Magheraveely’s first match at the Peace Link Centre in Clones ended in defeat as a goal in either half from Glebe ensured they took all three points.

The Fermanagh side were hoping the history making match, which is the first competitive IFA league clash to take place outside Northern Ireland, would get their promotion campaign underway in style, but they struggled in front of goal as they drew a blank in front of a sizeable crowd.

“The Glebe boys were very impressed with the facilities but the result just didn’t go our way,” said Magheraveely’s Rodney McVitty.

“We dominated possession but in the final third we were poor. It was a disappointing result. We did everything but score but the ball just wasn’t going to go in for us. Glebe played well and they deserved their victory. They took their chances and scored and we didn’t. Simple as that.” Magheraveely’s hopes were not helped by the withdrawal of five first team regulars, but despite the defeat Rodney is hopeful they can have a successful season. “Our target is to get into the top four,” he revealed. “I think everyone will beat everyone else in this division and teams will lose a lot of games but I don’t think there is one top team. We know on our day we can beat anyone.” The home side started well on their new pitch and twice came close from Joseph Williamson corners. His first delivery was headed over the bar by Niall Mahon, and minutes later Alan Jordan repeated the feat when well placed. Warren Stewart also had an effort at goal, but the keeper was able to gather his long range shot.

After half an hour Glebe took the lead. Gerard Elliott rose to head the ball goal wards from a corner, and although keeper Robert Wiggins pushed his effort away, Elliott drilled the loose ball through a crowd of players and into the roof of the net.

Wiggins was called into action again before the break to deny Eamon McGrath as Glebe finished the half strongly. In the second half the away side were content to sit deep and repel Magheraveely’s attacks, but they almost grabbed an equaliser when Conor Mulligan burst through the back line. He clashed with the keeper as he attempted to go around him, but the referee waved away appeals for a penalty.

Warren Stewart was the next to come close but after he was released by Williamson, his shot from a tight angle came off the upright. Paul Elliott then hit the bar following a corner, but the result was put beyond doubt in the eighty eighth minute when Eamon McGrath broke forward and finished past Wiggins to seal all three points.