DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
St. Catherines Reserves 2 Erne Wanderers 3
Saints played host to neighbours Erne Wanders of Ballyshannon in Emerald Park. The home side opened the scoring on eighteen minutes when Brian Smith scored from a corner kick delivered by Donal Mc Guire. Michael Ward levelled the scores on thirty four minutes when his shot from inside the eighteen yard box found the top corner. Erne took control of the game and pressed for a second. It came on forty three minutes when Ward nipped in behind The Saints’ defence and placed his shot neatly under the keeper.
The second half saw Erne start the brighter and on fifty five minutes David Dolan scored Erne’s’ third when he pounced on a loose ball and fired high into the top corner of the net. Gary Cunningham scored for The Saints on seventy five minutes when he headed home from a cross by Donal Mc Guire. The Saints pressed hard for the third but it didn’t come. Referee: Liam Farren
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 Glencar Celtic 6
This match was reversed to the flagpole in Rathmullan. Glencar had a sluggish start but after they broke the deadlock the flood gates opened and they went in 4-0 to the good at half time with braces from Pajo and Froggy.
The second half was very dead and Castlefin defended well with their keeper making countless good saves. However Paddy Collins and Chris Malseed did find the net with 2 late goals. Best for Glencar were Ruairi Kelly and Chris Malseed. Team performance from Castlefin. Referee: Kevin Logue
Glenea United Reserves 4 Ramelton Mariners 0
In wintry conditions it was the home side that came out on top with a well earned victory over the Mariners. Glenea started brightly and had the away side under pressure but were unable to find the finishing touch. As the half progressed Ramelton came more into the game and came close with a couple of efforts. Glenea opened the scoring on 38 minutes when Padraig McGee’s free-kick was misjudged by the away keeper and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Glenea continued to dominate in the 2nd half and extended their lead on 55 minutes when Ramelton’s keeper saw his attempted clearance blocked by Dean Gallagher and the ball rebounded into the net. Glenea ‘s 3rd goal arrived on 70 minutes when Dean Gallagher got down the right and his cross shot found Tommy Rodgers who slotted home. Glenea completed the scoring on 87 minutes when good interplay between Shane Coll and Tommy Rodgers allowed Rodgers to drill the ball across the goalmouth where Dean Gallagher stabbed the ball home. Best for Glenea were Declan Mc Garvey, Sean Sweeney and Dean Gallagher, while it was team effort from Ramelton
Referee: Barry Hunter
Mulroy Celtic 1 Orchard F.C. 2
Played in crisp dry conditions both teams enjoyed spells of possession but very few clear cut chances were created. The game remained scoreless until half time. The away side broke the deadlock when a simple free kick was floated into box was exquisitely flicked into the net by Niall Bonnar. The second followed soon after, with an element of luck, when Charles McLaughlin headed against a Mulroy defender and it trickled into the net. In fairness to Mulroy heads didn’t drop. A very determined run from Seamus Coyle ended up with Packie Mc Elwaine who rounded the keeper and expertly dispatched into the net. Orchard left with all three points. Chuckie and Bonnar were impressive all day for away side. Eamon Sweeney was best for Mulroy.
