Erne Gaels 1-14 Belcoo 0-08

Seven unanswered points for Erne Gaels over the closing 15 minutes of the first half put them in complete control against Belcoo last Friday evening and helped them pick up two points from the Club Players' Competition to bring forward into the Senior League.

For Belcoo, who were reduced to 14 men following the dismissal of Phillip Leonard, they will have one point when the Senior League starts on June 23.

Colum Monahan, who is part of the Erne Gaels management side, felt it took his side some time to get going, but once they did he was happy with aspect of the performance.

"We were probably a wee bit wary of how slow we started. But once we got into a bit of rhythm I was happy with the way it went.

"In the second half we took the foot of the gas which we wouldn't be happy with that but when your six or seven points up sometimes boys go into a wee bit of lull."

The win give Erne Gaels two points for the Senior League and Monahan believes it will help as they look to defend their Division One League title: "It's a bit of a headstart because I think we started off with none last year after the Club Players' so its a wee bit of a headstart and it's good to have it."

The opening stages of the game were a closely contested affair and Belcoo led by a single point before the home side took over.

Barry McCann and Martin Gilfeddar opened the scoring for Erne Gaels before a Jack O'Dolan mark and a point from Eoin Shiels levelled matters.

Dan McCann restored the Belleek side's advantage but scores from Barry McGovern and Ciarán Flaherty made it 0-04 to 0-03 to Belcoo.

However, it was all Erne Gaels for the remainder of the half as Barry McCann (2), Gregory McGloin, Shane Rooney (2), Ultan O'Reilly and Ben McCann all pointed to leave Erne Gaels 0-10 to 0-04 to the good at the break and also a man extra following the sending off of Leonard.

It could have been worse for Belcoo only for some great saves from their keeper, Gary Doherty.

The lead was out to eight points early in the second half as Barry McCann pointed from play. The next effort was a fine effort from Oisin Kelm to make it 0-12 to 0-04.

Belcoo did get back on the scoreboard courtesy of a Paul McGrath free.

Ethan Butler then fired over from close range and was followed by another McGrath free.

A super score from the impressive Dan McCann made it 0-13 to 0-07.

Dara Flanagan saw his shot tipped over the crossbar for Belcoo before Kelm notched another point.

Erne Gaels would find the net late on when substitute, Daniel McGullion, reacted quickest after a shot was saved on the line, to poke home as it finished 1-14 to 0-08.