Masters shows class for Cork

Cork 1-15 Fermanagh 0-6:James Masters put on a virtuoso display of point scoring as Cork cruised to a comfortable win over a very disappointing Fermanagh in this Division One A clash in Clones yesterday.

Cork did not have to hit top gear to wrap up the points for a result that has consigned Fermanagh to Division Three next season.

Fermanagh promised better things early in the game and raced into a three-point lead after 11 minutes, but they flattered to deceive as Cork began to exert an increasing influence.

The accuracy of Masters was crucial to their cause and his three first-half points helped Cork draw level and then take the lead. Fermanagh finished the half well and a point by Mark Little in injury time sent the sides in level at the break at 0-5 apiece.

Within minutes of the restart Masters put Cork in front. More scores from Masters, and Kevin O'Sullivan had Cork ahead at double scores, 0-10 to 0-5, and Fermanagh visibly dispirited.

The remainder of the game turned into something of a procession and but for a slightly casual approach by Cork in attack they could have won by a wider margin.

Michael Cussen, the towering Cork full forward, found the net in the 28th minute to complete the rout a few minutes after Fermanagh registered their only score of the second half, a point by Eamon Maguire.

CORK: P O'Shea; M Prout, M Shields, K O'Connor; N O'Leary, G Spillane, A Lynch; D Kavanagh, N Murphy; C McCarthy, P O'Neill, K McMahon; J Masters (0-10), M Cussen (1-2), K O'Sullivan (0-2). Subs: S Levis for N O'Leary, A Cronin for K McMahon, D Hurley for N Murphy, D Goulding (0-1) for G Kavanagh.

FERMANAGH: N Tinney; N Bogue, B Owens, S Goan; S McDermott, S Lyons, P Sherry; M McGrath, D Kelly; T Brewster (0-1), M Little (0-1), E Maguire (0-1); R Keenan, M Murphy, D Mckeever (0-3). Subs: S Doherty for R Keenan, C Reilly for D McKeever.

Referee: J Bannon (Longford).