Jamie Harris on the double as Bongaee United overcome Kildrum Tigers to go top

Jamie Harris struck twice under the Dry Arch Park lights on Friday night as Bonagee United overcame Kildrum Tigers to go to the top of the Donegal League Premier Division.

Harris bagged a goal in either half for Packie Mailey’s side, who staved off a rousing finale that included a red card for Jack Parke and a last-gap goal from James McNulty that momentarily rocked the hosts.

However, Harris took his tally to nine in all competitions for the season so far to give Bonagee the maximum return in a game reversed from Station Road Park.

In a cagey opening, Tiernan Brown forced a good stop out of Andrew Nicholls. It was a game of few openings with Harris and Keelan Gillen off target at either end.

That was that until the lead arrived late in the first half. On 39 minutes, Bonagee broke the stalemate. Dan O’Donnell fed Shay Maloney over the top and his cross was converted by Harris.

Four minutes before half-time, Jack Parke drew a superb save from Michael Lynch, the visiting goalkeeper who did well to beat away a powerful attempt.

Early in the second half, after Parke whipped in a free that was well held by the Tigers net-minder, Harris doubled his tally and Bonagee’s lead, firing past Lynch after being teed up by Ricky Guntrip.

Kildrum weren’t out of it by any stretch of the imagination and McNulty forced Nicholls into a good save down to his right. Nicholls was called into action again by Frank McBrearty’s teasing drive, but the home ‘keeper was equal to it.

Seven minutes from the end, Bonagee were reduced to 10 men when Parke was given a second yellow card, seemingly for having taken too long to take a throw-in.

Kildrum went in search of a way back in and, deep into added time, McNulty headed home from a Shane McGinty set piece. 

It was too late to inspire a comeback and Bonagee hit the top.

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Bonagee United: Andrew Nicholls, Jack Parke, Kevin O’Donnell, Gareth Breslin, David Boakye, Gareth Harkin, Jamie Harris (Kyle McLaughlin 72), Dan O’Donnell, Aidan McLaughlin (Ryan Creevy 81), Ricky Guntrip (James Henry 67), Shay Maloney (Conor Stewart 81).

Kildrum Tigers: Michael Lynch, Jamie McKinney, Tiernan Brown (Corey McBride-Gillen 62), Gavin McGee (CJ Clarke h-t), James McNulty, Frank McBrearty, Brian Breslin, William Lynch, Jonny Robb, Brett McGinty (Ethan Coll h-t), Keelan Gillen (Shane McGinty 65).

Referee: Mick Lagan.