CHAMPIONSHIP 1: O’Hanlon nets double as Comrades put four past Donegal Celtic

Ballyclare's Michael O'Hanlon skips this challenge from Donegal Celtic's Ryan Dunlop. INLT 48-902-CON Picture: Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Strikes by Chris Trussell, Samuel McIlveen and a Michael O’Hanlon double secured all three Championship 1 points in wintry conditions at Suffolk Road.

The goalfest started in the 14th minute when Stuart King threaded the ball through to Trussell who scored for the second week in succession.

Four minutes later Trussell was fouled from behind just as he was about to pull the trigger, and Samuel McIlveen doubled the lead from the spot.

Trussell rattled the post on the half-hour and moments later Celtic’s midfielder Bradley was sent off for a second yellow.

The Wee Hoops rarely threatened, but in a sporadic foray upfield Curley fired against the woodwork, but just before the break Michael O’Hanlon expertly chipped the keeper from the edge of the box to put the visitors three up.

In the 66th minute O’Hanlon doubled his tally from a King corner to make it four and was denied a hat-trick when the keeper tipped over a ferocious volley.

“The lads moved the ball around fluently and were worthy winners. Although we didn’t concede, I was just a little concerned about some sloppy defending and we will have to work on that.”

Ballyclare Comrades: Nicholl; Doherty, Getty, McCart (C), McQuitty; Brown Simpson), McIlveen, Dobbin, O’Hanlon; King (McClurg), Trussell (Reid). Subs not used: E Hill, Woods.