Kealan Fitzpatrick’s last-minute free-kick saw Newtownbutler pick up both league points in a narrow victory over Coa last weekend.

After a tight and tense affair, Darren Chapman’s side picked up their third win in five league games to keep their place in fifth spot.

Newtownbutler assistant manager, Clive Fitzpatrick, was happy to record another win ahead of their clash with Maguiresbridge tomorrow evening: “It was an average enough performance, where we struggled to put any distance between ourselves and Coa.

"It will take a much-improved performance to get anything next week against Maguiresbridge, who, on their day, will prove a serious test for us. There won't be much between the teams.”

Sean Conlon and Jarlath Jackman added early scores for the home side before Caoilte Farry added points for Coa from two free kicks.

Newtown added further scores as Kealan Fitzpatrick (2) and Pauric Mullaney were able to split the posts after well-worked moves.

Ben Thompson added another point for Coa as the home side took a slender lead into half-time.

Dylan Martin added a well-taken score in the second half before Jason Farry responded for the away side at the other end following a swift counter-attack.

Another converted free kick from Caoilte Farry brought Coa closer until further scores came from Ger O’Keefe and Jackman.

With about 10 minutes to go, Coa came roaring back into the contest with a goal from Jason Farry as a free kick around the 45’ was taken quickly by Robbie McKenna.

His pass put Farry through on goal before he fired the ball into the net.

The sides then traded scores as the game was all even heading into the final couple of minutes.

However, Fitzpatrick kept his cool with a well-executed free kick to win the game and see Newtownbutler add another win to their campaign.

Three wins and one draw means Newtown’s only defeat is to Roslea in Division Two.

Coa player/manager Gary Lynch was pleased to see his side put in a strong performance on Friday: “I thought we done well on a dirty wet night away to Newtown with only 16 players.

"Full credit to everyone, they battled on and could’ve won it in the end. Also, I have to mention the referee. It's not an easy job I know but with a few minutes to go I asked him the score and he said ‘no I’m not telling yous’, I asked why, and he said ‘in case you’s go mad’, which was baffling as there wasn’t a bad tackle or a card that I can recall in the game.”