Erne Gaels 1-11 Belcoo 1-10

League leaders Erne Gaels edged out Belcoo, in a close fought encounter, on Sunday afternoon. 
A Gregory McGloin point, in injury time, proved to be the difference, as the Belleek men maintain their one point lead at the top of the table.
The teams were level numerous times over the course of the hour but it was the home side who snuck in for a late point, to inflict a fourth league defeat upon Belcoo this season.
The O’Rahilly’s started well and from the throw-in they masterminded a score. Barry McGovern found Matthew McAloon in space. He was fouled, only for Philip Leonard to convert the free. Ciaran Flaherty then followed up with a point from play to give Belcoo a two points advantage.
Referee Eugene McDonagh issued a black card to both teams early on for separate incidents. Gary O’Connor left the field of play for Erne Gaels while Ryan Leonard made an early exit for Belcoo.
The Belleek men opened their scoring with a free from Luke Ryder before Shane Rooney levelled the game. Aaron Dolan responded with a free for Belcoo, after Flaherty had been fouled and Christopher Leonard gave them a two points lead following a good move down the right wing.
Erne Gaels came on the attack once more and before Belcoo knew it they had surrendered the lead. Luke Ryder pointed before wing half-back Tommy McCaffrey made a fine run up-field and with a low, powerful shot he found the net.
Belcoo needed to respond and that they did, immediately. Good work by Matthew McAloon played on Ian Corrigan and he fired to the net from close range. Philip Leonard gave Belcoo a two-point lead once more but this was short-lived as Shane Rooney and Luke Ryder kicked a point apiece to leave the teams level, on a score line of 1-05 each at the break.
In the second half, it was more of the same as the teams continued to trade scores. Belcoo’s Luke Ryder and Mark Lyons’ fired over for the home side but Philip Leonard and Aaron Dolan were on hand to level the score soon after. Indeed, Dolan was in on goal after some good work by Paul McGrath and Ciaran Flaherty but opted for the point.
Jack McCann and Ian Corrigan traded scores for their respective teams and with seven minutes remaining Erne Gaels took a two-point lead. Brian Mullan pointed from play before Luke Ryder landed a free which was brought forward due to Belcoo descent, making it easier for Ryder to punish the opposition.
Belcoo were not going to give up these two league points without a fight though. A long range point from Declan Leonard and a free from Philip Leonard brought the sides level on the hour mark. The game was hanging in the balance when Belcoo were dispossessed. Erne Gaels broke at pace and up stepped the hero Gregory McGloin for the winning score.
Erne Gaels lead the way after seven games but Manager Maurice McLaughlin is far from content with their performances:
“I wouldn’t be overly impressed with it. We dug out the result in what was a very stop, start game. But it’s good to win those games too. The only game we have really performed to our potential in was away to Roslea. In most games we’ve just been doing enough but that won’t be good enough to progress later in the year.”
McLaughlin went on to credit the CCC for continuing to fulfil the club fixtures during championship season, saying it’s important for the club players in the county:
“It’s great this year the way the games are going ahead and compliments to the CCC for sticking to the masterplan. From the point of view of the club player and club managers it’s been good.”