Limavady United fell to a 2–0 defeat against Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds, as Rodney McAree’s side made it four wins from four to start the season.
The Roesiders started the brighter of the two teams, with Ronan Wilson and Philip Lowry combining well early on before Lowry’s effort was blocked. Dungannon responded with a spell of pressure of their own, Marty Gallagher denying Leo Alves at one end before Declan Dunne produced a good save to keep out Jamie McGonigle at the other.
The visitors broke the deadlock on the half-hour when Paul Doyle was fouled on the edge of the area, and Alves stepped up to curl the free-kick beyond Gallagher’s reach. The Limavady goalkeeper was quickly back in action, tipping over a dipping 25-yard effort from Cahal McGinty to keep the score at 1–0.
Limavady pushed for an equaliser after the break and came agonisingly close on two occasions — Kieran Farren’s free-kick clipped the crossbar, and moments later Alfie Gaston blazed over from close range after Dunne could only parry a Philip Lowry effort into his path.
Dungannon made the game safe on 69 minutes. Sean McAllister’s shot was parried by Gallagher, and substitute Tiernan Kelly reacted quickest to head home the rebound. Limavady continued to search for a way back into the game, with Jamie McGonigle testing Dunne again, but the visitors saw out the win comfortably in the closing stages.
Referee Ian McNabb took charge of the match. Limavady United are back on the road next, away to Crusaders — see the Match Centre for the latest fixtures and results.