DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
Saturday 25th March 2017
Ulster Junior Shield
Glenea United Reserves 0 Illies Celtic 0
(Glenea won 4-2 on penalties)
Glenea Reserves qualified for the final of the Ulster Shield via a penalty shot-out after they had played out a hard fought draw with their Inishowen opponents. Despite the fine conditions both sides found it hard to create any clear cut chances in a tight first half. In the 2nd half Glenea started to dominate the possession but again were finding clear cut chances hard to come by, though on 65 minutes Chris Cannon headed narrowly wide from a Martin Maguire free-kick. On 70 minutes Dean Gallagher knocked down a free-kick but Martin Maguire was unable to force home the ball in a goalmouth scramble. As the half progressed Illies came more into the game and it took an excellent double save from Ciaran Gallagher to keep the home sides level and take the game into extra-time. Extra-time followed a similar pattern with neither side creating any clear chances. It was left to penalties and it was Glenea who came out victors. Mick Langan, Kevin Logue & Brian O’Kane were the officials.
Glencar Celtic 4 Cavan Town 0
On an absolute cracker of a day in Rathmullan Glencar hosted Cavan. With both teams flying high in their respective leagues this looked on paper to be a cracking contest. However the home side were in no mood to settle for just the league they lifted last Saturday in Arranmore and started in exactly the same fashion going for the jugular from the 1st whistle and could of been have been one up very early on form a Kevin O’Donnell corner when the ball fell in the 6 yard box but there was no Glencar man in the mix to prod home. It was Scanlon who made the breakthrough for the home side after Grieve’s through ball found him, he kept his composure and slotted under the advancing keeper. The Cavan side found their feet and had a spell of possession but it really came to nothing. Glencar got their 2nd through Patrick Collins with a great flowing move. Glencar had other chances towards the end of the 1st half but just couldn’t capitalise. 2-0 at half time.
The second half was much the same although Cavan changed their formation trying to get a foothold in the game. Glencar stuck to their plan and played some lovely football. The 3rd goal came from a Grieve corner and big Liam Doherty rose highest to nod home and put Glencar in a comfortable position. Cavan fought hard but just couldn’t produce the killer ball as the Glencar rearguard stood firm and we’re in no mood for conceding. Glencar’s 4th was a lovely piece of wizardry from Paddy Collins who beat a few players and finished beautifully into the bottom corner and send Glencar into the final against Glenea. Great team effort from both sides in very warm conditions.
Voodoo Venue Cup Semi-Finals
Arranmore United 0 Orchard F.C. 0
(Arranmore won on penalties)
Arranmore United welcomed Orchard FC to Ranagh Park on a day perfect for football. Both teams played teams some slick football with Arranmore’s Declan Proctor and Orchard’s Joe McCarron dominating midfield. Chances were few and far between for both sides as both defences were on top of their game. The second half was a fiery affair as both teams threw the kitchen sink at one another to get on top. Conor Proctor capitalised for Arranmore United when a scramble in the box allowed him to finish smartly much to the vocal Arranmore supports delight! This spurred Orchard on they were awarded a penalty. Joe McCarron slotted it home. Arranmore kept their heads and battled on and were unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside. Extra time came around and both sides were struggling with fitness and injuries under a blazing sun. John Greene made an outstanding double save after a free kick found its way through the wall, and the in-rushing striker failed to put it past the Arranmore man. No team found the net and penalties loomed. Arranmore now progress to the final when they will face local rivals Strand Rovers. Best for Arranmore were Declan Proctor and John Greene who were simply outstanding. Orchard were unlucky on the day and battled with a lot of heart.
Strand Rovers 0 Milford United Reserves 0
(Strand Rovers won 4-2 on penalties)
The Voodoo Venue Cup semi-final between Strand Rovers and Milford United was a fiery and tense affair the whole way through. The match began and straight away Milford stormed forward with Strand just managing to hold out. By the ten minute mark Strand had weathered the storm and went on the offensive, a Brendan Glackin effort just going over the bar. Milford would again take control with J.J Fleming coming close in the closing minutes of the first-half. The second half would continue on from the first with box to box action. David Hindle got the first chance of the second half but was unable to convert. Jason Mc Conigley was giving Strand problems down the wing throughout the match. Ciaran Blaney had a good run only to be stopped by a last ditch challenge by Strand captain Brendan Brennan saving Strand once again. The rest of the second half was a scrappy affair without any clear cut chances. Neither team could score during extra-time ao it went to penalties and Strand went through to the final.
