There was no welcome return to Senior Championship Football for Gortletteragh as they fell to a seven point defeat to Melvin Gaels in their opening Group 2 encounter at Gortletteragh on Saturday evening.

Gortletteragh had claimed the 2020 Intermediate Championship in impressive style just a fortnight ago but found the going tough against the Gaels on Saturday evening at home in Cornageeha.

After falling behind to a Darragh Rooney goal Gortletteragh worked hard to get back into the game and trailed by one point at the break: 1-06 to 0-08. But in the second half they struggled for scores and could only raise the umpires flag twice in that half hour.

Paul McGuire’s side were dealt a huge blow with talisman Jack Heslin picking up an injury. He was named on the bench but didn’t make an appearance on the field.

Leitrim star Darragh Rooney impressed for Melvin Gaels in this game along with Conor Sheridan, Peter McGowan and U20 player Caolan Clancy.

Gortletteragh made a fine start to the game and kicked over the game’s opening points. Melvin Gaels were back on level terms inside the fifth minute. A fine point from Gaels captain Peter McGowan edged them in front in the sixth minute.

It was a tight opening quarter and the sides drew level for a second time in the 14th minute. Gortletteragh had a chance to go ahead minutes later but the ball hit the post, Melvin Gaels broke up the field and a high ball in from Darragh Rooney eluded Gortletteragh goalkeeper and Melvin forward Cillian McGloin and ended up in the back of the net.

They were four ahead but credit to Gortletteragh they fought back and with Francie Flynn in fine form they were just one point behind going in at the break.

Melvin Gaels upped their performance in the second half and Gortletteragh were unable to contain them. They were lively up front, while their defence soaked up any Gortletteragh pressure, limiting the home side to just those two scores.

Clancy and Rooney caused problems throughout and they kicked a number of wides too. Gortletteragh just couldn’t get a run on them. Padraig Gallagher was on target for them in the second half while Evan Ward had a chance for a goal.

Melvin Gaels were four up inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Gortletteragh cut the gap to three but that was the closest they were to get to them.

Clancy hit over a mark and a free while Rooney was also on the scoresheet as the Kinlough side made a winning start to this year’s Leitrim Senior Football Championship.