Kildare fall to Fermanagh's defensive system

It was a hugely disappointing display, and result, for Kildare in Brewester Park in Fermanagh on Saturday night when the home side held out for a two point win, 0-8 to 0-6 in the Allianz Football League Division 2, Round 3 game.

A game that showed much of what is wrong in the game of football at the minute, and that is not taking anything away from the home  side who played as everyone expected them to, lots of times 15 men, not just behind the ball, but behind their own 45m line.

Kildare lacked penetration throughout, after getting off to a very poor start they came into the game but in fairness were probably more than happy to be trailing by just two points at the break.

They upped their game somewhat in the second half, drew level at 0-6 apiece but could not get their noses in front and two late points saw the home side deservedly take the points on a day that confirmed much of what is wrong with the game of football at the minute. But have no doubt the home team thoroughly deserved their victory.

 Scorers: Fermanagh Sean Quigley 0-3 (3 frees), Ryan Lyons 0-2, Eoin Donnelly 0-1, Ryan Jones 0-1, Conall Jones 0-1.

Kildare, Adam Tyrrell 0-2 (2 frees), Fergal Conway 0-2, Neil Flynn 0-2 (2 frees).

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O'Grady, David Hyland; James Murray, Eoin Doyle cpt., Keith Cribbin; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; David Slattery, Fergal Conway, Conor Hartley; Adam Tyrrell, Ben McCormack Neil Flynn. Subs: Jimmy Hyland for Adam Tyrrell (half time); Cian O'Conooghue for Conor Hartley (half time); Tommy Moolick for Keith Cribbin (60 minutes); Fionn Dowling for Fergal Conway (60 minutes); Padraig Nash for David Slattery (65 minutes);

FRMANAGH: Thomas Treacy; Jonny Cassidy, Lee Cullen, Kane Connor; Ultlen Kelm, James McMahon, Ciaran Corrigan; Eoin Donnelly, Ryan Jones; Ryan Lyons, Declan McCusker Aidan Breen; Daniel Teague, Conall Jones, Sean Quigley. Subs: Tom Clarke for Eoin Donnelly (19 minutes); Paul McCusker for Daniel Teague (37 minutes); Eamon McHugh for Kane Connor (40 minutes); Shane McGullion for Tom Clarke (60 minutes); Ciaran McBrien for Ultan Kelm (60 minutes);

REFEREE: Martin McNally, Monaghan.