NFC Kesh 1 Augher Stars 0

Mark McCauley’s 28th-minute goal proved decisive as NFC Kesh booked their place in this year’s Mulhern Cup final with a 1-0 win over Division Three outfit Augher Stars at Ferney Park last Wednesday night.

Kesh were far from the best on the night and a lot of the credit for that was down to the hard work and effort of the Stars, who battled throughout the 90 minutes, but the North Fermanagh side were deserving victors and as Robinson acknowledges, semi-finals are simply about winning.

“As disappointed as we were with the performance, we got what we came for, which was to get through to the final, and we know we have until May 13 to get it right for the night.

“We just couldn’t seem to get going and maybe a bit of frustration set in, but in saying that, we dominated the ball and I don’t think we ever looked in danger, although when it is 1-0 there is always the worry that they will get a chance and take it.

“In fairness to Augher, they worked hard and never stopped in the whole game, but overall though I felt we controlled the game and we got the job done, and that’s all that matters,” said Robinson.

However, he knows that it will take an improved performance if they are to go on and lift the cup in just over a week’s time.

“We know we will have to do better if we are to go on and win it, and we will be better. We have been playing well for six months now, so I can’t be critical of the boys.

“The club hasn’t won a cup in 20 years so it is massive that we have the chance to break that hoodoo,” he added.

Fine saves

Kesh started the game on the front foot and Ryan Campbell had an early header from a Lee Walker free kick, but this was comfortably gathered by Stars goalkeeper Caolan McGee, who made a number of fine saves over the course of the 90 minutes.

Augher worked hard to limit the space for Kesh to work on, but the Division One side continued to probe and Nathan Cashel had a header cleared off the line by Sam Barrett before Mark Jones was slipped though in the right channel but his shot was deflected beyond.

From the resultant corner, the ball broke to Campbell but his well-struck drive was saved by McGee.

Stars had their first effort on goal in the 16th minute, but Captain Mark Kerr’s shot was easily gathered by Stefan McCusker in the Kesh goal.

It was Kesh though who were to go on and break the deadlock just before the half-hour mark.

Cashel picked up the ball on the right and slid the ball into Jones on the right side of the area. The veteran striker then pulled the ball back for McCauley, who slotted home from 12 yards to make it 1-0.

Augher’s best attempt of the opening period came on the stroke of half time from a Darragh Kavanagh free kick, but McCusker got down to push the ball out at his near post before the ball was turned behind for a corner as it remained 1-0 at the interval.

Opportunity

Kesh had an opportunity to increase their advantage early in the second half when Cashel cut in from the left, but McGee saved with his feet.

Augher did grow more into the game in the second half, but there was little in the way of clear-cut chances at either end. Branon Clarke did have a half chance for Augher, but he didn’t catch his strike cleanly, with the ball sailing wide.

Kesh continued to control the ball without threatening the Augher goal, but with seven minutes to go Stars were awarded a free kick on the right.

Kavanagh’s delivery was into a dangerous spot at the back post, but three inrushing players could not get a touch on the ball, much to the relief of Kesh.

As Augher pushed on in search of an equaliser, more space opened up for Kesh to exploit late on, and twice Campbell was denied by McGee, but McCauley’s goal was to be enough for Kesh as they secured their passage into the Fermanagh and Western’s showpiece cup final.