Saturday Reserve Division
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3 Donegal Town Reserves 3
(No Report Received)
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 Castlefin Celtic Reserves 3
Castlefin finally secured the league title after a convincing home victory over Kilmacrennan on Saturday. The home side put the pressure on from the start and eventually took the lead when a Keith Nelis shot rebounded to Gary Mc Nulty to break the deadlock after 30 minutes. In the 42nd minute Castlefin doubled their advantage when Brian Dooher played through Mc Nulty who made no mistake from close range. In the second half the hosts continued to press and made it three when Nelis finished after a great through ball by James Mc Menamin. Team Performances from both sides. Referee: George Clinton
Glenree United Reserves 0 St. Catherines Reserves 1
(No Report Received)
Erne Wanderers Reserves P Keadue Rovers Reserves P
(Match re-scheduled for Wednesday 29th March)
Sunday 26th March 2017
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 Kildrum Tigers 3
Kilmacrennan Celtic played hosts to the Kildrum men on Sunday in a Premier Division clash. Both teams were pushing for a win in this tight league. Kildrum went ahead around the half hour mark after they were awarded a penalty, Farmer hit the net from the spot. The goal must’ve woken the kilmac men and they equalised through Noah Mailey just one minute later. Just before half time Kildrum went ahead again to leave it 2-1 at the break.
Kilmac must have gotten the hair-dryer treatment in the changing room because they came out fighting and managed to equalise after just 5 minutes. It looked like the Kildrum men were hungrier as they went ahead for the 3rd time, this time from a free kick. Mousey pulled one back just before the end of for Kilmac to share the spoils. Best for Kilmac: Michael Mc Laughlin. Referee: Joe McHugh
Lagan Harps 1 Milford United 1
This was a game in which both teams were looking for three points but had to settle for a point each. The first half was largely uneventful with Kyle Black forcing a double save from Lagan keeper Darren Mc Evoy. The second half was much the same until Milford’s Gary Merritt struck a post from a free on fifty five minutes. Lagan were then reduced to ten men on sixty minutes, Michael Doherty receiving a second yellow card. Lagan upped their game but Milford took the lead on seventy minutes. Darren Mc Evoy then pulled off a superb save from another Gary Merritt free as Milford sought the lead. They got it minutes later when Kyle Black was left free at the back post and he fired home. Lagan showed great character and refused to buckle. They equalised on eight minutes. Oisin Grant met a free with an overhead kick which came off the crossbar. Mark Hunter followed up to equalise. Almost immediately Milford were awarded a penalty. Darren Mc Evoy saved Kyle Blacks attempt and Black drove the rebound against the crossbar. Both teams went flat out for the win but there were no further scores. For Milford Joey Cullen and Paul Nash battled hard while for Lagan Darren Mc Evoy was outstanding in goals with Ronan Gibson and Oran Hilley battling well. Referee was Mick Lagan.
Rathmullan Celtic 0 Drumoghill F.C. 0
Rathmullan and Drumoghill left a sun-drenched Flagpole Field this afternoon with a point each as referee Liam McLaughlin called a halt some six minutes early owing to a serious injury. Rathmullan’s David Fisher sustained a dislocated elbow after an awkward challenge and, with an ambulance required and a long delay anticipated, both manager’s agree agreed with the ref to take their teams off and settle for a point after what had been a fairly even contest. David was taken off to A&E and everyone at RCFC wishes him well and for a speedy recovery. Big thanks to our dedicated physio Megan Harding for her sterling efforts in making him as comfortable as possible on the pitch while the ambulance was waited for. The game itself was one of very clear cut chances. The defending Premier Division champions came closest in the first half when Richie Moore curled a free-kick in the from the left hand side of the penalty box that Mark Gallagher did expertly well to divert onto the crossbar with the ball breaking kindly for the Hoops to clear. At the other end, Jamesy Gallagher came closest for the home side, also from a free kick which went just the wrong side of Paul McCauley’s post.