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Arranmore United 1 Donegal Town Reserves 3
Donegal Town travelled to the Island this weekend and showed their title aspirations with a determined 3-1 victory. Gavin Mc Glanaghy put Arranmore one up early on with a left footed strike from the edge of the box.. This is how it stayed until two minutes before half-time when Daniel Mc Hugh jinked inside the box beating two players before tucking the ball home.. Donegal started the second half the brighter and Daniel Mc Hugh made it 2-1 when he toe poked home from a corner which wasn’t cleared. Arran went close straight afterwards but Donegal caught the home defence on the hop as a great cross from the right found James Feignedly at the back post and he headed home
Glenree United Reserves 2 Strand Rovers 1
In fine conditions for football in Glenree Park it was the homeside who totally dominated the first ten minutes playing some fine passing football. They were rewarded in the 8th minute when a header from Robert Moore opened the scoring. Glenree were opening up the strand defence at will but some super goalkeeping and some poor finishing kept the away team in the match. The away side stuck at it and we’re rewarded in the 30th minute when Brendan Glackin broke free to round the keeper and slide it into the empty net. The away side got a great lift from this and upped their game coming close to taking the lead only for some great keeping by Daryl Gibson. In the second half Glenree started brightly again but failed to capitalise on their chances. The away side still threatened in the second half but couldn’t find the vital pass in the final third. Then in the 67th minute Max Davis swung in a superb cross for Karl Mc Elhinney to nod past the keeper. The last 20 minutes were well battled out by the two sides with both keepers pulling off top drawer saves. Glenree saw the game out and earned a tough three points. Great team effort from Strand Rovers. Best for Glenree were Karl Mc Elhinney and Daryl Gibson.
Gweedore United Reserves 4 Milford United Reserves 0
(Report to Follow)
Keadue Rovers Reserves 4 Cranford United Reserves 1
Keadue continued their decent start to Division 2 of the Saturday league with this good win over Cranford at Central Park. The game started off fairly lively with both sides making chances. Following a good spell from the home side they went ahead on ten minute when Adrian Hanlon took down the ball at the edge of the area and chipped it ball over the keeper for a fine finish. They could’ve went further ahead but Cranford cleared the ball off the line a few times. By midway through the half Cranford were coming into the game but not forcing Keadue’s .keeper into any saves. In the last ten minutes of the half Keadue upped the tempo and had a number of good efforts from Corey Gallagher and Adrian Hanlon. On forty two minutes the home side took control. Following a great ball from Adrian Hanlon Ryan Greene controlled well and finished over the keeper. A minute after that Corey Gallagher rounded off a good Keadue move with a shot to the corner of the net. Into the second half and Cranford had a bit more urgency and on fifty six minutes came close from a free kick which was well saved by Danny Rodgers. Adrian Hanlon made it 4-0 with another good individual effort. To their credit Cranford kept plugging away and got a consolation goal when Kevin Fisher poked home on eighty six minutes. A good victory for the home side for whom Adrian Hanlon, Ryan Greene and Chris Greene were impressive and a good team effort from Cranford.
Referee : John Sheamus O’ Fhearraigh
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
SUNDAY
Ulster Junior Shield
Whitestrand United 1 Buncrana Harps 0
On a cold fresh day Whitestrand United played Buncrana Harps on Whitestrand Park. The Strand started at a high tempo and were rewarded early on with the opening goal from Michael Sweeney. It was a great goal from the front man who held off the defender before firing past the despairing dive of the Buncrana keeper. After about 15 minutes Buncrana began to settle but still struggled to trouble the Whitestrand keeper. Sean Gallagher was putting in an excellent performance in the middle of the park and he had a strike which went narrowly over. On 35 minutes the most contentious decision of the game arrived when Michael Sweeney seemed to be tripped in the box. However the referee waved the game on much to the distain of the local support.
The second half began with both teams well matched. Again Strand produced an effort early in the half but it went narrowly over the bar. Most of the chances seemed to come the Strand’s way with Michael Sweeney and Paul Lynch both having efforts on goal. Best for the Strand were Michael Sweeney and Sean Gallagher. Referee: Gerry Gallagher.
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Lifford Celtic 2 Milford United 1
On a day when the Greenbrae resembled a potato field more than a soccer pitch Milford settled quickest and had Lifford on the back foot from early in the game. Lifford struggled to get out of their own half thanks to good play from Gary Merrit and PJ Hagan. Milford got their reward when Christy Mc Cafferty finished well from a Burke cross giving Paul Given in the Lifford goal little chance as half time loomed. A few harsh words during Lifford’s half time team-talk seemed to spring the border town men into life as the second half began. It was now Milford’s turn to be on the back foot as Johnny Robb calmly finished following a through ball from Johnny Mahon on 50 minutes. The game hung in the balance until 70 minutes when up popped David Gethins with the important winner following a cross from Ross Porter. Milford continued to press as full time approached and almost grabbed a draw only for the heroic Mark McNulty to make a goal line clearance in the 90th minute. Good all round performances from both teams.
