Bonagee denied historic opening FAI National League win by late goal

Bonagee United were hit with a late sucker punch on their FAI National League debut as Alan Leonard struck a late, late equaliser for Home Farm DCU.

Captain Sam Hayden netted a 49th minute penalty to put Home Farm DCU ahead, but Bonagee hit back with goals from Aidan Brennan and Ryan Rainey turning the tide in favour of Declan Lynch’s side, in front of a big home crowd. And they looked set to be toasting a famous win until Leonard drilled in to seal a share of the spoils in the 93rd minute.

A large crowd turned out in a Dry Arch drizzle as the third tier of Irish football got underway in with new manager Lynch leading Bonagee into a new era. Their visitors fired an early warning shot across the Bonagee brows, Owen Benson’s drive held by home ‘keeper Andrew Nicholls.

Moments later, new signing Gary Merritt tried a cheeky chip from long range with Daithi Folan well off his line, but the effort was off target. The lively Benson jinked his way into position in the penalty area in the 14th minute, but a superbly-timed challenge by Michael McElroy, another of the new faces in the Bonagee line-up, kept the Dubliners at bay.

Micheal Doherty warmed the midriff of Folan after cutting in from the left-hand side on 21 minutes and, at the other end, Jamal Ibrahim headed over from a set piece. Bonagee broke away and Brennan crossed for Merritt, whose shot was blocked by Callum Ralph.

Merritt was closer still in the 34th minute, the Milford man rattling the crossbar after Brennan and Rainey combined well down the left channel.

Disaster struck for the home side four minutes into the second half. Tommy McMonagle upended half-time replacement Alan Leonard inside the area, referee Terence Moyne pointed to the spot and Hayden converted the penalty, cooly dispatching to the bottom right-hand corner.

Just six minute later, Bonagee drew level. The scampering Rainey made the initial inroads and, after sending Brennan away down the left, he was back on the receiving end to tuck in from close range, sparking big celebrations in the packed stand.

Just after the hour, Bonagee hit the front. Merritt’s cross was pushed to the back post by Folan and Brennan followed in. Having initially looked like the chance might’ve gone, the Keadue lad slotted home.

On 74 minutes, Harry O’Connor drew a big save from Nicholls, his stinging effort beaten away by the home number 1.

Shane Moran could have put Bonagee out of sight nine minutes from the end, but the substitute rifled wide after working his way into a dangerous position.

Late in the game, Caomhan Green thwarted Michael Keyes, who should have bagged the equaliser.

Three minutes into added time, a Harry O’Connor cross wasn’t dealt with and the ball was cut back by Alex Bailey for Leonard to score.

Bonagee United: Andrew Nicholls, Ciaran Kelly, Tommy McMonagle, Adam Rodgers (Caomhan Green 45), Michael McElroy; Gareth Harkin, Dan O’Donnell (Matthew McLaughlin 53); Micheal Doherty, Ryan Rainey (Shane Moran 78), Aidan Brennan (Kyle Martin 68); Gary Merritt.

Home Farm DCU: Daithi Folan; Aaron Walsh (Ethan Maher 83), Evan Haddock, Jared Penrose (Davin O’Connor 71); Michael Keyes, Viktor Serdeniuk (Romeo Tuyusige 71), Sam Hayden, Callum Ralph (Alex Bailey 71); Harry O’Connor, Jamal Ibrahim (Alan Leonard h-t), Owen Benson.

Referee: Terence Moyne.