FOOTBALL: DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS

DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE REPORTS

Brian McCormick Cup Semi Final @ Castlefin

Rathmullan Celtic 2-1 Lifford (after extra time)

Rathmullan booked their place in the final of the Brian McCormick Cup for the first time thanks to a battling performance against Lifford on a bitterly cold afternoon in Castlefin. A swirling breeze and a difficult surface mean it was not a thing of beauty, but Mush and his players will care little for that now.

Today they showed the kind of battling skills and determination that will be needed in buckets over the next few weeks if they are to remain in the title hunt. In doing so, they eventually wore down a hardened Lifford team that appeared set to progess thanks to a first half wonder-goal from Ross Porter.

Veteran striker Eamonn Sheridan levelled the game inside the final 10 minutes after the best piece of flowing football all day and Molby was once again in the right spot to hammer home after a goalmouth scramble in extra –time to the delight of a freezing cold but sizeable travelling Seaside support (pat yourselves on the back once you thaw out, you deserve it!).

It seems hard to believe that in this week last year the boys secured a league title against St Catherines on a balmy sunny afternoon with shorts and tshirts the order of the day!!

As their league positions suggested, there was never going to be too much between these teams, and so it proved today.

Rathmullan started brightly, with the help of the strong breeze, and dictated the early play. There were no clear cut chances and Lifford soon found themselves in front.

Hoops goalkeeper Shaun Gallagher was adjudged to have handled the ball outside his area by referee Joe McHugh (no yellow card mind you but sure listen, we’ll not complain, they are only rules!) after 15 minutes and from the resulting free Lifford went ahead in some considerable style.

Ross Porter curled an absolute beauty over the wall into the top left hand corner giving Gallagher no chance. It was postage stamp stuff.

Rathmullan had plenty possession ahead of the half time break, but rarely threatened to breach Lee White’s goal. Paddy Sheridan’s shot was well blocked after a ball broke to him on the edge of the area while the other Paddy Sheridan (Baldy) flashed wide from distance. Dara Patton had a couple of runs but that finishing touch just wasnt there.

Playing into the breeze after the half time break – kudos to Castlefin, yon chocolate buns were first class – it immediately became apparent Rathmullan were more comfortable passing the ball without it getting away in the wind.

The pressure was a lot more intense throughout the half and more and more Lifford seemed determined to close the game out with their advantage. White in goals was making a huge contribution to that effort as he denied Dara again and Oisin McMenamin first just wide.

Rathmullan were going for it by this stage, with Shea Coyle and Reggie Miller pushing forward at any opportunity. Aaron McClafferty offered fresh legs in the middle of the field, but it looked as if Lifford’s organisation would win out.

Then came the outstanding move of the game and a fully merited leveller.

Paddy Baldy done well to keep a move going down the left and his cross in field came to Dara’s feet. He played in Oisin on the edge of the box who in turn quickly fed Eamonn (no easy task!). With the goal at his mercy, Molby showed all his experience to remain calm and side foot the ball past White for 1-1.

Into extra time with their tales up and the wind at their backs, Rathmullan were once again pressing.

From a corner, the ball broke to Molby once more at the back post and he drove it over the line to give Rathmullan a vital lead. On a bitter afternoon, it certainly warmed up the Rathmulllan crew who immediately started to dream of creamy pints in Carr’s O the Diamond come the middle of May for the Cup Final.

Lifford responded with some pressure of their own, and either side could have added goals late on as the game became end to end.

Rathmullan hung on grimly and will now enjoy a trip to Ballyare to face Glenea in the decider.

That’s for another day though. After this one, all three teams at the top of the Premier Division are on course for a massive battle to see who comes out on top. With just a handful of games to go, it looks impossible to pick a winner. Defending champions Glenea, Lifford and ourselves can all genuinely believe this could be the year….it should be quar craic sorting this out!

It would be foolish to pick a stand out performer for Rathmullan today. All 14 that played, the subs that didn’t, the manager and the club and supporters as a whole can rightfully be proud of their achievement in nailing a place in the final.

