Derrygonnelly 1-10 Belnaleck 0-09

Young forward Connor McGovern hit 1-05 as Derrygonnelly put the defeat to Enniskillen behind them with a well-earned four-point win over Belnaleck last Friday night.

McGovern’s first half goal was the key score of the contest as it put the Harps into a lead they would never relinquish as they eventually finished up four-point victors.

The win is the response that the Harps management would have been looking for ahead of another massive test when they travel to Ederney tonight (Thursday) for another big encounter.

Both sides were heavily depleted for last Friday night’s game, but Harps’ joint Manager, Mick Glynn, was pleased to put the points on the board.

“Both teams were missing key players but it was good to get the win,” he said.

Belnaleck boss Colm Bradley felt it was a mixed bag from his charges, but he could not fault the effort and commitment from his players.

“We did a lot of things well over the course of the game, but also made a lot of mistakes. On the ball, we took the wrong option on occasion,” he said.

“But, as ever, I was pleased with the workrate and endeavour, and hopefully we will have a few players back and available for our next game.

“I have to say, though, that the players who came in for their first start of this league section acquitted themselves very well.”

There was little between the sides in the early stages of the contest as they shared the opening six points of the game.

McGovern and Conall Jones had registered for Derrygonnelly while Duwayne McNulty and Bryan Owens fired over for Belnlaeck, with the lively Owens kicking eight of his side’s nine points on the night.

However, the Harps took the upper hand when they forced a turnover 21 yards out, and McGovern made no mistake in slotting to the net.

The sides then traded points before the interval but at the break the Harps led 1-04 to 0-04.

Derrygonnelly introduced Eamon McHugh in the second half, who was a steadying influence, and he was among the points for the home side while McGovern and Oisin Smyth also tagged on scores.

Owens did keep the scoreboard ticking over for the Art McMurroughs, but as they pushed on in the last quarter, the Harps were able to pick them off as they extended their advantage out to six.

Owens did land the last two points of the game for Belnlaeck, but they never looked likely to overhaul Derrygonnelly’s lead as it finished 1-10 to 0-09.