Garbhan Grant’s hat-trick helped to fire Bonagee United to a comfortable Four Lanterns USL win over Swilly Rovers at Dry Arch Park.
Bonagee United 7 Swilly Rovers 0
By Chris McNulty at Dry Arch Park
Grant has been in fine form since moving from Letterkenny Rovers in the summer and his treble sealed a routine win to maintain their spot in third.
Micheál Doherty’s double and goals by Darren McFadden and Jamie Lynagh sealed the rout for Jason Gibson’s men.
It had been a difficult start to the season for new boss Tony McNamee, although the concession of a series of late goals cost them dearly against Fanad United, Finn Harps Reserves, Letterkenny Rovers and Derry City Reserves.
But for an inability to hold on in those instances, their narrative might’ve been different, although they found this an arduous afternoon at the office; one that included a red card for David Fisher 11 minutes from the end.
Swilly found themselves chasing the game here as Bonagee led after just 10 minutes, as Armstrong picked out McFadden with a delightful pass over the top. McFadden’s finish was no less impressive as he picked out the bottom corner.
Just five minutes later, the lead was doubled. McFadden was again at the hub of the move. Having collected a pass in from Doherty, McFadden helped it on to Grant, who had the simple task of applying the finish.
And it was 3-0 to the hosts on the half-hour when Doherty steered in after McFadden showed a neat piece of control in the area following a good passage down the right channel.
In between times, Grant had another attempt deflected wide.
Swilly had their moments, with Marty McDaid just unable to keep a shot on target from the edge of the area.
Bonagee netminder David Tyrell got his wires crossed and offered Aaron Rogan an opening, but his shot was wide of the mark, while McDaid’s downward header from a Shaun Crossan free didn’t trouble Tyrell.
At the other end, Gareth Muldoon twice denied Grant with a pair of fine saves.
Swilly Rovers
Bonagee were without influential former Finn Harps ace Michael Funston, who was performing best man duties at a friend’s wedding yesterday, while a depleted Swilly had just the 12 players in tow.
Muldoon was to the rescue again in the 54th minute as he flung himself full length to turn away a goal-bound McFadden header.
Grant found a way past for his second. Darren McMonagle, just three minutes after coming on, whipped a great ball in from the right, and Grant tucked home in style.
Grant was soon toasting his treble, neatly finishing after Armstrong’s pass across goal.
Lynagh, the home captain, curled a delicious effort across Muldoon from the left side of the area.
Doherty completed the scoring with a delicate chip after a one-two with Armstrong three minutes from the end.
Bonagee United: David Tyrell (Cian Harkin 75); Mark Harkin, Gareth Breslin, Thomas McMonagle; Jamie Lynagh, Ryan Rainey (Codey Brogan 72), Deano Larkin, Jordan Armstrong, Micheál Doherty; Darren McFadden (Darren McMonagle 62), Garbhan Grant (Peter Carr 75).
Swilly Rovers: Gareth Muldoon; Matthew McLaughlin, David Fisher, Shay Durning, Shaun Crossan; Ryan McDaid (Oisin Coyle 58), Tony McNamee (Oisin Coyle 68), Aaron Rogan, Jordan Nugent; Marty McDaid, Ryan Cleer.
Referee: Marty McGarrigle.
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