For Lifford, Mark Carlin’s tenacious, all action tackling around the middle of the field typified their efforts and they won’t be far off at the end of the season

Brian Mc Cormick Cup Semi-Finals

Donegal Town 1 Glenea United 5

Old Orchard Inn Division One

Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 Glenea United Reserves 4

In arctic conditions this game was reversed to Glasserchoo. It was the Gaeltacht side that would come out on top. Glenea started well when Shane Ferry went close on 8 minutes after he beat the defender and the keeper only to see his effort cleared off the line. Glenea opened the scoring on 40 minutes when a Shane Coll cross from the left was headed home by Martin Doohan. In the 2nd half Glenea continued to dominate but were unable extend their lead and it was the away side that came closest to scoring when Paul Doherty saw his long range effort come back off the crossbar. This near miss seemed to stir the home side and on 70 minutes Martin Maguire was on hand to force the ball home after a scramble in the box. Glenea extended their lead on 80 minutes when Lee O’ Brien got past the defence and saw his effort half blocked by the keeper but loop into the net. Glenea’s 4th goal was added by Lee O’ Brien who was on hand to finish from close range after a pull back from Shane Ferry. Best for Glenea were Shane Ferry & Martin Maguire, while it was a team effort from Kilmacrennan. Referee: Martin Coll.

Ramelton Mariners 2 Glencar Celtic 1

Mulroy Celtic 4 Erne Wanderers 0

Glencar Inn Division Two

Milford United Reserves 5 Keadue Rovers Reserves 0

Milford had a comfortable victory over an under strength Keadue in a cold and windy Rathmullan. The home team controlled the game from the beginning but it took 25 minutes before Lee Burke broke the deadlock with an excellent turn and finish. Keadue faced an uphill battle after being reduced to ten men through injury and Milford took advantage with Ciaran Blaney finding the net on 40 minutes. The second half continued with Milford attacking but failing to create many clear cut chances. The third goal came after a Ciaran Gibbons free kick was spilled by the keeper and Brendan McGinley reacted quickest to score from close range. Connor Meckin, on as a sub, scored a superb fourth from twenty yards and Ciran Blaney wrapped up the game with his second.

Cranford United Reserves 0 Downtown United 1

Cranford and Downtown played out an entertaining game at a cold Cranford Park. It started off evenly with neither team creating many chances but after 20 minutes Downtown got on top and had a couple of good chances through Niall Bonnar and Charlie McLaughlin. In the 35th minute Niall Bonnar finished well from inside the box to put Downtown one up. Cranford responded well and Paddy Mc Groady set up Johnny Wilhare whose shot went just over the bar.

In the second half Downtown started well and Charlie McLaughlin and a couple of good chances but couldn’t finish. Cranford then came into the game in the last 30 minutes and were unlucky not to equalise when Dale McFadden hit the side net after a flick on from Paddy Mc Groady. Applying good pressure Cranford had a number of good chances and a Paddy Mc Groady shot was well saved by the Downtown keeper. A Paddy Shiels’ header went inches over the bar as Cranford tried to secure a share of the spoils but it wasn’t to be. Two good battling team performances.

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 St. Catherines 2

This game was played in Rathmullan in horrible conditions as a fierce breeze endured for the entire game. Kilmac started well creating a few half chances but Daniel Breslin almost scored for St. Catherines, only denied by Mark Gallagher in the Kilmac goal. The first goal was scored just before the half hour mark. Johnny Doherty swung in a teasing ball for Darren McGinley to blast home from close range. Catherines continued to push with Breslin and Jason Noctor going close. Kilmac scored their second moments before the half time whistle. A sweet one two between Ryan Shields and Michael McLaughlin released Timmy Burke who’s thunderous volley landed in the top corner giving the Killybegs’ keeper absolutely no chance.

