Belnaleck 0-01 Derrygonnelly 3-17

Stephen McGullion made a welcome return to action for the first time since last summer as the rampant Harps had little difficulty in disposing of a depleted Belnaleck side in miserable slippery conditions.

Belnaleck were minus eight regulars while the Harps have four players on the county side but they also have some promising talent as well.

But the Harps outgunned the Leckers in all department and had a considerable advantage in height and strength as befits reigning county champions.

The winners swept to a 2-10 to 0-01 lead at the break with the goals coming from the lively Leigh Jones and ageless veteran Declan Cassidy.

Ryan Jones, who formed a powerful midfield partnership with McGullion, the accurate Gary McKenna, Jones and Niall Maguire were all on target for the Harps.

For a badly outgunned Belnaleck side Glen Treacy got the home side’s sole point just before half-time.

Treacy then got himself sent off on a black and red card five minutes from the finish.

The second half was much more evenly contested as the Harps scoring rate dropped considerably and the home side improved on their first half display.

Lee and Che Cullen and Darragh McGurn were watching from the side-line and were impressed by the power and physique of a composed and clinical Harps side.

Centre back Aidan McKenna got the winners third and final goal.

And Gary McKenna added to his considerable scoring tally with some well struck points.

For Belnaleck full-forward and captain Sean Lewsley tried to get his side going but found it hard to penetrate a youthful but mobile Harps defence, well marshalled by ex-county star Mickey Jones.

Derrygonnelly Harps selector Paul Greene pointed out that it was a decimated Belnaleck his side face and it would be a much stronger outfit later on in the year.

But Greene must have been impressed by the dash and drive of Rory Smyth, Packy Duffy, Rory Joe Duffy and Leigh Jones.

“Belnaleck were missing a lot of players and that puts it in context.

“For us it was a good workout and the second half was more of a contest than the first half.

“And it probably took a while for Belnaleck to grow into the game.”

Greene added that it was good to see Stephen McGullion back in action after breaking his ankle last summer.

“This is his first time in getting fully fit in 18 months and he has worked very hard and he looks in good shape.

“But we have Erne Gaels in Derrygonnelly next Friday evening and that will be much tougher.

Belnaleck manager Daniel Kille was disappointed with the result but was looking forward to getting his big guns back over the summer.

“We are disappointed as it is a big margin of defeat for us.

“We expected it was going to be tough and we did not put up the battle we would like to have done for long periods but I thought we improved in the second half.

“The lads battled well but that Harps team are very well-developed and they are the kingpins of Fermanagh football and they showed why out there this evening.”