PENALTY MISS

Conleth Gilligan stepped up to take a penalty for Derry. If he scores they go eight points up. Ronan Gallagher strikes an imposing figure in the Fermanagh goal and claws away the powerfully struck shot. Giligan scores from the resultant 45 but the save is a huge boost to the Fermanah team.

DERRY FUMBLE

Fermanagh have fought back from six points down to half the deficet to three as the game raced towards half time.

Eoin Bradley gathered possession for Derry on the right wing of his attack and sets off on one of his trademark runs.

His searing pace brings him along the endline and close to the the Fermanagh goal but his hand pass inside is fumbled by big brother and Fermanagh clear the danger and sweep up the field to create a score.

From a possible Derry goal and a six point lead it is now only a two point game and it is the men in green who have all the momentum.

OWENS GOAL

You could not write it. With Fermanagh missing a few chances and needing a goal the double All Star full back is sprung by Malachy O'Rourke. Within seconds of coming on he swoops on an Eamon Maguire shot which drops short and palms the ball to the net. Fermanagh lead and are in the driving seat.

MANAGER WATCH

Once again Malach O'Rourke and his backroom staff showed their tactical nonce. Derry looked dangerous in the opening moments and it was obvious that what O'Rourke had initially planned was not working. The Derrylin man did not panic however and reshuffled his deck. Dropping two players in front of the full back line the supply to the two Bradley's was completely cut off.

As a result Derry have to go to plan 'B' and it becomes quickly apparent that they do not have one.

Paddy Crozier tryied to make a few substitutions but none have the desired effect. On the other hand O'Rourke's substitutes worked a dream with both Shane McCabe and Barry Owens making huge impacts.

SCORE OF THE GAME

There were a few contenders. Obviously for its sheer importance Barry Owens goal was a huge score. Marty McGrath, Ryan Keenan and Eamon Maguire hoisted over some lovely scores in the second half but our score of the game goes to one of the quiet heroes of the Fermanagh team, Tommy McElroy. The Brookeboro wing half back was immense throughout and it was his score in the first half that started to settle the Fermanagh ship. A good team move saw McElroy placed in possession and Tommy drove forward into the heart of the Derry defence and kicked a wonderful score into the teeth of a strong breeze with the outside of his right foot.