Letterkenny Rovers narrowed the gap to USL leaders Cockhill Celtic thanks to a comfortable win over Bonagee United at Dry Arch Park.
Bonagee United 0 Letterkenny Rovers 3
Christy Connaghan, Kevin McGrath and Sean McCarron netted the goals as Eamonn McConigley’s men took advantage of Cockhill being held at home to Derry City Reserves.
It might have been a different tale had Bonagee midfielder Daniel stolarczyk6 netted a 42nd minute penalty.
With Rovers in front through Connaghan’s 16th minute opener, Bonagee – who minus the suspended Michael Funston and Gareth Wade, as well as the unavailable Mark Harkin – were handed a glorious chance to draw level when Chris Malseeed handled in the area.
However, Stolarczyk spurned his big moment, blazing up and over Rory Kelly’s crossbar.
All of a sudden, Bonagee found themselves two down and staring into the abyss. Right on the blow of half-time, McGrath hit a stunning second for Rovers.
From 25 yards, McGrath’s half-volley was struck as sweet as he could have hoped for, flying beyond the helpless John Carr.
It was a first USL appearance for Carr, Bonagee’s Donegal League netminder and he could be pleased with his display, even if he did concede three.
In the second half, Carr made a fine stop to deny McCarron who was bearing in on goal and also kept out an effort from Connaghan.
Bonagee United
Midfielder Connaghan broke the deadlock when he was on the receiving end of a fortunate ricochet. A Bonagee clearance rebounded off one of their own players and Connaghan seized on the chance, rounding Carr before tucking home.
Pajo Rafferty had earlier headed over before he was denied by the post as a first-time shot from a McGrath pass had Carr beaten.
McGrath was involved again when his initial shot was cushioned by Carr and Ciaran Daffan hooked it clear.
Rovers were in cruise control without being at their best in the second half and McCarron copper-fastened the win with a tidy finish from the edge of the box.
Bonagee United: John Carr, Rory McCrossan, Darren Hunter, Caillin McLaughlin, Ciaran Daffan, Dean Larkin, Glenn Gallagher, Daniel Stolarczyk, James Carolan, Matthew Harkin, Jamie Lynagh. Sub used: Aaron Wasson.
Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Ryan Lonergan, Conor Tourish, Ryan Gildea, Lee Toland, Kevin McGrath, Chris Flanagan, Chris Malseed, Christy Connaghan, Pajo Rafferty, Sean McCarron. Subs used: Darren McElwaine, Brian McVeigh, Odhran McMacken, Steve Okakp-Emeka, Garbhan Grant.
Referee: Marty Quinn
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