Manchester United beat Fermanagh 4-2 in a thrilling goal-packed game.Manchester United beat Fermanagh 4-2 in a thrilling goal-packed game.
There was a large attendance at Ballymena Showgrounds as tournament favourites Man United took on local side Co.Fermanagh.
Fermanagh got the game started from kick-off immediately looking for the long ball over the top of United’s defence. The first real chance of the game came when Shola Shoretire danced around a few Fermanagh defenders and set up Hayden Smethurst who didn’t make clear connection with the ball sending it away from the goal to be cleared by defenders.
The Red Devils enjoyed most of the ball however Fermanagh grew into the game as it went on, a good cross almost finding a Fermanagh head in the box but it was clawed away by the United keeper. The first goal of the game came in the 22nd minute when Shoretire picked the ball up 40 yards away from the net and went on a mazy run.
He spotted Odubeko in the box and gave him an inch perfect pass, Odubeko composed himself and hit the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 United.
Fermanagh fought back and 5 minutes later Eimhin Curran poked a shot home from close range to the delight of the crowd. The goal meant both sides went into the break honours even.
HT : 1-1
2 minutes after the restart United took the lead again with Odubeko on the end of a brilliant pass scoring an improvised goal to make the score 2-1. United’s lead didn’t last long – 1 minute later Eimhin Curran ran onto a pass back from a United defender and was first to react to level the scores and complete his brace.
Fermanagh then received 2 yellow cards for fouls on the halfway line in their attempts to disrupt United’s quick attacks. A long ball was sent over the top of United’s defence by Fermanagh, their striker was one-on-one with the keeper and had a chance to send his side into the lead. He struck the ball and it beat the keeper and collided with the outside of the post.
So near but yet so far- Fermanagh’s best chance of the game had come to waste.
United hit back with a bullet header from Teden Mengi in the 50th minute. Mengi used his height to his advantage as he towered over his marker to put United in the lead again and score his 3rd goal of the tournament.
United’s fourth goal of the day came in the dying seconds of the match, Charlie Wellens beat a defender and took a shot from outside the box which beat the keeper. An outstanding goal. An outstanding win. An outstanding team.
Manchester United can be happy with their second win in a row, a match were they played good football from the first minute to the last. Fermanagh can be more than proud of a match were many considered them outsiders. Both teams showed maturity in a thrilling match for players and fans alike.
FT Man Utd 4 – Fermanagh 2
Credit, Elia Boutros