BY JONNY STAPLETON
It was more advanced than an intermediate-level performance from Oliver Bond Celtic FC in their first ever Intermediate football tie.
The Leinster Senior League Senior 1B newbies laid down a very early marker by brushing aside a strong Rush Athletic outfit over the weekend.
Bond outscored Athletic by four goals to one on what was their first league match under the management of the man who masterminded Sheriff YC’s famous junior-level reign, Alan Reilly.
Fittingly former Bohemians, St Patricks Athletic and Drogheda midfielder, John Lester, who was a linchpin in the Sheriff team that dominated the FAI Junior Cup in the 2010s, scored Bond’s first competitive goal under Reilly.
A name more synonymous with the Oliver Bond scoresheet, Troy Carey got the hosts second, before another former Sherrif player who rode across town to sign for Bond, Joe O’Neill netted, while Brandon Daly got Bond’s fourth.
Ballyfermot United’s go-to goal hero scored the only goal as one of the sides that came up with the OBC registered victory on their return to Intermediate level.
Darryl Henderson capitalised on an error from the Drogheda Town keeper to get off the mark early and secure his side three points.
The spoils were shared in the basement division’s other two opening day ties with Sheriff drawing with Dunboyne and Hartstown Huntstown drawing with Ardmore Rovers.
Senior 1A produced the most entertainment as amateur football returned with high scoring draws in all but one of its ties.
Castleknock Celtic and Templeogue United shared six goals equally on Friday night, while a Brian Malone double helped secure Aryfield United a draw away to Arklow. Inchicore Athletic came from two down to draw with
Leixlip United in the division’s other draw, meaning Usher Celtic were the big winners on opening weekend.
Irish Amateur International Gary Gannon was the hat trick hero for the newly promoted side who beat St John Bosco 4-0 in their first ever Intermediate third tier win.
There was a debut Senior 1 win for Kilbarrack United as goals from Aaron Humphries and Deiric Hyland (inset) helped Ross Carrig’s men defeat Skerries Town.
Tolka Rovers and Swords Celtic also made successful starts to the season with wins over Cherry Orchard and Collinstown respectively.
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