Wicklow 0-17 1-11 Fermanagh

Fermanagh's Marty McGrath battles with Wicklow's James Stafford

Fermanagh are out of the Football Championship after 13-man Wicklow clinched a 0-17 to 1-11 win in an exciting clash at Aughrim.

Wicklow deserved their win although Fermanagh led 1-5 to 0-7 at the break after James Sherry's 37th-minute goal.

Despite being minus sent-off Tommy Hannon, Wicklow dominated the third quarter to move 0-14 to 1-8 ahead.

The lead then became four and Wicklow held on despite late Erne pressure and the further dismissal of Thomas Walsh.

Hannon had struck four of Wicklow's points before seeing red for a second bookable offence before half-time.

Wicklow could have had the game wrapped up well before the end but for a number of great saves by Fermanagh goalkeeper Chris Breen.

Fermanagh debutant Seamus Quigley's lively first half included an early point but he had to be replaced by Ciaran McElroy at half-time because of injury.

Tommy McElroy, Daryl Keenan, Ryan Carson and Marty McGrath were among the other Fermanagh scorers but the Erne men were in big trouble at midfield where Walsh and James Stafford starred for the home team.

Points from JP Dalton and Furlong extended Wicklow's lead to four with five minutes remaining which left Fermanagh needing a goal but goalkeeper Mervyn Travers made a great save to stop a McGrath shot.

McGrath did hit the final score of the game but it was too little too late for Malachy O'Rourke's side who exit early this season after reaching the Ulster decider 12 months ago.

Fermanagh: C Breen; N Bogue, H Brady, S Goan; P Sherry, R McCluskey, T McElroy; M McGrath, J Sherry; R Keenan, C McElroy, M Little; D Keenan, R Carson, E Maguire.

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