Fermanagh's late surge burns off gutsy Longford
Fermanagh produced a storming final quarter to get the better of Longford in a high scoring Tailteann Cup affair in Brewster Park.
The home side shipped two goals at crucial periods but ran an effective bench, with Ciaran Corrigan and Declan McCusker making a big impact when brought on in the second half.
It also marked the first appearance of Ultan Kelm since last year, against a Longfors side who asked a lot of questions but were ultimately outgunned.
Darragh McGurn and the excellent Conor Love were key figures for the winners while Longford full-forward Dyan Farrell landed two fine two-pointers for the midlanders.
Matthew Flynn opened the scoring for Longford after two minutes, and this was negated by a Darragh McGurn response.
The hard-running Josh Largo Eliis nudged Fermanagh back in front.
But they were hit an early blow when Longford centre-back Oisin O'Toole cantered through the middle and expertly placed his shot in the net after five minutes.
Flynn increased Longford’s lead with a well-taken point.
But Fermanagh’s classy corner forward Conor Love waltzed around the Longford defence before planting a sweet shot to the corner of the net to tie matters.
Brandon Horan put the home side up by a point.
But Daniel Reynolds hit two quickfire points to put the visitors back in front.
It was then Dylan Farrells hit the first of his two pointers as Longford led by 1-07 to 1-03
Buit Sean Cassidy, McGurn and the excellent Love hit three points on the spin to leave just a point between the sides as half beckoned.
Joseph Hagan and Farrell,,two two-pointer put Longford into a 1-10 to 1-07 lead as McGurn and Joe McDade responded for Fermanagh to leave the visitors leading by 1-10 to 1-09 at the break.
Matthew Carey swapped points with Sean Cassidy and Mattie McDermott which tied matters on the resumption at 1-11 apiece.
Sub Ciaran Corrigan put Fermanagh into the lead for the first time and further points from Ronan McCafferey and McDermott put Fermanagh into a 1-14 to 1-12 lead.
Longford replied in style in the 45th minute when Daniel Reynolds pierced the Erne defence and set up Farrell who palmed the ball to the Fermanagh net to put Longford ahead by 2-12 to 1-14.
Carey made it a two- point game before debutant Mattie McDermott reduced the gap to a point.
Longford had Daniel Reynolds black-carded in the second half as Fermanagh got a grip at midfield.
Josh Largo Ellis levelled matters in the 55th minute and McGurn and Corrigan made it 1-18 to 2-13 by the 60th minute.
Longford responded with two points on the spin from Oran Kenny.
Those were their last scores however as Fermanagh’s Stephen McGullion struck a sublime two-pointer with the outside of the boot.
And Corrigan, Ronan McCaffrey, Shane McGullion and sub Oisin Kelm finished out the scoring for the winners.
Fermanagh: Sean McNally; Luke Flanagan, Oisin Smyth, Shane McGullion (0-01); Jonathan Cassidy, Ronan McCaffrey (0-02), Josh Largo Ellis (0-02); Conor McGee, Stephen McGullion (0-02, 1tp); Sean Cassidy (0-02) Brandon Horan (0-1), Joe McDade (0-01), Conor Love (1-02) Darragh McGurn (0-04), Mattie McDermott (0-03).
Subs: Ciaran Corrigan (0-02) for Luke Flanagan (23).Garvan Jones (0-01f) for Sean Cassidy (44), Declan McCusker for Conor McGee (50), Ultan Kelm for Brandon Horan (63), Oisin Kelm (0-01) for Mattie McDermott (68)
Longford: Eoin McGuinness; Patrick Fox, Ronan Sweeney, Bryan Masteson; Cian Brady, Oisin O’Toole (1-00) James Horan; Matthew Carey (0-03) Daire Duggan; Matthew Flynn (0-02), Joseph Hagan, Daniel Reynolds (0-03); Paddy Moran (0-01), Dylan Farrell (1-05, 1tp), Oran Kenny (0-02).
Subs: Peter Lynn for James Moran (ht). Aaron Farrell for Matthew Ryan (44), Niall Farrelly for Daire Duggan (54)
Referee: Barry Cassidy (Derry).