Cranford United 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 2
Cranford and Kilmacrennan played an entertaining draw in Cranford Park. Cranford had a few great chances through Brendan Giles and Shaun Mc Elwaine. They took the lead when Kyle Black finished brilliantly from the edge of the box after receiving a cross from Brendan Giles. Kilmacrennan then equalised when a Timmy Burke cross was deflected into the Cranford net. Cranford then went close when Kyle Black rounded the keeper but his shot was cleared of the line. Kilmacrennan took the lead after good work from Edwin Doherty to finish from a tight angle.
Cranford started the second half on top and equalised when Kyle Black finished well from inside the box. Kyle Black and Seamie McLaughlin were best for Cranford. Team effort by Kilmacrennan.
Glenea United 1 Gweedore Celtic 0
In fine conditions for football it was the home side that earned a hard fought victory in this Gaeltacht derby. In a tight 1st half neither side was given any time on the ball and chances were at a premium. Gweedore’s best effort came on 38 minutes when, from a free-kick into the box, the ball broke to Fionan Diver but his effort was well saved by Joe Coll. Glenea’s best moment came on 40 minutes when a Denis Boyle in-swinging free-kick was not dealt with by the away defence but Paul McBride cleared off the line. At the start of the 2nd half it was the visitors that started the strongest with Glenea finding it difficult to get out of their half. Despite their dominance Gweedore were finding it hard to create any clear cut chances until the 65th minute when Colin Ferry’s through ball found Declan Doherty but his effort was well saved by Joe Coll. On 70 minutes Glenea opened the scoring when Sean Coll’s cross from the left found Kevin Mulhern and he drilled the ball across the face of the goal where Sean McBride reacted quickest to stab the ball home. Gweedore pushed hard for an equaliser but the home defence denied them any clear cut chances. Best for Glenea were Paul Sweeney and Kevin Mulhern while Jamie Boyle and Brendan Mc Geady were best for Gweedore. Referee: Kevin Logue
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Rathmullan Celtic 2 St. Catherines 2
On a bitterly cold afternoon at the Seaside St Catherines showed tremendous determination and fighting spirit to peg their hosts back and claim a share of the spoils. The home side raced in a two goal lead inside 20 minutes but found the Killybegs outfit in little mood to cave in. Brian Dorrian’s team emerged after half time to put their mark on the game and although it seemed the Celts had weathered the storm Christopher Cunningham’s late goal meant it was a point apiece from this game. With ten minutes gone birthday boy Eamonn Sheridan fired the Hoops ahead in stunning fashion. St Catherines had their brightest moment of the half when some neat interplay down the left got Gareth Concarr in and his stinging shot was well saved by Ian Strain. On 20 minutes Dara Patton was fouled on the edge of box and from the resultant free Paddy ‘Craig’ Sheridan lashed home an unstoppable low drive to double Rathmullan’s advantage. Before the break Strain was forced into a double save as Shane Molloy’s shot was palmed into the path of home defender Kieran Gorman who almost turned the ball into his own net but for the reactions of his goalkeeper.