The second half was similar, with few clear cut chances while it briefly threatened to boil over as some tasty challenges came in from both sides around the hour mark. The lid was well and truly kept on matters by Liam McLaughlin, who is by some considerable distance the most talented official in Donegal League football right now. With the clock ticking down, it was Drumoghill that were pushing hardest for the breakthrough and they in truth will probably be left with a sense of ‘what-if’ given the Hoops would have been left soldiering with ten men for the final six or seven minutes having made all three changes already. A point each and with the sides around Rathmullan also drawing, no change at the bottom of the table. Referee: Liam McLaughlin
St. Catherines1 Castlefin Celtic 1
St Catherines squandered a few early chances coming close on two occasions but in the fifth minute and on their first attack the Castlefin’s Ian ward beat the home keeper to his right hand side for a 1-0 lead .
St Catherines played with more energy and intent but a goal before half time was difficult to find with Peter Byson marshalling his defence to keep it at 1-0 at the break. It was all or nothing for the saints in the second half as they pushed looking for an equaliser. They were awarded a penalty twenty minutes in as Ryan Farrell was tripped in the box but Brendan McGuire could not dispatch as the Castlefin keeper saved well down low to his right . The home team kept pressing and Barry Cannon will feel aggrieved that he couldn’t find the net on more than one occasion. On 60 minutes a superb cross from Stephen Muirhead was met with a header from Brendan McGuire that flew into the net to make it 1 -1 . Chance after chance fell to the home side but they never capitalised any further which left the game a draw at full time . Best for the visitors was Rowan Tourish while Ryan Farell impressed down the left side for St Catherines.
Final score 1-1
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 7 Gweedore Celtic 0
Cappry Rovers won the Temple Domestic Appliances first division of the Donegal League at a sunny Cappry Park before a big crowd .Cappry opened the scoring in the first minute when Patrick Mc Nulty shot to the net. Brendan Mc Laughlin got Cappry’s second goal in the fifth minute following a corner. Gerald Melaugh made it three in the fifteenth minute when he shot to the net. Stephen Mc Dermott got Cappry’s fourth following a free kick in the seventeenth minute. Calvin Bradley scored Cappry’s fifth in the thirty second minute from a header. Patrick Mc Nulty got his second and Cappry’s sixth in the thirty ninth minute following a corner. Gweedore put the pressure on in the second half but to no avail. Patrick Mc Nulty completed his hat-trick in the sixty first minute when he headed to the net for Cappry’s seventh. Referee Andrew Mullen.
Donegal Town 3 Raphoe Town 1
In a game that was played in perfect sunny conditions Donegal dominated the early exchanges. However they found themselves one goal down after 10 minutes following a 25 yard wonder strike from the Raphoe centre midfielder. Stephen Graham equalised the score at 20 minutes capitalising on a loose ball from a Donegal corner finishing neatly into the back the Raphoe net. Donegal went ahead on the stroke of half-time. Daniel McHugh’s inch-perfect cross left Stephen Curneen the simplest of finishes from close range. 2-1 to Donegal at half time. Raphoe pressed Donegal hard for an equaliser in the second half only to be denied by the woodwork and a great safe by Donegal keeper Liam O’Meara. Donegal put the game to bed late in the second half. McHugh headed the ball back across the Raphoe net. Ben Sweeney was there to tap in from close range. 3-1 to Donegal at the final whistle.