As expected St. Catherines came out strong in the second half and it was no surprise when Benny Maguire latched onto a Daniel Breslin flick to make it 2-1 with fifty minutes played. The visitors, with the win to their backs, went in search for an equaliser but as the game went on they were met with a resolute Kilmac defence marshalled by Shaun Sandilands and Darren Toland. The visitors must have though it wasn’t going to be their day when a free kick rattled the cross bar, much to the relief of the home side. With five minutes remaining however, a long ball by the St. Catherines keeper found its way to Jason Noctor who somehow managed to put the ball into the back of the net. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Ronan Floyd

Lagan Harps 1 Milford United 2

Lagan were left to rue some missed chances when they slipped further into the relegation battle. Milford gave themselves some breathing space after a strong defensive showing towards the end of the game. Lagan started well with Aidan O’Donnell shooting just over. Shane Kelly was presented with a chance at the back post but shot wide. Austin Marron then did well to beat a few players at the edge of the Milford area but again shot wide. . Lagan opened the scoring on fifteen minutes when Drew Connolly broke clear on the left and curled a great finish into the far corner. Milford responded and levelled on twenty minutes. Brendan Murray seized on a loose ball in a crowded area and volleyed home. Kevin Kelly had a well struck free for Lagan, well saved by Caolan Mc Gettigan. Milford took the lead just before halftime when Joey Cullen seized on another loose ball in the Lagan area and drilled home. Milford started the second half brightly, with Brendan Murray seizing on a loose back header, but shooting over. Lagan had a great opportunity on seventy minutes when Austin Marron broke through on the left but shot into the side netting. Lagan’s next opportunity came when Kevin Kelly crossed but James Gillen failed to get the vital touch at the back post. Milford went close on eighty minutes when Bryan Kelly managed to clear a Joey Cullen header off the line. Lagan continued to press but Milford were always dangerous on the break. Lagan’s next opportunity came when James Gillen fired a cross towards the back post. Aidan O’Donnell threw himself at it but just couldn’t make contact. Lagan battled to the end but couldn’t break down a resolute Milford defence. For Lagan Conor Sweeney, Aidan O’Donnell, Kevin Kelly and Austin Marron did well. For Milford Paddy Peoples, Pauric Curley, Paul Shields and Brendan Murray were best. Referee: Paddy Duffy.

Watson Hire Division One

Arranmore United 0 Ballybofey United 3

Arranmore United lost 3 nil in this relegation battle which sees Ballybofey guaranteed at least a play-off spot to remain in the Milford Inn Division One. A youthful Arranmore team fell behind after 5 minutes through a tidy finish into the bottom corner. Arranmore came into the game after this with Christopher Mc Glanaghey and Daniel Rocky coming closest to getting the equaliser.

Ballybofey went 2 ahead after 60 minutes when they scored from a free kick. Arranmore now faced an uphill battle. They battled hard with young Martin Proctor the pick of the Arranmore team, getting forward at every chance from the back but he couldn’t find the goal his efforts deserved. Shane Elliott playing up front for Arranmore missed chance after chance but could not find the target despite being set up numerous times. Chris Mc Glanaghey and Michael Regan also went close but Arranmore couldn’t find the target. The 3rd and final goal came on 70 minutes from Ballybofey who went home with all 3pts. Team performance from Ballybofey, with Martin Proctor best for Arranmore.

Drumoghill FC 3 Cappry Rovers 2

Drumoghill FC can breathe a sigh of relief after they held on to secure all 3 points against a brave Cappry side that came within the width of a post of completing the unlikeliest of comebacks. Trailing 3-0 at the break, Cappry had fought back to reduce the deficit to 3-2 by the time substitute Donnelly placed the ball for an 85th minute free-kick from the edge of the box. However his super effort rattled the post and with it went the visitor’s hopes of salvaging a point.

Dillon Ramsey scored for Cappry on 55 minutes with a superb left footed strike which curled into the top corner and Malachy Martin on 75 minutes registered with an effort that deflected in off the unfortunate Richard Tinney to set up the frantic finish. Drumoghill only had themselves to blame though had they have taken anything less than maximum points. They got off to the perfect start racing into a 2 goal lead with strikes from Liam O’Donnell and David Carroll inside the opening 10 minutes. O’Donnell seemed to have killed the game off as a contest just before half-time, by beating the off side trap to nudge past O’Meara for the 3rd, until Cappry’s brave fight-back set up an entertaining 2nd half

