Two sublime efforts from substitute Matthew Lusty and a first half strike for Sean McAllister where enough to give a clinical Club NI side the perfect start to a promising week.
The Elite side showed their status with their composure on the ball early on, as the county side struggled to settle in front of the sizeable crowd. They were almost the masters of their own downfall early on, a slack back pass almost allowing Conor Bradley in on goal. Club NI continued to attack having real success with diagonal passes to the wings, the pace of their wingers getting in behind was evident for all to see.
The Ernesiders would create their first chance of the game in the ninth minute James Tavares’ cross was met by Michael Glynn, his effort was easily parried by Callum Taylor in the Northern Ireland goal.
After a brief spell of positive play, the Fermanagh men were almost caught out by their own accord once again. The ball was played back to goalkeeper Sam McDonald who was almost caught in possession clearing the ball down field in the nick of time.
Despite the nervousness running through the county side they could have gone in front. A cutting through ball from number ten Michael Glynn found Conor Courtney whose curling effort was well saved by Callum Taylor. Declan Devine’s side would have their breakthrough on the brink of half time. Sean McAllister volleying low into the bottom left corner in spectacular fashion after the Fermanagh defence failed to deal with a high ball forward.
HALF TIME: CLUB NI 1-0 CO.FERMANAGH
Fermanagh would emerge from the blocks quickest in the second half Glynn again involved again with a perfect touch after a dink down the line. The number ten would find Eimhin Curran, his effort easily gathered by Taylor.
Ten minutes into the second half NI would put together a fantastic passing move. Some great footwork from Connor Bradley afforded him the space to cross to the back post, the ball sailing by despite the best efforts of the outstretched Sean McAllister.
Ten minutes from time the lead would be doubled substitute Matthew Lusty heading home with his very first touch. A brilliant cross from Aaron Donnelly ironically finding the smallest man on the field.
Lusty would be the man again in the final minute of the game finishing a fine cutting cross, hard into the middle of the goal on the half volley. Club NI: Callum Taylor, Charlie Allen, Lewis McKinnon, Aaron Donnelly, Sean Stewart, Vicky Saladanha, Orrin McLaughlin, Connor Bradley, Sean McAllister, Ross McCausland, Terry Devlin. Subs Used: Kian Storey, Matthew Lusty, Ronan Kalla, Reece Bryne, Joshua Archer. Co. Fermanagh: Sam McDonald, Adam Beckett, Rory Burns, Darragh Bryne, Conor Courtney, Eimhin Curran, Michael Glynn, Henry Mishimmin, Sam McDonald, Ben Murray, James O’Donnell, Jamie Tavares.Subs Used: Ryan Beatty, Conor Burns, Sean Murray, Lewis Baron.
Club NI 3
McAllister 10’, Lusty 50’, Lusty 60’
Co. Fermanagh 0
Credit: Odhrán Crumley, @odhranc14