Late McGovern free sees Fermanagh advance

Fermanagh’s Ultan Kelm was on target for the Ernesiders in their win over Donegal

Fergal McGovern was the hero for Fermanagh in Brewster Park as Fermanagh moved into the last four of the EirGrid Ulster Under 20 championship 0-14 to 0-12.

The Derrylin man kicking two late points to seal victory for the home side, in a grandstand finish that sees Ollie Fay’s side book a date with Derry.

Fermanagh started brightly with Eoin Beacom pointing inside the opening minute, quickly followed by a fine score from Ultan Kelm. The Erne men extended the lead to three before Patrick Dolan opened the scoring for Donegal. Fermanagh goalkeeper was called into action shortly after, making a smart save from Conor O’Donnell.

Donegal started to get to grips around the middle, and kicked five of the next six scores to lead for the first time as the half way mark approached. To their credit Fermanagh finished the half strongly, substitute Conor Love pointing with his first touch and a Darragh McGurn free giving them a one point lead at the break, 0-7 to 0-6. 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Fermanagh scoring from the opening attack and building up a lead. Callum Jones and Sean Cassidy kicked early points as Peadar Mogan hit back for Donegal.

Conor O’Donnell and Darragh McGurn exchanged scores before Fermanagh’s Callum Jones and Eoin Beacom kicked the next two scores to give the Ernesiders a three point lead.

Donegal kicked three scores, two from Conor O’Donnell and one from Eoin Beacom to bring them level before McGovern showed composure to kick two late points for Fermanagh.

Fermanagh advance to meet Derry in the semi-final next weekend.