Keadue Rovers have secured promotion to the Premier Division of the Donegal League after this tight fought victory over Raphoe at Central Park.
Keadue Rovers 3 Raphoe Town 2
On what was a tough day for football with a strong, swirling breeze it was Keadue who started off the brighter, creating plenty of forward runs and on six minutes Cory Gallagher was close and a few minutes later the home team were again close with a header from close range cleared off the line.
Despite this bright start, Keadue conceded with Raphoes’ first attack. A mix up in defence led to Ryan McGavigan poking home from close range.
The home team responded well and chances were created on 15 minutes and just shy of 20 minutes, Cory Gallagher was just over the bar on the run following a good move.
Aaron McCafferty was just wide with his shot from a corner and Keadue were dominant in possession but Raphoe were managing to hold out.
Eventually Keadue got the equaliser their play deserved just after the half hour when David Ward dinked an effort just over the keeper with his right foot. However Raphoe, on a few attacks just a few minutes after created a few half chances and on 38 minutes, DJ Kelly from wide on the right hit a speculative effort which went over Danny Rodgers in the home nets.
Raphoe ended the first half on the up and their full back hit an effort just over the bar on the stroke of half time.
Into the second half though and Keadue were much the brighter, creating plenty of territory and were level on 51 minutes when David Ward again finished well, this time with the left foot, under the keeper.
The home side, with the benefit of a strong breeze were able to control things more and generally had a lot of possession but Raphoe remained very dangerous on the break.
Shaun Burns hit over for the home side halfway through the first half and in the last twenty minutes, as Keadue upped the tempo both Christy Greene and Daniel McHugh had good chances.
The home side went ahead on 76 minutes when Cory Gallagher headed into the net from a corner to make it 3-2. Keadue made a few substitutions near the end and the fresh legs made a big difference.
They had one final chances when Cory Gallagher’s cross ball was just missed by Gavin McGlanaghy. The game ended with Keadue on top and its they who will be playing Premier Division football next season, while for Raphoe it’s still to play for in a possible relegation play off spot.
On today’s evidence, they stand a good chance as they put in an impressive performance. Best for Raphoe were Ryan McGavigan and DJ Kelly, while best for Keadue were David Ward, Daniel McHugh and Cory Gallagher.
Tags: