Enniskillen Athletic 2 Bessbrook Utd 3 (aet)

A depleted Enniskillen Athletic were knocked out of the Junior Cup after extra time by Bessbrook United on Saturday.

Athletic had looked as if they were going to seal their place in the next round of the competition as they led 2-1 in the 90th minute, but a controversial equaliser saw Bessbrook take the game to extra time before going on to seal the win.

Assistant Manager Darren Rodgers was more than happy with his side’s performance on the day.

“We had only three players available who played against Tummery the week before, and I couldn’t fault anybody.

“We knocked the ball about really well, especially in the first half,” said Rodgers.

Athletic goalkeeper Ryan McNulty was called into action early on while his opposite number also pulled off a couple of good stops in the opening stages before Athletic stuck to open the scoring in the tenth minute, Conor McAloon robbing the ball off the goalkeeper and slotting into the empty net for 1-0.

Bessbrook hit back to level on the half hour mark but two minutes later the home side were back in front with McAloon grabbing his second of the day. Mattie Holden whipped in a great cross and McAloon volleyed home.

Athletic could have been further ahead at the break, but Philip Leonard hit the post from another Holden cross, while Ryan Finch also had a chance but failed to find the net.

The home side were again denied by the woodwork in the second half, Connor Rippey this time hitting the post.

Athletic looked as if they were going to see the game out but in the 90th minute they were hit with a controversial equaliser.

Derek Sharpe sliced a cross into his own net but Athletic were adamant that the referee had blown for a foul in the build-up. The goal though was given, and in extra time the only chance fell the way of Bessbrook which they tucked away to progress.