A dominant first half performance from Ederney effectively killed off the challenge from Belcoo in this Senior Championship quarter final, running out 11 point winners on a scoreline of 3-15 to 1-10.

Ederney took the lead early on and never looked in trouble with two first half goals leaving Belcoo with all too much to do and they were unable to make any inroads and cause a shock.

The first three points went to the St. Joseph’s outfit thanks to Ryan Morris and Mark McCauley.

Philip Leonard did get Belcoo of the mark with a fine score from the right but opportunities were hard to come by against a strong Ederney defence who forced a number of turnovers and shots from difficult angles.

One such turnover set Ederney up for their first goal with the ball falling to Paul McCusker who burst through the Belcoo defence to slot past keeper Gary Doherty.

The McCusker brothers, Declan and Paul, were beginning to make their mark on the game along with Connor McGee in midfield.

Declan McCusker opened his account with a good score from play and it was soon followed by a point from half back Aaron Dennison after he made a lung busting run up the field.

Aaron Dolan and a Paul McGrath free pulled it back for Belcoo.

But things were to get worse for Belcoo with the arrival of the second goal.

A fatal slip by Niall Leonard left Paul McCusker with time and space to carry the ball towards the Belcoo goal and the result was the same and the game seemed all but over.

Full back Chris Snow landed a ’45 and McGrath added another free before the half to leave it 2-09 to 0-04 at half time.

Belcoo came out a more determined side in the second half and with nothing to lose tried to force the game.

Scores from McGrath, Brian Cox and Johnny Feeley reduced arrears and they grabbed a goal back when a slick passing move ended with Feeley beating Ferris in goal.

However, Ederney always had the quality to add on scores and Declan McCusker, McCauly and Morris added on scores.

Belcoo did have two more goal chances but Ferris got low to save them and avert danger. Belcoo keeper Doherty knocked over a ’45 while Dennison got his second for Ederney as the teams traded scores.

As the clock ran down and Belcoo chased the game even more they were left exposed at the back and they were duly caught out when Sean Cassidy was out through and he made no mistake with a few minutes to go and sealed a convincing win.

Belcoo manager Terry McCann believed his side paid a heavy price for their slow start.

“We were disappointed with our start and Ederney were ruthless, particularly in the first half.

“The adjustments we made made us much more competitive in the second half. Credit to Ederney they approached the second half in a similar way to the first half and when we reduced the arrears they were capable of getting scores also.

“Unfortunately we left ourselves with too much to do following our disappointing start. The game demonstrated the difference between a top Division One team and a top Division Two team. The challenge is now to remain in the Senior Championship.”

Scorers – Belcoo – J Feeley 1-03(2f), P McGrath 0-03(3f), B Cox 0-01, P Leonard 0-01, A Dolan 0-01, G Doherty 0-01(45).

Ederney – P McCusker 2-0, Mark McCauley 0-06(2f), S Cassidy 1-0, D McCusker 0-03, Ryan Morris 0-03, A Dennison 0-02, C Snow 0-1(45)

Star man – Connor McGee Ederney – Dominated proceedings in the middle of the park. Won or broke numerous kickouts to give his team a platform to attack quickly. Got up and down the field ably assisting both defence and attack. Did the simple things right in what was an overall strong team performance.