Bellurgan hit with two sucker punch goals in Duleek

NEFL Premier Division

Duleek 2 Bellurgan United 1

Colm McConville will take charge of Bellurgan United in the wake of Sunday's disappointing 2-1 loss to Duleek.

The well-known local referee will be along the touchline for next week's crunch derby meeting with Muirhevna Mor, a match where the Flynn Park men will need to cut out the individual errors which cost them victory in this outing.

Having dominated the opening-half with Ciarán Sheelan and Danny O'Connor (2) drawing top-class saves from Duleek's stopper, Bellurgan were left frustrated as the sides went to the interval with the game goalless.

United re-emerged the stronger with Brian White having a shot superbly tipped over after neat build-up play with Sheelan.

However, totally against the run of play, Duleek went in front as a mistake in the Bellurgan defence gifted the hosts with an opportunity that they duly took; Barry Kavanagh getting his name on the scoresheet.

Moments later, the move of the match saw Bellurgan go tantalisingly close to a leveller when Daniel McDonald's cross was headed goalward by Sheelan. It looked destined to nestle in the top corner, however, the home side's 'keeper again pulled off a wonderful stop, grasping the ball before Bellurgan's inrushing troops could capitalise. And how pivotal that stop proved as Kavanagh put Duleek two clear after another defensive mistake from Bellurgan.

John Smyth pulled one back from the penalty spot for the visitors after Sheelan had been fouled while racing on to a Stephen Finnegan pass, though it proved in vain.

Bellurgan United: Robbie Arthur; Aoghan McGuinness, Ray Finnegan, Daragh Lafferty, John Smyth; Danny O'Connor, Stephen Finnegan, Brian White, Daniel McDonald; Paddy Keenan, Ciarán Sheelan

Subs: Owen Traynor, Emmet Rogan, Diarmuid Murphy