Erne Gaels 0-08 Belnaleck 1-05

 

Erne Gaels produced a late rally as they came from three points down and a man down to snatch a share of the spoils from their encounter against Belnaleck in a wet Belleek today.

The Art McMurroughs appeared to be in the ascendancy as points from Kane Connor and Garrett Cavanagh put them three points up before Erne Gaels had captain Brian Mullin red carded with 14 minutes left to play.

However, the home side dug deep and two Shane Rooney frees and a point from play from Ryan Lyons left he sides having to be content with a point apiece from the contest.

In difficult underfoot conditions, the home landed the opening score of game through a Lyons free and they had a great chance to add to that advantage when they were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute after Shane Rooney was pulled back.

Belnaleck goalkeeper Ryan McNulty though saved Lyons' spot kick and the Art McMurroughs broke down the other end of the pitch for Bryan Owens to slot over.

The sides then traded points with Owens and Ciaran McBrien on target for Belnaleck while Lyons and Gregory McGloin landed for Erne Gaels but the key score of the half arrived in the 28th minute.

Owens' shot for a point dropped short and Dermot Lewsley got on the end of it to palm to the net as Belnaleck went in at the break with a 1-03 to 0-03 lead.

The home side started the second half well with Ultan Kelm clipping over a free and Oisin Kelm then rattling over a terrific point from the right hand side to cut the deficit back to the minimum.

But, Belnaleck looked as if they had regained control when Connor and Cavanagh fired over points to put them three ahead again.

And it seemed to be going wrong for Erne Gaels as Mullin was red carded for an off the ball clash but the Belleek men showed great character to respond over the closing stages.

Rooney's two frees left one in it and Lyons then popped up with the equaliser as it finished 0-08 to 1-05.