Three goals in the final 25 minutes gave Bonagee their fourth win from four games.
Bonagee United 3 Derry City Reserves 1
It’s two-from-two in the Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League for Jason Gibson’s Bonagee as they came from behind to get out of jail against Derry City Reserves in front of a big crowd at Dry Arch Park.
Ronan McKinley’s goal in the first-half looked as if it might be enough for the young Candystripes, but the game swung on the 58th minute sending off of Jack Parke.
The City midfielder saw red for a wild and needless lunge on Jordan Armstrong.
With the full compliment, Derry were looking the more likely, but within five minutes Bonagee were level as Micheál Doherty’s cross looped over Nathan Gartside and inside of the far post.
Doherty was denied by ex-Watford goalkeeper Gartside soon after and Bonagee had the lead and the momentum when they hit the front 18 minutes from the end.
In-form Garbhan Grant latched onto a through ball and tucked low beyond the advancing Gartside.
Derry night have drawn level, but Kieran Farren was denied by a super save by Shaun Patton.
Former Finn Harps, Derry City and Sligo Rovers ‘keeper Patton – who was Donegal’s number 1 as they won the Ulster Championship this summer – was making his senior debut for his schoolboy club.
Bonagee sealed the deal through an unfortunate own goal by Ethan Harkin six minutes from the end.
It was the second Monday in succession that Bonagee bagged three points without being impressive, having beaten Finn Harps Reserves 4-2 last week.
Bonagee began the brighter here with Gartside saving well from Deano Larkin early on.
Armstrong dragged wide and Tommy McMonagle headed over before the hosts lost their way.
McKinley riffled wide and they went closer still when Caoimhin Porter struck the crossbar.
Derry took the lead four minutes from half-time when McKinley drilled past Patton with a crisp first-time finish.
Daren McFadden should have drawn level, but he was well over after being teed up by Doherty.
Derry could have made the pressure tell. Kian McGarvey couldn’t keep his effort down and Patton did well to save from a low effort by Charlie White.
Soon, Parke was in on Armstrong, Marty Quinn, the referee was reaching for his hip pocket and the night began to unravel for the Candystripes.
Bonagee United: Shaun Patton, Mark Harkin, Seán Hume, Tommy McMonagle, Jamie Lynagh, Michael Funston, Dean Larkin, Jordan Armstrong, Micheál Doherty, Darren McFadden, Garbhan Grant. Sub:Peter Carr for Larkin.
Derry City Reserves:Nathan Gartside, Rhys McDermott, Ethan Harkin, Ronan Boyce, Kieran Farren, Charlie White, Kian McGarvey, Caoimhin Porter, Ronan McKinley, Evan Tweed, Jack Parke. Subs: Daniel Houghton for Porter.
Referee: Marty Quinn.
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