Keadue Rovers 7 Gweedore United 2
Keadue Rovers rounded off their season with this easy win over Gweedore Utd at a sunny Central Park with perfect conditions throughout. Gweedore, needing a win, were quick out of the blocks with Ciaran McFadden going close on three minutes. They were again close with Shane O’Donnell shooting over from close range on seven minutes. Keadue settled well after that and took the lead on twelve minutes when Corey Gallagher drilled home on the right hand side. A few minutes later Ciaran McFadden who was dangerous for Gweedore, just hit over the bar after getting through the home defence. The home side made it two on sixteen minutes when a ball over the top found Conor Greene and he passed to Ryan Greene to tap in. A minute later Gweedore were back in it when Michael Barry finished a good move with a header and on nineteen minutes they were level when good skill from Ciaran McFadden led to a fine individual finish. Keadue responded well and Corey Gallagher went close hitting just wide. He wasn’t to be denied though and on twenty five minutes from a corner, he headed home from a packed box. Keadue were now well on top, creating plenty of chances and on the half hour Ryan Greene made a good run and hit an excellent effort to the bottom corner for number 4. Gweedore finished off the first half with a decent spell and came close on forty one minutes with a shot just over. At the start of the second half they continued where they left off, creating some good play and had two good chances in the first five minutes, neither of which were converted. On fifty eight minutes the home side made the game safe when a breakaway attack lead to Ryan Greene’s’ effort saved by the keeper but Corey Gallagher tapped home the rebound. Despite pressing away in the Keadue half, Gweedore just couldn’t make it pay and the home side got their sixth when Corey Gallagher ran through on the break to slot home. In the final minute Corey Gallagher again finished at close range to make it 7-2. An easy win for Keadue, who make sure of 4th spot. Best for Gweedore Utd were Ciaran McFadden & Frank McGee while for Keadue, Chris Greene and Ryan Greene were impressive and it was a five star showing from Corey Gallagher. Referee: Brian O’Kane.
Bonagee United 1 Glenree United 1
The home team came close on six minutes when a Paddy O’ Loan header from ten yards was well saved by John Doran in the visitor’s goal. The home team kept pressing and had chances through Lee Mc Monagle, Shane Kelly and Noel O’ Donnell but their efforts on goal were well of the mark. Glenree should have taken the lead on thirty two minutes when Barney Boyce broke clear and he tried to lob the advancing keeper from the edge of the box only to see his effort go wide of the post. The home side did take the lead on thirty eight minutes when the ball was cleared out of the box it fell to Rory Mc Crossan who shot home from Thirty yards to the roof of the net. Glenree started the second half well and efforts from Andrew Kelly and Keelan Mc Gee wee well saved by Carr in the home goal. Lee Mc Monagle for Bonagee was unlucky to see his strike from outside the box on seventy minutes hit the bar. Glenree kept plugging away and got the equalizer on eighty minutes when a mix up in the Bonagee defence Andrew Kelly was first to react and headed home from ten yards to level the match. Team effort by both sides. Referee John Coyle.
Deele Harps 1 Erne Wanderers 1
Played in glorious sunshine, the home side had to be content with a point against the Ballyshannon men. Deele dominated throughout but couldn’t convert their chances to win the game. Deele opened the scoring on 29 minutes when Brian Breslin weaved down the left and into the box and squared for Jordon Duffy to finish. On the stroke of half time against the run of play , a hopeful punt forward let Barry Mulligan in and he finished well. That’s how it would end despite Deele’s dominance and chances created. Team performances. Referee: Martin Mc Anenny
CT Ball Division Two
Cranford United 0 Ballybofey United 2
Tight first half with most play in the middle of the field before a good chance from Niall Doherty for Cranford. Ballybofey came close but we’re stopped with a great save from Barney Logue.
In the 2nd half Ballybofey came out quicker than Cranford and got a goal from Alan Patton .Cranford pushed hard for an equaliser but got caught on the counter attack from Barney Lafferty with a strike from outside the box. Brendan Giles and Odhran Coll were best for Cranford. Team effort for Ballybofey.
Whitestrand United 1 Drumkeen United 4
On a perfect day for a game of soccer Whitestrand took on Drumkeen United at Mc Garvey Park. Whitestrand were caught out in the first three minutes from a set piece and Niall Bonar with a glancing header that was clearly a training ground routine. After that Whitestrand slowly got back into the game. In the 34th minute, a through ball caught the Drumkeen back four off guard to let Johnny Sweeney through to score one on one with the keeper. This left the score at half time 1-1.
Whitestrand again started slow in the second half, this played into Drumkeen’s hands and let to their number 11 scoring a well taken goal in the 65th minute to give them the lead. This brought Whitestrand to life and they began pushing hard for an equaliser. However, the big blow came in the 82nd minute when Niall Bonar scored a lovely lob from 22 yards over the keeper into the goal. In injury time the Whitestrand keeper took down Marty Gallagher for the penalty. Up stepped Niall Bonar who duly completed his hat trick. Man of the match would undoubtedly be Niall Bonar but it was a great team performance on both sides.
