Erne Gaels 3-16 Belcoo 0-06

Pace and power were the foundations of Declan Bonner’s first competitive game in charge of Erne Gaels as they easily swept aside the challenge of Belcoo on a mizzly Saturday morning. 

The 3-16 to 0-06 victory was never really in doubt from early on in the contest despite Paul McGrath opening the scoring with a free for Belcoo.

The Belleek outfit responded with their first goal as Martin Gilfeddar reacted quickest to a shot coming back off the post and firing to the net.

With frees from Shane Rooney and points from play from Shane Mimna, Rooney and Aoghan Kelm whose goalbound shot was well saved by Gary Doherty and put over the bar. But

Belleek were well in control with Belcoo’s only other score a point from distance from Ciarán Flaherty to leave it 1-07 to 0-02 at the break.

It could have been closer but Josh Killilea’s effort on goal was well stopped by Brian Ryder.

And there were no signs in the second half that Erne Gaels were going to allow Belcoo back into the game as they continued to dominate proceedings and rattled in two more goals in the second period.

Belcoo did have another goal chance early in the second half as Eoin Shiels was found in space by Ethan Butler but his effort came back off the post and to safety.

Like the first half a McGrath free got the scoring underway but Greg McGloin responded for Belleek.

Kelm hit a free and McGloin another point before McGrath ran through and pointed followed by a free for Belcoo.

Belleek’s next score was their second goal straight from the kick out and the ball was moved up to Kelm who fired over Doherty before Dan McCann fired the ball under Doherty for the third goal.

Eoin Corrigan also scuffed a goal chance with only the keeper to beat in the second half.

The home side then rattled off points from Rooney, Kelm (2), Dan McCann and Brian Mullin to round off the resounding victory.

Erne Gaels will face a tougher examination when they play Derrygonnelly on Friday while Belcoo will look to bounce back against parish rivals, Belnaleck.