Fanad United overcame a youthful Finn Harps Reserves 3-2 on Sunday in a match that was played in ideal conditions at Traigh-a-Loch.
Fanad United 3 Finn Harps Reserves 2
Fanad started the stronger and took the lead in the 10th minute. When Edward O’Reilly found space at the edge of the box, his shot cannoned back off the post, but the rebound fell to Ryan McFadden who slotted home from close range. Fanad then extended their lead 4 minutes later.
Paddy Carr won possession in mid-field and his excellent pass sent Keelin McElwaine through and he made no mistake with his finish. Harps started to come into the game and played some decent football.
On the half hour mark, following good pressure, Ronan Gallagher fired the ball just wide from 20 yards. 10 minutes later Conor Black latched onto a forward ball before rounding Mark Anthony McGinley but his shot from a tight angle produced a fine block from Oisin Langan on the line.
On the stroke of half time, Darren McElwaine crossed into the box which was met by Gabriel Aduaka but the ball went wide.
Fanad had a chance to extend their lead 6 minutes after the break but Finn Harps keeper, Adrian McLaughlin produced a fine save to deny Ryan McFadden.
Just a minute later Harps got a goal back. Former Fanad player Ronan Gallagher found space on the left and his excellent cross into box was met by Gabriel Aduaka who headed home.
Five minutes later James Gallagher was unlucky to see his rasping shot from 25 yards go just wide of the Harps post.
Just before the hour mark Fanad got their third. Keelin McElwaine showed persistence to win the ball at the edge of the box and he finished well into the bottom corner for his second of the game.
The goal for the game came in the 70th minute when Harps pulled a goal back.
When they were awarded a free 25 yards out, Stephen Doherty stepped up to hit a peach of a shot into the top corner.
For the remainder of the game both sides enjoyed spells of possession without creating any clear cut chances.
Fanad United: Mark Anthony McGinley, Peter Curran, James Gallagher, Dean McCarry, Oisin Langan, Caolan Kelly, Martin McElhinney, Paddy Carr, Edward O’Reilly, Keelin McElwaine, Ryan McFadden. Sub used: Davitt Walsh.
Finn Harps Reserves: Adrian McLaughlin, Jack Doherty, Pat Loughery, Lee McLaughlin, Keelan McGill, Stephen Doherty, Darren McElwaine, Liam Walsh, Gabriel Aduaka, Ronan Gallagher, Conor Black. Subs used: Jordan Gallagher, Stephen Black,
