home side, a shot from Kevin McGrath smacking off the woodwork and Michael Jones was on hand to finish off.

But Derrygonnelly had little time to build on this as they carelessly conceded a goal in reply.

It was one of the few instances of slipshod defensive play on their part, failure to take possession of the ball setting up a Newtown opportunity and Brendan McBrien was on hand to stab home a ball which had been blocked down.

Newtown were then to edge slightly ahead with scores from Colm Monaghan but they were never to be in anything which could be classed as a comfortable position.

Johnny McGurn kept the home side always in range with a couple of points but in the end it was to be a somewhat fortunate Newtown success.

For the Harps, the defence as a unit performed steadily all through with just the one isolated moment which resulted in the concession of a goal.

Michael Jones had an especially good game for them with Eamon McHugh also featuring strongly. Up front Sean Meehan offered an element of pace and mobility.

For Newtown Paul O'Brien was a tenacious half back with Daniel O'Keefe a sturdy full back and in their subdued forward line, Brendan McBrien looked the most purposeful.

Referee John McGurn Erne Gaels.