It was not a 'vintage performance' but McGillen happy to get first win

Belcoo 2-11 Belnaleck 0-11

Belcoo picked up their first points of the season as they overcame parish rivals Belnaleck 2-11 to 0-11 on a sunny Friday evening.

Both sides are still without their full complement of players due to county commitments and injuries but the win will boost confidence for a Belcoo side who lost their first two games.

A Jack O'Dolan goal in each half proved the difference for the winners on the night as Belnaleck go in search of their first points.

Speaking after the game, Belcoo manager, Mickey McGillen expressed his satisfaction at the contribution the younger players in his squad are making: "Happy to get the win against Belnaleck.

"It certainly wasn't a vintage performance. I'm happy with the young lads who have broken through into the senior team.

"We are hampered with injuries at the minute and we are trying different players in different positions in preparation for the huge task ahead of staying in Division One this year."

Glen Treacy hit a brilliant opening point and this was followed by a Bryan Owens free to make it 0-02 to no score.

Belcoo had spurned chances early on but they responded with O'Dolan's first goal.

A ball in by Larry McKeown was pounced on by O'Dolan who fired to the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Dara Flanagan hit a good score shortly after as Belcoo moved into the lead for the first time and this was followed by a Paul McGrath free following a foul on McKeown.

Treacy would get his second point, another fine strike to make it a one-point game and then half-back Ryan Cassidy levelled matters again.

A brilliant score from McGrath restored Belcoo's advantage but Fergal Keenan would do the same followed by an Owens free as the sides went in level 1-03 to 0-06 at the break.

After Belcoo hit a couple of wides, Eamon Greene got on the end of a good move to put Belnaleck in front at the start of the second half but McKeown hit a super score for an immediate Belcoo response.

And McKeown did the same off his left foot to put his side back in front once more, 1-05 to 0-07.

McGrath added another free and Flanagan then got on the end of a quick move which started with a turnover in Belcoo's defence to increase the lead.

Belcoo's next attack would yield their second goal.

Flanagan was fouled out on the sideline and McGrath's lofted ball in was punched to the net by O'Dolan to make it 2-07 to 0-07.

And when centre forward, Eoin Corrigan, curled over a point, it looked like there was only  going to be one winner.

Owens did hit a reply for the Leckers to leave the two goals between the sides and over the closing stages, the sides would trade points as Belcoo ran out six point winners.

Ciarán Flaherty, Flanagan and McKeown would hit good scores for the winners while Greene and a Garvan Quigley free wrapped up Belnaleck's scoring.