Curragh Athletic 1 Cranford United 0

A Dan O’ Brien goal on seven minutes proved to be the match winner in a very close game played at Killygordon. Played in freezing conditions, with both sides needing the win, Curragh just about deserved the win against a very experienced Cranford outfit. In a lively start, both Cranford and Curragh started well. But in the seventh minute, it was Curragh who made the important breakthrough. Ryan Carlin was fouled in midfield, Michael O’ Brien floated the free kick into the Cranford box and there was Dan O’ Brien with his trademark finish to score his third goal in two matches. It was the perfect start for Curragh, but with the experience of Shane Mc Elwaine, Philip Buchannan and Arthur Lynch in the Cranford team, this was never going to be an easy game. It could easily have been two nil on sixteen minutes but Shane Barclay saw his chip saved by the keeper when he ran through on goal. It could also have been even on twenty seven minutes, but Curragh got somehow off the hook when keeper Roy Duffy fouled, however, Duffy made more than up for his mistake with a double save from Philips Buchannan’s spot kick. The game then continued with both teams trying to create a chance, but the chances were few and far between with Michael O’ Brien, Gary Doherty and Emmet Mc Nulty outstanding for Curragh and Arthur Lynch dominating the defensive area for Cranford. Dan O’ Brien did almost grab a second at the back post on seventy six minutes. With the game now entering the final minutes, Cranford did go close late on, with Lynch clipping the top of the crossbar with his second attempt from a free kick. Curragh held on for an important win which puts them back on top of the table. The home side also had good performances from Gareth Gallagher and Eddie Moore with Ryan Carlin, Dan O’ Brien ever dangerous in attack.

Referee: Con Mc Laughlin

Raphoe Town 0 Eany Celtic 2

This tightly contested match saw chances for both teams in the first half but neither could convert. It was in the 60th minute that the deadlock was broke by a freak goal when Barry Rose crossed the ball from the side line and it dropped in at the back post. Again both teams had more chances but the game was sealed in the 80th minute when Raphoe scored an OG and the match finish 2-0 to the visitors. Both teams put in good performances.

CT Ball Division Two

Copany Rovers 3 Glenree United 4

Copany welcomed Glenree to Ballykillone and produced a 7 goal thriller. Copany opened the scoring on 39 minutes with Paul Clarke slotting into the bottom corner . Glenree equalised through Karl Mc Kenny who got on the end of a long throw-in just on the stroke of half time. Copany started well in the second half and Rodger Leonard produced a piece of magic inside the Glenree box to put Copany 2-1 up . Copany had what you might call a fairly good chance to go 3-1 but failed to take the chance. Glenree pushed hard and Mc Clafferty made it 2-2. A few minutes later Glen Harron put Copany 3-2 ahead. Glenree then scored two quick goals to win it. Mc Clafferty was best for Glenree and Copany’s was a team performance.

Dunlewy Celtic 2 Whitestrand United 2

In an entertaining affair, with both teams needing a win to keep their promotion hopes alive, they had to settle for a point apiece. The game started well for both teams and it was the visitors who took the lead through Shaun Gallagher. The second half started well for the home side when Christy Cannon scored from a free kick, their second was scored by Stephen Gallagher when he rose highest to nod home. The visitors never gave up and got their reward when Paul lynch converted. Both teams pushed for a winner but a draw was a fair result. Best for Dunlewey: Martin McFadden, Daniel Coll and Christy Cannon. A solid team performance from Whitestrand.

