Goals do the trick for Bundoran in Division 2 success at Gaeil Fhánada

Bundoran left Páirc Uí Shiadhail on Saturday evening with two important Division 2 points after a convincing victory over Gaeil Fhánada.

First-half goals from Diarmuid Spratt and Kyle McNulty set the tone before a third arrived in the second half, with Callum Tierney adding a third in the second.

Liam McGrenaghan opened the scoring with a brilliant two-pointer in the 11th minute, but Kyle McNulty responded instantly with a two-pointer for Bundoran.

After Gaeil Fhánada missed two chances, Bundoran seized the initiative with a stroke of fortune. A 45 dropped short into the hands of Spratt, who finished to the net from close range.

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Points from Anton Govorov and McNulty quickly followed, giving Bundoran a five-point lead. McGrenaghan struck back with another two-pointer to keep the Gaels within reach. Despite enjoying plenty of the ball, Gaeil Fhánada lacked a cutting edge, while Bundoran remained clinical. Ryan McGloin added a point before Bundoran's second goal arrived, again via a rebound, this time finished by McNulty.

Gary Clancy’s two-pointer just before the break sent Bundoran into the interval with a commanding lead. The score at half-time read Gaeil Fhánada 0-4 Bundoran 2-7.

The Gaels came out with purpose and created several opportunities, but four early wides stifled their momentum. McNulty added another point for Bundoran before James Kerr answered with a two-pointer. Bundoran's third goal came in the 42th minute when Tierney finished a rebound after Eoin McGonigle had made a fine save.

In the aftermath, Gaeil Fhánada’s Oisín Shiels received a black card, compounding their woes. Michael Sweeney and Paddy Carr were introduced for the hosts, with Sweeney making a significant impact, unsettling the Bundoran defence.

However, Gaeil Fhánada couldn’t capitalise on several goal chances. Clancy added a free for Bundoran and nearly netted again, only for McGonigle to make another save. Fanad created five or six goal-scoring chances overall in the second half, but luck and composure deserted them. Anton Govorov scored the last Bundoran point, with James Kerr landing another two-pointer and a final point, along with a score from Brandon McClafferty, rounding off proceedings. Bundoran finished three goals clear.

Gaeil Fhánada scorers: James Kerr 0-5, 2 2pt; Liam McGrenaghan 0-4, 2 2pt; Brandon McClafferty 0-1
Bundoran scorers: Kyle McNulty 1-4, 1 x 2pt; Diarmuid Spratt and Callum Tierney 1-0;
Gary Clancy 0-3, 1 2pt; Anton Govorov 0-2; Ryan McGloin 0-1

Gaeil Fhánada: Eoin McGonigle; Oisín McFadden, Odhrán Shiels, Ronan McAteer; Liam McGrenaghan, Shaun Kerr, Calum McAteer; Shaun Carr, Oisín Shiels; Brandon McClafferty, Bernard McGettigan, Eoin Logue; James Kerr, Darragh O’Doherty, Darren McElwaine. Subs: Paddy Carr for Eoin Logue, Michael Sweeney for Darragh O’Doherty, Paddy Heraghty for Oisín McFadden, JP Gallagher for Calum McAteer.
Réalt na Mara (Bundoran): Conor Carty; Callum Tierney, Ryan McGloin, Lee Smith; Ryan Barrett, Dara Hoey; Oisín Walsh, Niall Carr; Diarmuid Sprat, Shane McGowan, Anton Govorov, Adam McGloin; Gary Clancy, Kyle McNulty.
Réiteoir: Anthony Finn (Naomh Colmcille)