Illistrin United hosted Erne Wanderers on Saturday evening at Ballyare in the first match of this year's Group B U 16 Champions League with Illistrin United winning out by 2-1 in a very tightly contested match. This was the first time that these two teams had met in a match and both teams contributed to a highly entertaining game. The visitors started the better and their neat quick flowing football posed a number of problems for the home defence with Shane McGrath up front and Timmy Govrov im midfield particularly impressive. Illistrin were forced to field without their regular keeper Aaron Deeney due to injury so Conor McWalters took over the gloves for the day. Indeed he was the busier of the two keepers early on making a couple of fine saves with one fantastic save down low to his right following an Erne attack. The visitors early pressure was rewarded in the 25th minute when Cian MCEniff's through ball saw Shane McGrath get away from the home defence and his shot was too good for Conor McWalters to keep out. Illistrin fought hard to get back into the game with Shane Blaney, Jordan Ryan and James Mc Sharry all coming close before the break. However the Erne defence, with centre back's Alex Boyd and Paul Murphy at the heart of it, kept the visitors in front at half time. Some tactical switches at half time saw the home team gain the upper hand at the start of the second half and ten minutes in a great through ball from Shane Blaney put James McSharry clear and as he was about to shoot was brought down for a penalty. However, Oisin O'Boyle's penalty kick was off target and Erne survived. But the pressure was beginning to mount and the introduction of Matthew Faulkner as a substitute saw Illistrin attacking at pace down both wings and on 65 minutes a fine move ended with a free kick 30 yards out on the right hand side. Shane Blaney stepped up and struck an unstoppable shot low and hard into the Erne net to equalise. 10 minutes later another passing move down the right and a low cross from Matthew Faulkner ended with James McSharry sweeping a first time shot into the roof of the net to give Illistrin the lead. To their credit Erne didn't give up and on the stroke of full time a great shot from Shane McGrath was finger tipped onto the crossbar by Conor McWalters and the ball cleared to safety. Moments later referee Joe McHugh blew the final whistle and Illistrin got their campaign off to a winning start. Full credit to both teams for a highly entertaining, hard fought but fair game.