Fermanagh surprise Cavan

Fermanagh ... 1-11 Cavan ... 1-9Fermanagh came good as an attacking force against Cavan at Brewster Park yesterday, providing their loyal fans with a surprise first win in the league as bottom clashed with top.

This success owed much to a fine display by their defence in which full back Barry Owens and Michael Lilly were outstanding.

Four points in the four minutes of first-half extra-time was another factor as it left them in a strong position (0-8 to 0-3) going into the second period.

The Cavan revival, which was not helped by the loss of their inspirational forward Jason O'Reilly to injury, was sparked off by a Michael Graham goal in the second minute of the second half and much credit goes to their mentors as they brought on a couple of new faces and made a number of switches which gave their side a better shape.

Twenty minutes into the half it took an excellent block by Fermanagh goalkeeper Ronan Gallagher with help from Lilly to deny Graham his second goal.

Cavan, however, still managed to get within a point on two occasions before man-of-the-match Kieran Donnelly delivered the final point to ensure victory.

Following an indifferent first half, Cavan's claims for victory were given a boost by a magnificent point from Larry Reilly. Another from a free from corner forward Gerald Pierson left a point between the teams (0-10 to 1-6) with time almost up.

But Fermanagh responded with a crucial goal from Donnelly. His shot from close range was half blocked by the Cavan goalkeeper, but he followed up to send the ball to the net.

Now trailing by four points, Cavan provided a finale that had the fans off their seats, scoring three points without reply, to once more leave the minimum between the teams.

The home defence, however, held firm and Donnelly's insurance points was a personal reward for a gritty performance.

FERMANAGH: Ronan Gallagher; D O'Reilly, B Owens, M Lilly; J Gilheaney, R McCluskey, S McDermott; P Brewster, M McGrath; T Brewster (0-1), Raymond Gallagher (0-1), K Donnelly (1-5), R McCabe (0-1), S Maguire (0-1), R Keenan (0-2). Subs: R Johnston for Reilly; S Doherty for Keenan.

CAVAN: A Donohoe; C Collins, T Prior, J Jordan; A Forde, P Reilly (0-1), M McKeever; D McCabe (0-3), P McKenna; K Fannin, L Reilly (0-1), F O'Reilly; J O'Reilly, M Graham (1-1), G Pierson (0-3). Subs: P Galligan for Jason O'Reilly (inj); J McNally for F O'Reilly; B McGahon for Forde.

Referee: John Bannon (Longford).