All’s ’Well that ends well as Kelly grabs winning goal

pressure from the ‘Well led to Craig O’Connor going through on goal and he drew the Harps full-back towards him before enticing him into a late tackle in the box.

The referee awarded the penalty and Devine stroked the spot kick to the bottom right corner of the net.

Newfoundwell remained on top after that and their patience was rewarded with what turned out to be the winning goal in the 65th minute.

Dale Harding, Danny Murray and Tom Reilly, the side’s three 19-yearolds who were occupying the central midfield berths, embarked on a slick passing move and eventually the ball was worked forward to Martin Kelly who marked his first league game for his new club with a smart finish.

While the outcome was tighter than manager Gartland might have hoped for, he pointed out that he was without six first-team players on the day.

Dean Carolan (work commitments) and goalkeeper Keith Martyn (holidays) were unavailable along with Newtown Blues GAA brothers Brian and John Kermode, while striker Ciaran Carroll and ‘Bunner’ Murphy missed out through injury and Carroll’s strike partner Devine had to be substituted after taking a knock in the first half. NEWFOUNDWELL: Bryan Smith, Daryl McDonagh, Kevin Bull, Mickey Matthews, Danny Murray, Dale Harding, Tom Reilly, Craig O’Connor (Niall Murtagh), Karl Brannigan, Martin Kelly, Ian Devine (Ross Reid). Subs not used: Gaz Smith, Leon Campbell, Dean Byrne.

•Elsewhere on the opening weekend of the Premier Division season, Boyne Harps had a chastening experience as they went down 5-0 away to Bellurgan United.

However, Black Bull made a winning start to their Division 1 campaign and in Division 3 newly-promoted Rathmullen Celtic edged out Electro Celtic in a 10goal thriller and Albion Rovers were winners away to Donacarney Celtic.

Hazel Lane, who have been promoted to Division 2, lost out to Rathkenny Rovers away from home, while Rathkenny’s neighbours Slane Wanderers - relegated from Division 1 - lost their first game at home to Kells/Blackwater.

In Division 4, Drogheda-Marsh marked their return to the North East League with a narrow home defeat to Glenmuir United of Dundalk.