Athletic make exit from Junior Cup

Articlave 3 Enniskillen Athletic 2

Enniskillen Athletic were defeated in the first round of the Junior Cup by Coleraine side Articlave on Saturday by a scoreline of 3-2.

After no goals in the first half, the game sprung to life in the second with Athletic going 2-0 down before levelling things up in poor weather conditions.

Despite Athletic’s strong second-half performance, an 88th-minute winner saw them bow out of this year’s competition and Articlave advance to the next round.

There were chances for both sides in the second half as Emmet Cassidy’s effort forced the Articlave keeper into making a top quality save.

Ryan Mcnulty also went close for Athletic as his shot just flew over the bar in an advanced position.

Athletic goalkeeper Cal Mcanespy made two fine saves when he was called into action towards the end of the half to send the sides in goalless at the break.

An early second-half goal from Robert Donnell gave Articlave the lead after the forward went one-on-one with the keeper.

Mark Averill made it 2-0 moments later after he stayed cool in front of goal to extend the home side’s lead.

Despite their setback Athletic fought to get back into the game, Gavin Greene’s freekick was fumbled by makeshift keeper Aaron Riley, and it fell to midfielder Callum Frempong who finished low to cut the lead to 2-1.

Ten minutes after, Greene again lined up a free kick from a similar position and this time sent he sent the ball straight into the top right corner to tie things up at Castlerock Playing Fields.

Athletic went close to finding a winner as Greene’s shot crashed off the post and Mcnulty also saw his right-footed shot come off the woodwork to deny Athletic a third goal.

Athletic’s pressure was not rewarded and instead, Johnny Guyler glanced a header into the net from an Articlave free kick to give his side the lead with two minutes of normal time remaining.

And Articlave held on to book their spot in the second round of the Junior Cup.

Enniskillen Athletic manager Darren Rodgers said after the game:

““The boys played really well, and we were unlucky not to get the win, considering the number of players missing.

“Hopefully, we will have them back in the next few weeks.

“Cal Mcanespy had an excellent game in goals for us at 17 years of age.”

Athletic will hope to welcome a rejuvenated squad as they travel to Magheraveely as they return to league action on Saturday.