Dorrian made a swift tactical change at the break with Jason Noctor moving into a much more advanced position and the goal poacher soon rewarded the move. He raced onto a long ball and beat Strain to the chase before knocking the ball over the keeper into an unguarded goal to bring the game alive once more. Three minutes from full-time St. Catherines were awarded a free on the half way line and the ball was knocked long. It fell to Cunningham whose crisp right-foot strike flew into the bottom corner giving Strain no chance. On the balance of play a fair outcome for both sides although Rathmullan will be disappointed to have conceded so late in the game. Best for St. Catherines were Mc Guire and Noctor. For Rathmullan Ian Strain was best. Referee: Joe McHugh
Curragh Athletic 2 Donegal Town 4
Donegal got their first win of the season with a fine performance over fellow Premier Division newcomers Curragh Athletic. Donegal started well and got the opening goal when Kevin Devaney’s defence splitting pass allowed the lively David Harron to round the advancing ‘keeper and slide the ball home. Donegal doubled their lead before half time when Ryan Earley’s long range effort was deflected past the Curragh net-minder. Curragh started well after half time and went close when a well struck free kick came back off the crossbar. Donegal reinforced their dominance when David Harron jinked his way through the Curragh defence only to be brought down for a penalty. Early converted the penalty expertly to double his tally and when David Bustard scored from a corner shortly after the three points were all but sealed. Curragh battled hard to their credit and scored two late consolation goals through Ryan Carlin, who finished well inside the area, and through Neil Lloyd who scored from long range. Ryan Earley, David Harron and Gary Ward impressed for Donegal while Curragh put in a solid team performance. Referee: Ed Moore
Watson Hire Division One
Keadue Rovers 6 Eany Celtic 2
Keadue Rovers had their first victory of the season in Division 1 following this convincing win over Eany Celtic at Central Park. Keadue took the lead on fourteen minutes when Adam Neely found some space and his low shot from the edge of the area went under the keeper. They doubled it two minutes before the interval. Into the second half and Keadue remained on top and made it 3-0 on fifty six minutes. Ryan Greene who missed a chance a few minutes earlier made no mistake at the back post. Just after the hour mark sub Adrian Hanlon made it 4-0 with a finish again at the back post following a good passing move. Eany pulled a goal back from a set piece on sixty five minutes when Stephen Meehen scored. The home side were very dangerous on the break getting plenty of joy down the left wing and they made it 5-1 when David Ward back heeled to the net on eighty minutes following good work from Adrian Hanlon. Eany pulled another one back five minutes from the end when Mark Sweeney’s attempted clearance was blocked by James Flynn and this rebounded to the net. Adrian Hanlon with the last kick of the game volleyed home Keadue’s sixth goal. A much needed win for Keadue for whom Adam Neely and Ryan Greene were impressive. A good team performance from Eany. Referee: Victor Rainey.
Bonagee United 1 Drumoghill F.C. 3
Sean Crossan came close for the home team on fourteen minutes when his corner kick hit the back post and the defence cleared. Two minutes later Liam O’ Donnell for the visitors saw his shot saved from six yards after a good ball from Michael Doherty. Kevin Doran saw his strike on twenty minutes from twenty yards turned over the bar by Regan in the Drumoghill goal. The visitors took the lead on forty minutes when a corner kick was headed to the roof of the net by David O’Carroll. The home team levelled the match on the hour when a Garry Patton free just outside the box was blocked by the wall and the striker was firs t to react and hammer the rebound into the bottom corner of the net. The visitors took the lead again on sixty five minutes when Michael Doherty cut in from the right and hammered the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The home team had half chances through Coyle, Doran and Patton as did Drumoghill through Doherty, O’ Donnell and Rodgers. The visitors got their third on eighty minutes when Liam O’Donnell was put through after a quick throw in by Brian Coll and the big striker hammered home from ten yards. Team efforts by both sides. Referee: Paddy Martin
Gweedore United 3 Castlefin Celtic 1