Curragh Athletic 4 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 1
This game was played in great condition at the Curragh Sports Complex. The game started well with both sides pushing for the opener, Curragh got the breakthrough on twenty minutes when the excellent Gavin Sweeney was fouled for a penalty which he took and scored. Minutes later he got his second with a great solo run. He bagged his hat-trick on forty minutes. Kerrykeel was awarded a penalty on forty four minutes to make it three one at half time. The second half saw Curragh up the tempo and yet again it was the main man Gavin Sweeney who got his fourth. That’s the way it stayed for the very impressive Curragh another three great points with Gavin Sweeney, Niall Fitzsimons and Noel Dooley standing out for the home side.
Letterbarrow Celtic 2 Lifford Celtic 1
This game was played in ideal conditions in the picturesque Tymeen between two promotion chasing sides and resulted in the home side closing the gap on Lifford with a come from behind victory.
The first half was a cagey affair with no clear cut chances as both defences dominated. Both sides had chances in the opening minutes of the second half. However, it was Lifford who took the lead on fifty minutes after a penalty was awarded when the ball hit a defenders hand from close range. Letterbarrow battled back and were rewarded on sixty minutes when the superb Dermot Slevin headed home a free kick from six yards. The game was played at a frantic pace thereafter but it was Letterbarrow who gained a lead, that they didn’t lose, on seventy five minutes when James Mc Groary slammed home a truly brilliant free kick from thirty yards that was worthy of winning any game. Best for Letterbarrow was James Mc Groary, Gerard Mc Brearty and Dermot Slevin.
RESULTS
Saturday 25th March 2017
Ulster Junior Shield
Glenea United Reserves 0 v 0 Illies Celtic
(Glenea won 4-2 on penalties)
Glencar Celtic 4 v 0 Cavan Town
Voodoo Venue Cup Semi-Finals
Arranmore United 0 v 0 Orchard F.C.
(Arranmore won on penalties)
Strand Rovers 0 v 0 Milford United Reserves
(Strand Rovers won 4-2 on penalties)
Saturday Reserve Division
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Glenree United Reserves 0 v 1 St. Catherines Reserves
Erne Wanderers Reserves P v P Keadue Rovers Reserves
Sunday 26th March 2017
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 3 Kildrum Tigers
Lagan Harps 1 v 1 Milford United
Rathmullan Celtic 0 v 0 Drumoghill F.C.
St. Catherines 1 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 7 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
Donegal Town 3 v 1 Raphoe Town
Keadue Rovers 7 v 2 Gweedore United
Bonagee United 1 v 1 Glenree United
Deele Harps 1 v 1 Erne Wanderers
CT Ball Division Two
Cranford United 0 v 2 Ballybofey United
Whitestrand United 1 v 4 Drumkeen United
Curragh Athletic 4 v 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Letterbarrow Celtic 2 v 1 Lifford Celtic
FIXTURES
Wednesday 29th March 2017 K.O. 7.45 p.m.
Old Orchard Saturday Reserve Division
Erne Wanderers Reserves v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Saturday 1st April 2017 K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division
Arranmore United v Fintown Harps AFC (K.O. 1p.m.)
Orchard F.C. v Drumbar United
Strand Rovers v Glencar Celtic
Old Orchard Saturday Reserve Division
Donegal Town Reserves v Milford United Reserves
Castlefin Celtic Reserves v Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Keadue Rovers Reserves v Cappry Rovers Reserves
Erne Wanderers Reserves v Glenea United Reserves
Sunday 2nd April 2017 K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Milford United v Drumoghill F.C.
Lagan Harps v Glenea United
Kildrum Tigers v Castlefin Celtic
Convoy Arsenal v Kilmacrennan Celtic
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Deele Harps v Raphoe Town
CT Ball Division Two
Copany Rovers v Drumkeen United
Dunkineely Celtic v Letterbarrow Celtic
Lifford Celtic v Eany Celtic
Cranford United v Curragh Athletic
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