SUBSTITUTE Daniel Stolarczyk scored a free kick with the last kick of the game to put a chink in Cappry Rovers’ Premier Division title assault.
Bonagee United 1 Cappry Rovers 1
By Chris McNulty at Dry Arch Park
Sean McBride’s goal, on 87 minutes, looked to have given Cappry a priceless win, but Stolarczyk stepped up to put a cat among the top flight’s pigeons.
It was deep in the added moments when Bonagee were awarded a free kick just inside the box and Stolarczyk stepped up to curl past Joe Boyle and secured a share of the spoils.
Just seven minutes earlier, McBride bagged the opening and what appeared likely to be the only goal of the game.
Benny McLaughlin carved out the chance with some nifty footwork and he offloaded for McBride, who found the bottom corner.
But Stolarczyk sealed a draw for Bonagee and the title race is now wide open with the gap down to only three points, although Kilmacrennan Celtic – who had a slender 3-2 win at home to Donegal Town – have a game in hand, while Kildrum Tigers, who have five games in hand, were held to a damaging 1-1 draw by Cranford.
Cappry arrived at Dry Arch Park unbeaten in the Premier Division this season, the only blot on the copybook a 1-1 draw with title foes Kilmacrennan.
Cappry opened well and former Donegal GAA ace Frank McGlynn fired wide with a good chance.
There was a lengthy stoppage to allow treatment to a head injury on Bonagee defender Taylor Russell. Though Russell appeared ready to resume with his head heavily bandaged, Dylan Sweeney came in as a replacement.
McLaughlin curled over a free kick after Darren Hunter took down Alan Gethins right on the edge of the penalty area.
John Carr, the Bonagee goalkeeper, saved well at McGlynn’s feet while Melaugh shot over from a good position.
Darren McGowan drilled wide from distance while McLaughlin arrowed into Carr’s arms as Cappry turned the score.
Bonagee – the 2018/19 Division One champions – have performed well in their maiden season in the top flight.
Damian McClafferty’s men entered this game sitting in fourth spot and they showed some of their credentials when fashioning a chance – with Cappry claiming the ball had gone out of play – that ended with Aaron Wasson forcing a strong save at close range from visiting ‘keeper Boyle.
Cappry began part two with McBride steering past the far post and Paddy McNulty headed at Carr.
Bonagee’s Lee McMonagle was denied by the brave endeavours of Boyle, who raced from his goal to halt the midfielder’s run with a good save.
McBride did have the ball in the net – and it was a fine finish, too – but referee Stephen Toner ruled the effort out for an offside infringement, while the table-toppers saw appeals for a handball against Bonagee’s Paddy McGowan fall upon deaf ears.
McBride looked to have won it, but Stolarczyk struck and there was time only for Cappry to kick-off again as the final whistle shrilled.
Bonagee United: John Carr, Glenn Gallagher, Paddy McColgan, Darren Hunter, Taylor Russell (Dylan Sweeney), Greg Magee (Karol McGinley), Cody Brogan (Daniel Stolarczyk), Lee McMonagle, Paddy McGowan, Aidan McLaughlin, Aaron Wasson (Chris Toner).
Cappry Rovers: Joe Boyle, Darren McGowan, Brendan McLaughlin, Darren O’Leary, Aaron Kelly, Frank McGlynn, Sean McBride (Jamie Murray), Paddy McNulty, Alan Gethins, Gerard Melaugh (Trevor Gethins), Dean O’Donnell (Conor Doherty).
Referee: Stephen Toner.
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