This game played at Carrickboyle under the floodlights on Saturday night in front of a large attendance saw the home side claim the three points in what was an excellent game of football between two good sides. The home side took the lead in the 20th minute when a good passing move ended with Michael Connolly putting Ciaran Mc Fadden through with an excellent pass which Mc Fadden finished well with a left foot shot into the top corner to make it 1-0.The Castlefin men were back level 6 minutes later when another good passing move was well finished by JP Malley from 10 yards to make it 1-1. The home side were back in front three minutes later when Keith Sweeney’s corner was headed into the back of the net by Joe Duffy to make it 2-1 at half time. In the second half the good play continued from both sides with JP Malley, Matthew O’ Rourke and Colin Carlin going close for the visitors and Ciaran Mc Fadden, Michael Connolly and Ciaran Gillespie going close for United. Gweedore secured the three points in the 70th minute with Joe Duffy again on the mark when he shot from six yards past Lafferty in the Castlefin nets.. This was an entertaining encounter and credit to both sides for playing a quick passing game throughout. Damien Mc Anenny and JP Malley excelled for Castlefin and it was a good team performance from United with Joe Duffy and Darren Ferry outstanding on the night. Referee: Brian O’ Kane
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2 Cappry Rovers 2
Kerrykeel ‘71 dropped two points at home after letting a two goal lead slip up. The ‘71 started at a lightning pace and were in front on fifteen seconds when Fergal Friel crossed for Mark Friel to tap home. Before Cappry knew what hit them they were two behind, this time Kevin Loughrey crossed from the left and Johnny Friel headed home from ten yards. Kerrykeel missed two great chances on fifteen and twenty minutes to kill the game with Kevin Loughrey and Johnny Friel both putting their shots high and over the bar. Cappry got back into the game on the stroke of half-time when Paddy Mc Nulty scored after a goal mouth scramble.
Cappry started the second half on top and tested Shaun Friel on a number of occasions. With twenty five minutes left Kerrykeel broke down the right and Mark Friel was played in by Paddy Mc Grenaghan. Just as he was about to fire home he was taken down by a Cappry defender and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Mark Friel stepped up but sent his spot kick wide. Cappry pushed and got their second on eighty five minutes from ex-Mulroy Celtic player Ciaran Gallagher. Both teams had chances to win it near the end with Mc Nulty for Cappry and Seimi Friel for Kerrykeel both going close. Best for Kerrykeel ‘71: Marty Mc Ateer. Team effort from Cappry Rovers.
Lagan Harps 2 Dunkineely Celtic 3
Lagan and Dunkineely served up an entertaining encounter at Orchard Park. Lagan got off to a great start when Eunan Diver headed home a Damien Mc Fadden free kick on five minutes. Dunkineely began to take over in midfield and equalised on twenty minutes. Pauric Cunningham scored with a Beckham like effort when his long ball forward from the half way line sailed in over the Lagan keeper’s head. Dunkineely’s Adrian Nesbitt then hit a thunderous shot from thirty five yards which crashed off the crossbar. Dunkineely took the lead on thirty five minutes when the Lagan keeper spilled a high cross and Peter Alvey tapped home. They scored their third on forty minutes when Adrian Nesbitt picked up a poor kick out and raced through to score. The second half was the opposite of the first with Lagan enjoying the lion’s share of possession. On fifty five minutes Lagan’s Ross Hamlyn got over a great cross but John Mc Mullin saved Austin Marron’s close range effort. Ross Hamlyn then missed a great chance when put through by Austin Marron. Dunkineely threatened a couple of times on the break with Adrian Nesbitt and Adrian Ward going close. Lagan finally pulled a goal back on eighty minutes when Declan Sweeney volleyed home in a scramble after a Lagan free kick. James Gillen then missed a great opportunity to equalise when his close range effort was straight at John Mc Mullin. Adrian Ward then forced a good save from Michael Toner on the break, Lagan pressed to the end but to no avail. For Dunkineely Adrian Nesbitt and Adrian Ward were best while for Lagan Ross Hamlyn and Paul Rodgers were best. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
CT Ball Division Two
Raphoe Town 0 Copany Rovers 2
Copany Rovers took all three points with a very strong first half performance. They went ahead when Rooney scored after a corner. They went two up a few minutes later when they broke at speed and finished well. Raphoe never got into it and had keeper Micheal Curran to thank for keeping it at two with some fine saves. Raphoe came into it in the second half but Copany soaked up the pressure and held on to claim the points. Michael Curran was best for Raphoe while Copany produced a good team performance. Referee: Barry
Dunlewy Celtic 2 Ballybofey United 0
Winter is settling into the hills of Dunlewey and it was a cold afternoon for both these two teams in strong winds. The home side took the lead with Mc Geady scoring from just outside the box. The home side playing with the wind were unlucky not to increase their lead with John Cannon and Michael Rotary coming close. The second half was very intense with the wind picking up the home side facing an uphill battle as the visitors, with the wind at their backs, felt they could get back on level terms. Indeed they were unlucky with Cathal Gillespie pulling of some fine saves. The home side manage to hit on the break when a clearance fell to Hugo Cannon who brought the best out of the visiting keeper but his save fell to Manus Cannon who knocked home to secure the spoils.
