USL: Peter Moran’s marquee signing Aidan McCauley showed his worth on his debut, as his decisive strike ensure Bonagee got a crucial opening win over Fanad United.
The new season got under way at Dry Arch Park, when two sides who have made changes to personnel throughout the summer, locked horns in a fiery match played in glorious sunshine.
Early chances were very scarce, with neither keeper troubled much in the opening twenty minutes.
The first real opportunity of the contest fell the way of Fanads Davitt Walsh. Keelin McElwaine raced into the Bonagee box and his cross to the back post was somehow blazed over by the Fanad captain.
Next up was their player manager, Arthur Lynch, who in the 42nd minute, sidefooted over from close range after an excellent delivery from Marty McAteer.
Bonagee started the second period much brighter, and took the lead in the 66th minute. Francesco Crisco, one of Peter Morans summer aquisitions, crossed to Aidan McLaughlin in the box. His header was parried by Shane Graham, but another new signing, Aidan McCauley, reacted first, to hammer the ball into the roof of the net.
Fanad pushed for an equaliser, but the the home sides back four were resilient against anything thrown at them.
The men in yellow and green almost got a second with nine minutes to go who Dean Larkin dispossessed John McGarvey on the edge of the box, but his lob went just over.
Best for Fanad Utd were Davitt Walsh and Kieran Gorman with a team effort from Bonagee.
