DERRYLIN scraped a ‘vital’ one-point win over Erne Gaels in Belleek on Friday evening to take a potentially significant step towards Division One safety.

On paper it was a surprising win as Erne Gaels reached last year’s Senior Championship final, but Derrylin have been going reasonably well themselves and claimed their third victory from their seven league encounters to date and now sit fourth from bottom in the table.

“It was good to get a vital win for us with Irvinestown and Belcoo chasing after us and them playing each other next week,” said Derrylin manager Sean Donnelly.

“There’ll be two points there for one of them, so we had to get something to push on a bit above them.

“The boys worked very hard and when you work hard in them wet conditions, it’s good you get some satisfaction from the game.

“We’ve Belnaleck on Friday night and it’s a local derby and then St Pat’s last. We need another point or so just to guarantee ourselves.”

The win was an important one for Derrylin and Erne Gaels boss Seamus Ryder gave them full credit for their display on the night, knowing his side’s focus turns to the upcoming championship.

“I was disappointed, our shooting left a lot to be desired and then silly mistakes and conditions didn’t help. Injuries and suspensions are starting to take their toll on us too.

“But I couldn’t fault Derrylin in fairness, they turned up big time and their final score was a great score under severe pressure, so hats off to them.”