Dismissal of Murphy proves key as Bellurgan lose NEFL Premier Division opener heavily to Newfoundwell

NEFL Premier Division

Bellurgan United 2-6 Newfoundwell

Bellurgan United suffered a heavy reverse in Sunday’s Premier Division opener as champions Newfoundwell left Flynn Park 6-2 winners.

The dismissal of Diarmuid Murphy on the eve of the break was a contributory factor to the considerable margin that stood between the teams at full-time, especially given that Bellurgan were competitive for much of the opening period.

Having conceded twice in the early stages, Michael Osobe scored a tremendous individual goal, having weaved through a number of bodies before getting his shot off.

United could also have had a penalty and their feelings towards referee Daryl Carolan weren’t helped by Murphy’s red card followed by the Drogheda side’s third goal.

Annoyed at the visitors not returning the ball after an injury to Alan Connor, Murphy lunged into a tackle and received his marching orders.

Newfoundwell struck the opening two goals of the second half, making it 5-1, and while Owen Armstrong pulled United back to within three, a sixth goal from the ‘well followed.

Bellurgan United: Robbie Arthur; Owen Traynor, Alan Connor, Diarmuid Murphy, Cian McDonald; Shane O’Brien, Stephen Finnegan, Christian Lotefa, Seán Mathews; Michael Osobe, Tadhg O’Connor

Subs: Owen Armstrong, Simon O’Shaughnessy, Luke Higgins, Aaron Farron, Patrick Lynch, Seán Maguire, Mark Murphy