Fintona........0-12Owen Roes.......3-08

OWEN Roes appear to be developing an affinity for the cup competitions this year as suggested by their weekend victory in Fintona. A season showing a league campaign that presents 11 straight losses, is contrasted with three wins on the trot in the division's cup competitions.

This latest win was helped by an early goal from Aidan McCrossan following approach play by half forward Kiernan Kelly. Ryan Stewart surged forward for his first senior score shortly after, before the Pearses came back into it with four unanswered scores.

However Owen Roes replied in the best manner possible as Cathal Dooher's work allowed Declan McCrossan to raise a Green flag. McCrossan tagged on two more either side of a Mark Donnelly point as the visitors pressed their advantage.

As the half closed out Aidan McCrossan converted a long free, and Kiernan Kelly knocked over to give Owen Roes a 2-5 half time score. The hosts hit a late point to send them in five in arrears with 0-6 to their credit.

Owen Roes almost started the second half in similar vein to the first, as Raymond McBrien made a fine stop from Kiernan Kelly. This lifted his colleagues and three Donnelly points, and a Niall Mellon score ensured that the minimum was in the contest.

A Declan McCrossan free kept Owen Roes ahead, but Donnelly's seventh score made it a nervous finish for the travelling O'Neill's. Gerard Devine's forward foray permitted Aidan McCrossan to point as time ticked away.

With Fintona pressing to get back into the game, Owen Roes killed things off at the other end as Chris Kelly's free was put to the net by the experienced sub Mickey Dooher. All was left was for a Declan McCrossan free, and another Fintona point.

This was an excellent away victory for Owen Roes who now make the last four of the Joe McGarrity league cup. With some players still returning from injury those in the jerseys know they have to battle to retain them.