A rueful but proud Fermanagh U20 boss Maurice McLaughlin said his gutsy team were the “architects of our own downfall” after just losing out to Down in an exciting Leo Murphy Cup final in Brewster Park on Monday.

It looked bleak for the home side when the visitors surged to a 1-05 to 0-03 lead after the break thanks to a wonder goal from Nathan Rogers.

But the Ernesiders dug deep and responded with a goal from team captain Sean Conlon which set up a frenetic finish.

However, the home side hit six bad wides as Down clung on by the narrowest of margins.

“Well, we were the architects of our own downfall and we had 15 shots to eight for Down in the second half and we did not convert 11 of them so that tells its own tale.

“We felt at half-time that we were still in the game, and we made a few changes and we carried the game to Down.

“Even when they got that goal it was early in the second half, so we had time to regroup and we did and we showed great heart.

“We created enough chances to win the game in the second half but they did not go over and this is definitely one we felt we left behind.”

He continued: “We have always said it all comes down to having confidence and a belief that you can compete with the best as Down drew with Tyrone who are in the Ulster final against Derry.

“They showed that in spades tonight and we lost it in the first half against Armagh, the second half against Donegal and we probably should have beaten both Cavan and Down.

“But I can’t speak highly enough about the squad for their effort and work rate and also the management team of Aidy McElroy, Pat Trainor, Thomas Treacy, Barry Mulrone, Arlene Brock and Killian McManus.

“A score of-1-06 to 1-05 might lead some people to think that it was dull game, it was anything but and it was real end-to-end stuff.

“Both teams spilled a lot of ball and created turnovers, but we had enough chances to win that game.”

He added: “The subs made a good impact and fresh legs and if we had a fit Michael Burns and Conor O’Hanlon it would have left us in a better position.

“But 14 of that squad are underage again next year including starters like Shea Mulligan, Shaun McCarron, Lanty Feely Caolan Brennan, Cal McAnespie, Cian O’Brien, Mattie McDermott and Michael Burns are underage again next year."

McLaughlin said he has no immediate plans for his future as it was still “too raw".