ACFL Division 2
Gort na Mona 2-11 Ardoyne 2-6
Gort na Mona repeated their opening day win of last season when they got the better of Kickham’s Ardoyne at Enright Park on Saturday.
Last year just a point separated the sides at Cliftonville. This time Gort na Mona had five to spare but they were forced to fight all the way by a spirited Kickham’s side.
Padraig McHugh got the Mona Bye-pass side off to the perfect start when he fired to the Ardoyne net in the opening minute and Desy McClean added a couple of points to move the home side 1-2 to 0-0 ahead by the 9th minute.
Caoimhin Beck added another to extend the home side’s lead to six and it looked like they were going to run away with it but Ardoyne finally opened their account from a couple of pointed frees to serve notice that they were not there just to make up the numbers.
Manus McMullan replied for the hosts and a Caoimhin Beck goal, followed immediately by a point put Gort na Mona in a strong position.
The visitors were starting to gain a foothold however and a goal from the penalty spot in the 27th minute saw them close the gap to four at the halfway stage.
Half Time
Gort na Mona 2-5 Ardoyne 1-4
It was Gort na Mona who again assumed control on the restart and Tim Scannell and Padraigh McHugh extended their lead with points and Caoimhin Beck and Desy McClean moved them eight ahead by the 16th minute.
The Gorts emptied their bench at this stage with Ardoyne finally opening their account with a point but Desy McClean and Darron Boyd concluded the scoring with late points for the visitors.
Ardoyne did get a second goal with eight minutes remaining but it only served to put a better look on the scoreline and on this performance Gort na Mona could be in the running for honours come the end of the season.
Scorers:
Caoimhín Beck 1-3
Pádraig McHugh 1-1
Desy McClean 0-4
Manus McMullan 0-1
Tim Scannell 0-1
Darron Boyd 0-1
Gort na Móna: M Park, J Reilly, J Connolly, D Cahill, B Burns, S Campbell, P Cournane, G McKenna, M Savage, T Scannell, D McClean, M McMullan, D Boyd, P McHugh, C Beck
Subs: T Morton for G McKenna (47′), B Chambers for J Reilly (47′), J Ireland for M McMullan (47′)
Referee: Fionntán McCotter