Cavan outmuscle Fermanagh to book semi-final spot in Tailteann Cup

Two first half goals for 14-man Cavan proved key in this impressive victory over a disappointing Fermanagh side in Brewster Park.

The goals came from man of the match Thomas Galligan and Padraig Faulkner which pushed the winners to a 2-05 to 0-07 lead at the break.

But the expected Fermanagh revival never happened as Cavan consolidated their superiority and the loss of corner-back Killian Brady to a yellow and a black card did not halt their gallop.

Marksman Sean Quigley got the bulk of Fermanagh's scores from frees but they will rue 13 wides and never looked like overhauling their lively neighbours.

Cavan got a sensational start when athletic midfielder Thomas Galligan won the throw-in and went on a surging run through the centre of the Fermanagh defence.

He dealt with three hefty challenges before hitting a cracking goal after just ten seconds.

It was the perfect fillip and Galligan added another point a minute later.

Gearoid McKiernan quickly added to tally with two smart points to put Cavan 1-03 to 0-00 up after eight minutes.

Ryan Jones got Fermanagh off the mark with a well-struck point in the ninth minute.

The home side were settling into the match a bit better and the margin was reduced to two points when Quigley pointed to leave Cavan leading by 1-04 to 0-05 in the 24th minute.

But a dreadful fumble by a Fermanagh defender saw the ball go loose to Galligan on the edge of the Fermanagh square.

Galligan crossed the ball soccer style across the square and full-back Padraig Faulkner side footed the ball to the net.

Fermanagh hit back with two points from Darragh McGurn and Quigley but Galligan punched a point to leave Cavan leading by 2-05 to 0-07 at the break as wasteful Fermanagh hit nine wides.

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