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Aileach cruise against Dunree 02.09.11
West End League Cup

Aileach...5

Dunree United...0


Caoimhinn Barr reports from Lakeside (Photo: Herbie Barr)


FIVE-STAR Aileach dominated from start to finish against a weakened Dunree United team in Tuesday night’s West End League Cup clash at the Lakeside.
Two stunning strikes from James Gillespie, a brace of goals from the impressive Gavin Doherty and a rare right-footed goal by Declan O’Donnell were more than enough for the Inch men, who lost last year’s final in this competition.
Boosted by the arrival of Brian ‘Banjo’ Treacy, Aileach possess a squad laden with talent and manager Brian Bell could even afford to leave players of the caliber of Gary Collett, Anthony Doherty and Eddie McIntyre on the bench.
With Eamon Donnelly and Neil McElhinney directing operations at the back, the home defenders were rarely troubled with First Division Dunree often overrun by their Premier opponents.
New face Conor McShane looks comfortable in the Aileach defence while the arrival of Treacy is another Bell coup. Looking lean and hungry, Banjo was in typically excellent form, getting on the ball more than any other player.
To their credit Stephen Doherty’s Desertegney men, missing a number of regulars including Philip McGuinness, battled right to the end without ever looking like getting on the scoresheet themselves. They will have easier days than this ahead though.
Brian Bell and Aileach look like a team targeting a successful season and few would bet against them adding some silverware to the Inch trophy cabinet before next summer. The Lakesiders have come along way in recent years.
An early snap shot by new face in the Aileach midfield Conor McShane flew wide of Paul McGettigan’s post before the Dunree keeper made a fine save to deny Gavin Doherty following Dermot McGlynn’s pinpoint cross from the right.
Impressive young playmaker Gavin Doherty was scampering down the right moments later before Dunree defender Paddy Toland was quickly across to clear the danger.
Less than ten minutes in Aileach had strong penalty claims waved away by referee Eamon Doherty before James Gillespie’s follow-up shot was well gathered by McGettigan in the visitors’ goal.
Another Gavin Doherty cross from the right saw Ciaran McGrory head off target before the home side took the lead courtesy of a stunning strike from 25 yards by James Gillespie after McGettigan punched Doherty’s corner.
Aileach had another penalty appeal turned down went McGrory went sprawling in the box while Gary McFadden fired inches wide as Brian Bell’s men kept up the pressure.
Another Gavin Doherty corner almost led to another Aileach goal but full-back Dermot McGlynn couldn’t keep his header down from five yards.
McGettigan then denied McGrory with a smart stop before an unchallenged Conor McShane headed Brian Treacy’s free-kick wide when he should really have hit the target.
Gathering Dermot McGlynn’s slide rule pass, Ciaran McGrory then fired straight at Dunree keeper McGettigan from a tight angle before the visitors almost stole an equaliser with the last action of the first-half. Latching onto a long ball, Thomas McKinlay skipped clear and rounded Aileach keeper Paul McGettigan but home defender Neil McElhinney brilliantly blocked on the line.
Dominant Aileach began the second period in much more clinical mood and were three clear inside five minutes. Following excellent work by James Gillespie and McFadden on the left, Gavin Doherty flicked in with the faintest of touches to carry the ball past McGettigan.
Two minutes later Doherty was involved again; controlling the ball in the box before Declan O’Donnell barreled his way through to score with a rare right-footed effort.
Keeping the pressure on, Aileach almost added to their tally but McGettigan saved well from Doherty and McGrory to keep faint Dunree hopes alive.
Any notions of an unlikely comeback were put to bed before the hour mark though, when Gavin Doherty tapped home his second of the night to put Aileach four ahead following good work by McFadden and McGrory on the left.
Lightning substitute Gary Collett then poked wide after Eamon Donnelly’s long ball before another James Gillespie rocket from outside the area flew into the Dunree net for a 5-0 home lead.
Thereafter, the game petered out with the visitors showing great energy, chasing the ball to keep the score down.

Aileach: Terry Feeney, Dermot McGlynn, Declan O’Donnell, Eamon Donnelly, Neil McElhinney, James Gillespie, Gavin Doherty, Conor McShane, Ciaran McGrory, Brian Treacy, Gary McFadden. Subs: Eddie McIntyre, Damien Barr, Dermot Doherty, Anthony Doherty, Gary Collett, Stephen Doherty, Ciaran Craig.

Dunree United: Paul McGettigan, Micky Grant, Paddy Toland, Stephen O’Sullivan, Barry Nixon, Kevin McColgan, Henry Connolly, Neil Moran, David Eccles, Thomas McKinlay, Daithi McColgan. Subs: Shaun Doherty, Joe Carlin, Paddy McGilloway.

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U-17 coach sought
The Ulster Football Association are seeking to recruit a manager with relevant experience and recognised coaching skills to manage and develop the Ulster FA Under 17 Inter-Provincial Squad. Please apply in the first instance to Herbie Barr, Provincial Administrator, Ulster Football Association, Kilderry, Muff. Telephone: 087-2874405. email: ulsterfootballassociation@eircom.net

For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent.
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