Despite failing to convert a sixth-minute penalty which Raymond Gallagher sent harmlessly wide, Fermanagh had seven points to spare at Dungarvan yesterday.

Gallagher had, however, billowed the net from close range within 60 seconds, and Shane King converted a penalty in the ninth minute after Sean Quinn was fouled in the square.

Waterford had to wait 15 minutes for their first score, a Martin Power point, but it was Fermanagh who led at the break, 2-3 to 0-2. Fermanagh stretched their lead on the re-start before Waterford went on a scoring blitz kicking five points without reply in a 10-minute period to leave only a goal between the sides.

Waterford full back Don McMahon sent off in the 45th minute, and Fermanagh went on to score five points in the closing quarter.

FERMANAGH: R Gallagher; P Courtney P McGuinness, S Breen; R Curran (0-1), J Gilheaney, K Gallagher (0-2); P Brewster, C Courtney; L McBarron (0-1), C Curran D McGrath; R Gallagher (1-2), S Quinn, S King (1-3). Subs: T Brewster for McGrath; C McManus for T Brewster; T Callaghan for K Gallagher.

WATERFORD: K Cotter; J Crotty, D McMahon, Dan Crotty; L Hurney, G Walsh, M Kiely; R Power (0-1), A Aherne; K Whelan, W Kavanagh, D Whelan (0-1); P Fitzgerald, M Power (0-1), A Fitzgerald (0-5). Subs: M O'Brien for Ahern; F Cunningham for A Fitzgerald.

Referee: W O'Mahony (Limerick).