Fermanagh Junior Championship Semi Final
Belnaleck 2-6 v Newtownbutler 0-9
With 16 minutes played at Brewster Park on Friday evening it was favourites Newtownbutler who led 0-6 to 0-1 but a two goal blast late in the first half from Belnaleck and a solid defensive unit was to see Belnaleck come through a clash that won’t be remembered too long by the 289 spectators in Enniskillen.
Belnaleck only allowed Newtownbutler to score one solitary point in the second half and so Cathal Murphy’s side are the first team to book a place in this year’s Junior Championship Final.
Newtownbutler held sway early on and chalked up points from Jarlath Jackman (2), Sean Mullaney, James Maguire, Brendan McBrien and Sean Mullaney, while at the other end Conor McAuley and Ciaran McBrien done well to set up Johnny Owens for his sides opening score.
Ciaran McBrien who got through a mountain of work for Belnaleck in the full forward line pointed before a two goal blast from Johnny Owens and Sean Lewsley turned this game on its head.
James Connolly responded for Newtownbutler with two fine strikes and as the sides went in at the break it was all level, 2-2 to 0-8.
Mark Gallagher put Belnaleck ahead 6 minutes into the second half while two frees from Kane Connor and a superb Sean Lewsley score pushed Belnaleck 2-6 to 0-8 clear with 16 minutes remaining.
Newtownbutler weren’t done just yet and Frank Mulligan got his sides first point of the half on 46 minutes but there was to be no great escape from Newtownbutler as Belnaleck held firm to book a Final date for Friday October 7th.
Newtownbutler now face Aghadrumsee in Semi Final 2 and will know that a much more improved performance will be needed to defeat Aidan McElroy’s side.
Belnaleck – Johnny Owens 1-1, Sean Lewsley 1-1, Kane Connor 0-2, Ciaran McBrien 0-1, Mark Gallagher 0-1.
Newtownbutler – Jarlath Jackman 0-2, James Connolly 0-2, Sean Mullaney 0-2, James Maguire 0-1, Brendan McBrien 0-1, Frank Mulligan 0-1.
Referee- Dermott Love (Enniskillen Gaels)