Gweedore United 4 Bonagee United 2

This top of the table clash played on a cold day in Gweedore saw the home side claim a vital 3 points in their quest for promotion this season following a good game between two good footballing sides. In the first half both sides played a good entertaining open game of football with chances at both ends. In the 23rd minute the visitors took the lead when neat play was well finished by Ross Hamlyn to make it 1-0. Gweedore were back on level terms one minute later when Michael Connolly was brought down in the Bonagee box and Shane O’ Donnell, who was excellent on the day, scored the resulting spot kick to make it 1-1.Both sides continued to entertain a good crowd at Carrickboyle, however it remained 1-1 until half time .In the second half Brian Gallagher’s side started well and took a deserved lead in the 57th minute when a good cross from Keith Sweeney was well headed into the top corner by Michael Connolly to make it 2-1. Bonagee’s Darren Coyle hit a good shot in the 60th minute but it went just wide. The home side continued to dominate the midfield area and went 3-1 up in the 75th minute when another Sweeney cross was well finished by Darren Ferry. Gweedore made it 4-1 in the 84th minute when Ciaran Mc Fadden, who was well marked throughout this game, showed nice skill and pace to finish well. The visitors pulled one back in the 90th minute when Gary Mc Cracken tapped home from close range to make it 4-2. Paddy Mc Laughlin at left back and Paddy O’ Loan at sweeper played well for Bonagee and it was a good team performance from Gweedore with Darren Ferry, Shane O’ Donnell and Michael Connolly outstanding on the day. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.

Drumbar United 3 Convoy Arsenal 3

On a very windy day in Drumbar the home side got off to the perfect start when Cialion Loughney on 12 minutes slotted home from 10 yards. The visitors spoiled the celebrations ten minutes later when Cialion Given finished off a good move. Drumbar went ahead again on 35 minutes when Darragh Doogan followed the ball in the box to score from close range. Pat Travers then equalised when he scored from 35 yards five minutes before half time. The second half started with the visitors playing well but Drumbar scored a great goal from 25 yards by Danny Hughes after 70 minutes. They thought they had it won but Martin Kelly had other ideas when he scored with 8 minutes of normal time remaining.

Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4 Letterbarrow Celtic 1

Kerrykeel ‘71 kept their promotion hopes well on track with a win against a gutsy Letterbarrow who made it far from easy for the men from Mulroy. Letterbarrow playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half took a well deserved lead on 14 minutes when James Mc Grory’s run broke the offside trap and he finished well past the advancing Mark Mc Conigley. Kerrykeel pressed with Seimie Friel and Johnny Nanny both going close. They drew level on 40 minutes when Seimie Friel fired past Charlie Bonner. The ‘71 went in front on the stroke of half time when Johnny Nanny met a brilliant Marty Mc Ateer pass and he fired home from 18 yards. Kerrykeel controlled the second half, with the breeze, and Johnny Nanny went close as did Fergal Friel who hit a great strike which skimmed the top of the bar. The points were made safe on 65 minutes when Seimie Friel was brought down in the area and Johnny converted the penalty kick to score his fifteenth goal of the season. The goal of the game came on 80 minutes when Fergal Friel sent in a corner which was headed clear by the Letterbarrow defence. The ball fell kindly to Barney Mc Bride who hit an unstoppable strike from 30 yards into the top corner. Johnny Friel was denied his hatrick in the 88th minute when he met a great Tony Mc Bride cross only to see his delightful header come back off the post.

Best for Kerrykeel ‘71: Patrick Mc Conigley, Aidan Mc Ateer and Marty Mc Ateer. Team effort from Letterbarrow. Referee: Brian O’ Kane

DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE

RESULTS

Old Orchard Inn Division One

Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 4 Glenea United Reserves

Ramelton Mariners 2 v 1 Glencar Celtic

Mulroy Celtic 4 v 0 Erne Wanderers

Glencar Inn Division Two

Milford United Reserves 5 v 0 Keadue Rovers Reserves

Cranford United Reserves 0 v 1 Downtown United

Deele Harps P v P Tullyvinney Rovers

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 2 St. Catherines

Lagan Harps 1 v 2 Milford United

Watson Hire Division One

Arranmore United 0 v 3 Ballybofey United

Drumoghill FC 3 v 2 Cappry Rovers

Curragh Athletic 1 v 0 Cranford United

Raphoe Town 0 v 2 Eany Celtic

CT Ball Division Two

Copany Rovers 3 v 4 Glenree United

Dunlewy Celtic 2 v 2 Whitestrand United

Gweedore United 4 v 2 Bonagee United

Drumbar United 3 v 3 Convoy Arsenal

Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4 v 1 Letterbarrow Celtic

Brian Mc Cormick Cup Semi-Finals

Rathmullan Celtic 2 v 1 (aet.) Lifford Celtic

Donegal Town 1 v 5 Glenea United

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