Fermanagh minors draw with Monaghan counterparts

Fermanagh 0-13 Monaghan 1-10, Irvinestown (aet)

A flurry of late Fermanagh scores ensured John McCusker's charges and Monaghan will have to face off again in the Ulster Minor Hurling Championship after a draw after extra-time at Irvinestown this evening.

It was Fermanagh's first time to field in the competition since 2007 - the Erne county had to pull out last year due to insufficient numbers - but they certainly made a determined return to Championship action with today's impressive display.

The sides were tied at nine points apiece at the end of normal time in a game which produced end-to-end hurling and a free-flowing encounter despite the awful weather conditions, with heavy rain and hailstones prevailing throughout.

Monaghan dominated the first period of extra-time as a Chris Morgan goal ensured they held a 1-9 to 0-9 interval advantage.

The Farney county built up a four-point lead on the restart, but the visitors, managed by Monaghan senior hurler Sean Leonard, were unable to keep the momentum going as Fermanagh produced a top drawer finish.

Points from Michael Fee, a 60-metre free from Francie McBrien and a James Gallagher score reduced the gap to the minimum margin.

Fermanagh kept the momentum going with a Shea Curran point at the death, ensuring a replay will be required at an as yet undecided date to separate these two evenly balanced sides.