A hat-trick from midfielder Caolan Kelly saw Fanad United progress to the next round of the Knockalla Caravans Cup at the expense of Aileach FC at Traigh-a-Loch.
Fanad United 3 Aileach FC 1
Aileach started the brightest in the game and took the lead as early as the second minute.
When JP Doran surged down the right, his pull back into the box was met by Caoimhin McFeeley who fired low into the net.
The lead however only lasted 10 minutes as Fanad equalised. When a short corner was pulled back to Ryan McFadden, his cross to the back post was met by Caolan Kelly.
His initial effort was saved by Ciaran Bradley but Kelly was on hand to head home the rebound. Fanad started to get a foot hold and took the lead just before the half hour mark.
When they were awarded a free out on the right, Ryan McFadden swung the ball into the box and Caolan Kelly rose highest to head home his second of the game.
In the 35th minute some good inter play between Keelin McElwaine and Eddie O’Reilly, see the latter’s shot go just wide.
Aileach
And on the stroke of half time, Dean McCarry was unlucky to see his free from 25 yards go just wide.
Aileach started the second half on the front foot and put pressure on the young Fanad defence.
Three minutes in, Dermot Doherty went on a fine run but his shot flew just over the bar.
However 10 minutes into the second half Fanad got their insurance goal. When a free kick into the box was headed back out, it was met by Caolan Kelly 10 yards out who executed a superb volley into to top corner to complete his hat-trick.
Aileach to their credit kept going and came agonisingly close to getting a goal back in the 66th minute. When they were awarded a free 25 yards out,
Gavin Doherty’s shot crashed back off the post with the last clear chance of the game.
Fanad United: Sean McCafferty, Peter Curran, Paul Bradley, Seamus Friel, Paddy McGinley, Caolan Kelly, Dean McCarry, Michael Cannon, Eddie O’Reilly, Keelin McElwaine, Ryan McFadden. Subs used: Fergus Friel, Andrew Kelly, James Gallagher
Aileach FC: Ciaran Bradley, JP Doran, Keith McColgan, Darren Gallagher, Cathal McElhinney, Chris McGarrigle, Gareth McGlynn, Caoimhin McFeeley, Gavin Doherty, Kevin Doran, Dermot Doherty. Subs used: Shaun Mullan, Anthony Doherty, Eamon Browne, Paddy Slevin
Referee: Michael Connolly
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