REPORT: Late flurry leads Fermanagh past Longford in Tailteann Cup opener

Fermanagh 1-24 Longford 2-17

FERMANAGH finished with a flurry to overcome Longford and book their place in the next round of the Tailteann Cup with four-points the difference in the end.

The sides were tied all square with ten minutes remaining, but Declan Bonner’s charges made the burst for the finish line and outscored their opponents 0-6 to 0-2 in that time.

Both sides hit the net in the first half, with Oisin O’Toole raising a three-pointer for Longford before Conor Lover replied five minutes later with a major of his own. Longford led by the minimum of margins at half time, 1-10 to 1-9.

The Erne County slotted over three of the first four scores of the second half to get their noses in front but the lead soon swapped hands again when Dylan Farrell goaled for the Leinster men.

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With the game level on the 60 minute mark, Fermanagh really found their stride. Stephen McGullion kicked three, including a two-pointer while Garvan Jones nailed a free after coming in off the bench.

Shane McGullion got his name on the scoresheet as did Oisin Kelm, either side of a Farrell two-pointer, to leave Fermanagh ahead when the final whistle sounded.

Conor Love finished the game as Fermanagh’s top scorer and hit kicked 1-2 on the day. Darragh McGurn, star man in their Ulster Championship loss against Armagh, grabbed 0-4, while Ciaran Corrigan added 0-2 after coming in off the bench.

Longford’s main man was full forward Farrell and he led the line with 1-7. Oisin O’Toole grabbed the other goal, Oran Kenny hit 0-3 while both Matthew Carey and Patrick Moran were responsible for 0-2 apiece.