Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GALLAGHER’S GEARING UP FOR BIGGER CHALLENGES
RORY GALLAGHER knows Fermanagh still have it all to do to gain promotion from Division Three, despite picking up their fourth win out of four.
Their 1-16 to 3-8 win over Derry, who mounted a strong second-half comeback in Brewster Park on Saturday night, puts them joint top alongside Armagh, who beat Offaly by six points yesterday.
Gallagher said promotion is “in our own hands now” but is aware their toughest games are yet to come, against promotion rivals Westmeath, Armagh and Longford.
“We are exactly where we wanted to be,” he added.
“We felt the fixtures were set up relatively favourable for us, there’s no denying that.
“We had Wexford and Offaly at home, then Sligo and Derry, who without the Slaughtneil players are a different proposition.
“We are building now towards the three teams who are in contention for promotion.”
Seamus Quigley hit 1-8 for Fermanagh, and that was the exact total they clocked up in the opening 15 minutes before Derry registered a point.
The Erne men led by 1-12 to 1-3, Emmett Bradley scoring the Derry goal against the run of play after half an hour.
The Oak Leafers mounted a good second-half comeback with goals from Mark Lynch and James Kielt, but Fermanagh held on.
Armagh beat Offaly 1-15 to
1-9 in Tullamore, Gregory Mccabe and Sean Doyle trading first-half scores as the visitors took a 1-10 to 1-5 lead into the break.
Ethan Rafferty top-scored with five points for Kieran Mcgeeney’s side.