Donegal and Fermanagh end in stalemate
Sunday, 13 May 2001 18:53
Donegal and Fermanagh will have to face each other once again in the Ulster Football Championship after they drew 1-16 to 2-13 in Ballybofey this afternoon. There was no shortage of scores or excitement in the tie which was played at a frantic pace. Fermanagh will be particularly disappointed with the outcome as they led at half-time and had a two-point advantage with just injury time remaining.
Donegal took an early lead when Adrian Sweeney netted inside the first five minutes. Both sets of forwards created good scoring opportunties as the game progressed with Fermanagh's centre-forward Rory Gallagher best in making use of them. Substitute Mark O'Donnell netted just before half-time to give Fermanagh a 1-09 to 1-07 lead at the break.
In the second half, Donegal introduced Brian Roper and Noel Hegarty and both players contributed greatly to their side's effort. The second half was an exciting affair as both teams tried to take control. Eighteen minutes in to the second half, Brian Roper levelled the score and Donegal then took the lead through Brendan Devenney before Fermanagh struck back with a Stephen Maguire goal to go back in front.
In the dying moments, Fermanagh saw their one-point advantage disappear when the ever-dependable Adrian Sweeney floated over a vital free to bring the teams level once again. The replay will take place next Sunday at Brewster Park in Enniskillen.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
