Super second half seals top of the table win for Town

Enniskillen Town 3 Tummery Athletic 2

Enniskillen Town joint manager James Mckenna wants to see his side back up last Saturday’s top of the table victory over reigning champions Tummery Athletic when they go to Lisbellaw United this week.

Town’s strong start to the season continued as they produced a fine second half display to come from behind to end Tummery’s 100 per cent opening to the current campaign.

The Dromore side had taken the lead through Martin Hughes late in the first half but half time substitute Lee Brennan made an instant impact as he levelled matters three minutes into the second half before a Declan Molloy own goal had Town ahead.

The home side then added to their lead through Frank Wallace and although Emmett Mcnabb pulled a goal back for Tummery, it was just a consolation as Town claimed the points.

“We’re delighted with the win. Tummery have been the benchmark over the last few seasons and anybody finishing above them this season will have a great chance of winning the league,” said Mckenna.

“We knew it would be tough but we were very happy with the performance, especially the second half.

“However, we need to back it up this week against a good Lisbellaw side. They have been going well and are a hard game for anybody so we will be drumming it into the boys that we need the exact same attitude as we had against Tummery. There is no point beating Tummery and then dropping points the next week.

“We are obviously still missing players due to GAA commitments but the boys who have been playing have really been putting their hands up to stay in the team even when everybody returns,” added Mckenna.

Tummery player manager Ryan Hanna had no complaints with the outcome.

“The best team won on the day,” he said. “We were relatively happy with the first half but we just didn’t come out for the second half. I think the boys got caught up in playing the occasion and not the game and we had Aidy Mccaffrey sent off and after that Town controlled things.

“I would be disappointed with the nature of the first two goals we conceded but we’ll look to improve this week and that’s the beauty of the league, you get a chance to bounce back and we’ll be looking to return to winning ways this Saturday against Maghervaeely,” he added.

It was the visitors who had the better of the exchanges though in the opening 45 minutes at St. Michael’s Pavillion with Emmett Mcnabb in particular looking threatening in the wide areas.

Town though did look dangerous from set pieces with Cathal Beacom forcing a great save out of Tummery custodian Niall Mccrory from a free kick.

Tummery though continued to probe and they went on to take a controversial lead when Hughes fired high to the roof of the net from ten yards. Town protested that a second ball was on the pitch during the lead up to the goal but referee Mcelroy dismissed their appeals, deeming that it did not interfere with the play as the goal stood.

Town introduced Brennan at the break and by the 48th minute they were on level terms as he slotted past Mccrory at the near post.

Lifted by this, Town began to take control with Duwayne Mcmanus prominent and with 62 minutes on the clock they got their noses in front as Mcmanus’ cross was turned into his own net by the hapless Molloy.

Wallace was then put through one on one against Mccrory but the keeper made the save before Town were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Kane Connor was upended.

However, Mccrory denied Beacom as it remained 2-1.

Tummery were then reduced to ten men when captain Aidy Mccaffrey picked up a second yellow card and Town went on to put the game to bed in the 90th minute as Wallace drilled home.

Mcnabb did pull a goal back for Tummery in added on time but it was Town’s day as the leaders moved seven points clear of Athletic at the top although the Dromore side have two games in hand.