Narrow margin for Monaghan

Monaghan 1-15 Fermanagh 2-10, Brewster Park

Monaghan edged out 14-man Fermanagh by two points in today's Ulster SHC first round encounter at Brewster Park in Enniskillen.

Monaghan were forced to withstand a determined second half display by Fermanagh, after the visitors led by 0-12 to 0-8 at the interval.

Fermanagh enjoyed a strong third quarter with goals from Paul McGoldrick and Sean Corrigan edging them into a 2-10 to 0-12 lead.

However, Monaghan responded superbly as Michael McHugh hit 1-2 in the closing stages to ensure victory for the Farney men.

Fermanagh suffered the dismissal of John Paul McGarry for a second yellow card in the 69th minute.

National League Division 4 finalists Monaghan were certainly pushed to the pin of their collar throughout this game. The sides were well matched, especially in the opening half.

Frank Brady's side led by four points at the break, with Michael McHugh and captain Brian McGuigan catching the eye in the opening half.

Fermanagh began the second half brightly. McGoldrick lashed a 38th minute free past Monaghan goalkeeper Hugh Byrne to cut the deficit to a point.

Another McGoldrick free levelled the tie four minutes later, before further scores from McGoldrick and two John Duffy points edged the hosts in front.

Sean Corrigan's goal gave Fermanagh a 2-10 to 0-12 lead with ten minutes remaining, but Monaghan had more in reserve.

Led by their scorer-in-chief Michael McHugh, they produced a six-point turnaround in the remaining minutes. Scores from free-taker McHugh and Padraig Dowdall sent them in the right direction and Monaghan's late flourish saw them set up a second round meeting with London next weekend.

The Londdon v Monaghan fixture will take place at Casement Park next Saturday afternoon (throw-in 2pm).