Fermanagh 2-18 Derry 4-7
EIMEAR Smyth kicked 14 points, eight from frees, as Fermanagh ladies booked their place in the All-Ireland junior semi-finals.
Manager, CJ McGourty was first to admit, though, that the Erne team were not firing on all cylinders, conceding four goals to their rivals.
“It wasn’t our best performance,” he said. “The aim now is to top the group with a win against London this weekend.”
Derrygonnelly forward Smyth’s shooting was the difference between the sides.
“She could have had more but 14 points at any level of any sport is just incredible,” her manager added. “We’re just very, very lucky to have her about.”
Fermanagh actually trailed 1-7 to 2-6 at the break when a “fair sharpening up” from McGourty produced his required response as six unanswered points put them in front and in charge. They needed the points difference, though, with Smyth keeping the scoreboard ticking over as Derry tagged on two more goals.
Fermanagh; Megan Maguire, Stephanie Gunn, Molly McGloin, Eimear Keenan, Shannan McQuade [c] Courteney Murphy, Lisa Maguire, Brenda Bannon (0-1), Cadhla Cara Bogue, Niamh McManus, Joanne Doonan, Aoife McCabe, Blaíthín Bogue (1-1), Eimear Smyth (0-14, 8f), Bronagh Smyth (1-0). Subs: Danielle Maguire (0-2) for N.McManus (HT), Eimear McMahon for A. McCabe (50), Sara Rose Britton for S. Gunn (55), Roísín O’Reilly for B.Smyth (55).
Derry; Ellie Conway, Hannah Mullan, Aoife McGough, Joanne Corr [c], Claithin Donnelly, Ciara McGurk (1-0), Sarah Hargan, Caoimhe, Lea Casey (0-1), Erin Doherty, Dara McKeever (1-0), Anna Martin, Emma Doherty (0-3f), Cora Donnelly, Leah McGonagle (2-3). Subs; Kate Holly for L.Casey (41), Orlaith McGough for J.Corr (49)