Convoy Arsenal 1 Deele Harps 0
The game started tentatively with both teams battling for possession in the middle of the pitch. Convoy really upped the tempo with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half but it ended scoreless at the break. The second period continued with Convoy on top. They got the breakthrough in the 47th minute via a great strike from the edge of the box by John Kee. Deele tried to get back into the game but Convoy controlled the ball well. Convoy had a few chances on the break but the game ended 1 – 0 with Convoy taking the three points. Best for Deele Conor and Emmett Catterson. A really good squad performance from Convoy. Referee: John Coyle.
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 Drumbar F.C. 1
Letterbarrow started this game very brightly and went close through Feet Murrin after he was played through by Stephen Graham on ten minutes. The home side thought they had the lead on twenty minutes when Christy Burke headed just wide from a corner. Howeve, Caolan Loughney broke the deadlock when he nodded home a corner for the visitors on thirty minutes and Drumbar held a one nil lead at the break. Both sides battled hard in the second half and Letterbarrow got their equaliser on sixty five minutes when Declan Gallagher volleyed home from six yards. Both sides had a chance to take all points late on but the game ended all square. Best for Letterbarrow were Declan Gallagher and Pauric Coyle. Mark Butler and Shane Browne were best for Drumbar.
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
RESULTS
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
St. Catherines Reserves 2 v 3 Erne Wanderers
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 6 Glencar Celtic
Glenea United Reserves 4 v 0 Ramelton Mariners
Mulroy Celtic 1 v 2 Orchard F.C.
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Arranmore United 1 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
Curragh Athletic Reserves P v P Tullyvinney Rovers
Glenree United Reserves 2 v 1 Strand Rovers
Gweedore United Reserves 4 v 0 Milford United Reserves
Keadue Rovers Reserves 4 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
SUNDAY
Ulster Junior Shield
Whitestrand United 1 v 0 Buncrana Harps
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Lifford Celtic 2 v 1 Milford United
Cranford United 2 v 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Glenea United 1 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
Rathmullan Celtic 2 v 2 St. Catherines
Curragh Athletic 2 v 4 Donegal Town
Watson Hire Division One
Keadue Rovers 6 v 2 Eany Celtic
Bonagee United 1 v 3 Drumoghill F.C.
Gweedore United 3 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2 v 2 Cappry Rovers
Lagan Harps 2 v 3 Dunkineely Celtic
CT Ball Division Two
Raphoe Town 0 v 2 Copany Rovers
Dunlewy Celtic 2 v 0 Ballybofey United
Convoy Arsenal 1 v 0 Deele Harps
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 v 1 Drumbar F.C.
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
FIXTURES
SATURDAY 16-11-2013 K.O. 2 p.m. (Unless Stated)
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Fintown Harps AFC v Glencar Celtic
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Strand Rovers v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Gweedore United Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Curragh Athletic Reserves v Tullyvinney Rovers
SUNDAY 17-11-2013 K.O. 2 p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Cranford United v Donegal Town
Watson Hire Division One
Keadue Rovers v Gweedore United
Eany Celtic v Bonagee United
CT Ball Division Two
Deele Harps v Ballybofey United
Letterbarrow Celtic v Dunlewy Celtic
Whitestrand United v Glenree United
Oscar Traynor Trophy
Sligo / Leitrim League v Donegal Junior League
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