Letterkenny Rovers have catch-up to do in terms of games played, but the Cathedral Town men are aiming to lay the markers for their rivals in the coming weeks.
Rovers are chasing success on all fronts, locally and nationally.
An assault again on the FAI Intermediate Cup might take up the entire agenda for others, but Rovers still have their eyes on the Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League, the Donegal News USL Cup and the Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup.
Since the turn of the calendar, Rovers have played just two League games due to a combination of Cup commitments and bad weather, but they return to League action on Sunday as they face fellow title chasers Fanad United.
“We’re a bit behind in terms of games played, but we have a strong squad this season and we have a bit of momentum so hopefully we can take that to Fanad this weekend,” says Rovers ‘keeper Rory Lelly.
“I think it’s important that we take it week by week. Every game is big for us, but we know that there’s no point looking too far ahead.
“We have enough experience in the team to know that and if we’re looking to challenge, then we need to make sure every game has its own approach.”
Rovers have recruited recently with John Roulstone in as back-up to Kelly, while Ryan McConnell, Paul McVeigh, Declan Sharkey and Luke Nelis have also joined the Leckview ranks.
Kelly says: “There’s a lot to play for. I think Eamon has added really well to the team, and that’s allowed us to keep things fresh and let us be in a position to compete across each tournament.
“There are boys in the team that can and probably should be playing at a higher level, but to have that quality in the team along with the dedication everyone is showing, it’s definitely helping us.”
Rovers were finalists in the Intermediate Cup two seasons ago, but lost out 5-0 to Crumlin at Aviva Stadium. In hangover from that defeat, Rovers bowed out of the national phase at the first hurdle last season, following a defeat to Cockhill, but Kelly believes they’re well primed again, ahead of a tie with Firehouse Clover on Sunday-week.
He says: “There are a lot of new faces in the squad since then, but having players that have been at this stage before will stand us in good stead.
“I think our squad is better than what it was a couple of years ago, and there’s a real competition for places so everyone’s hungry.
“The clean sheets are welcome, but more importantly we’re getting results. We’ve been very solid at the back and we’re improving every week, so taking that form into the Intermediate games definitely helps us. But it’s all over the pitch and at training, and thankfully it’s showing in our matches.”
Kelly and Rovers overcame Fanad 5-1 on Sunday in the Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup quarter-final and Eamon McConigley takes his men to his old stomping ground of Traigh-A-Locha this weekend with League points at stake.
Kelly is based in London through the week, as he works with Platinum One, as their Marketing and Management Executive. Kelly rubs shoulders with some of the leading players in football, but the former Finn Harps and Derry City player has no issues in commuting to line out for Rovers.
The Buncrana man says: “To be honest, the travelling isn’t really an issue for me anymore. I think I’ve gotten used to it, and i suppose coming back to an environment that I enjoy makes it a lot easier.
“Obviously it helps when the team’s winning, which we’ve been doing, so in a way, I look forward to getting back.
“The club have been very helpful as well, and in particular the boss, Eric White and Tony Blake, so I’m hopeful we can keep things moving forward and push on.”
RESULTS
Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup Quarter-Finals
Sunday
Cockhill Celtic 2 Finn Harps Reserves 1
Fanad United 1 Letterkenny Rovers 5
Glengad United 1 Buncrana Hearts 1 AET (Glengad win 4-3 on pens)
Greencastle FC 2 Bonagee United 1
FIXTURES
Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League
Sunday, March 18, 2pm
Fanad United v Letterkenny Rovers
Tuesday, March 20, 7.45pm
Derry City Reserves v Finn Harps Reserves
|
USL TABLE |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
||
|
Cockhill Celtic |
9 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
37 |
9 |
28 |
22 |
||
|
Fanad United |
10 |
6 |
1 |
3 |
35 |
15 |
20 |
19 |
||
|
Letterkenny Rovers |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
18 |
9 |
9 |
18 |
* |
|
|
Derry City Reserves |
9 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
25 |
13 |
12 |
16 |
||
|
Finn Harps Reserves |
10 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
23 |
29 |
-6 |
15 |
* |
|
|
Bonagee United |
10 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
12 |
33 |
-21 |
5 |
||
|
Swilly Rovers |
11 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
7 |
50 |
-43 |
1 |
||
|
* Letterkenny Rovers awarded 3-0 win after Finn Harps didn’t field |
||||||||||
