AILEACH began the defence of their Inishowen League title with a fine away win at Buncrana on Sunday.
Buncrana Hearts 0 Aileach FC 3
Aileach made the better start and on three minutes Darren McMonagle clipped the bar with a shot from the edge of the area.
Buncrana responded and Jerry Gill had an effort saved by Darragh McLaughlin in the visitors goal.
A defensive error on 18 minutes allowed McMonagle to nip in and slot the ball to the unguarded net.
The home side upped the tempo with Gill firing over from close range, Mikey Friel heading over from a corner after his effort was blocked behind and then after good work from Kieran McDaid who found Friel he failed to hit the target.
Aileach were always dangerous on the break and one break ended with Darren Nash firing narrowly wide.
Aileach did increase their lead with a fine move started by Thomas McMonagle to Nash whose cross was superbly finished past Eoghan O Doherty by Darren McMonagle.
Buncrana were first to threaten in the second hald when a Ryan Doherty cross was headed over by Aaron McDaid.
They were dealt a severe blow on 58 minutes when Calvin Gallagher was red carded for a second booking. But they continued to press and from Kieran McDaid’s corner namesake Aaron header was well saved.
Another set piece delivery from Kieran Mc Daid saw substitute Bart Wesolowski ‘s glancing header just wide while another substitute Michael Coyle saw a header come off the bar.
Aileach finished the game strongly with Paddy Slevin clipping the outside of the post before a defensive error on 89 minutes allowed substitute Jordan McGeady to capitalise and make the final score three nil.
