The following are all the match reports, results and fixtures for the Donegal Junior League, 50th Anniversary Season, 2021/2022.
Reports
Wednesday 25th August 2021
Brian Mc Cormick Cup-Area Shields
Donegal Area
Ballybofey United 0 v 3 Cappry Rovers
These two sides came into this match at Dreenan following very different weekend Results. Cappry were flying high after defeating St. Catherines 4-1 while Ballybofey had lost against Drumkeen 5-2 in their season opener. The opening quarter was a very evenly matched affair with play frantic as neither side settled. Cappry made the breakthrough just before the Water-Break when Paddy Mc Nulty raced away from the home defence and slid the ball past PJ Browne in the Ballybofey net. Dean O’ Donnell extended the Cappry lead early in the second-half. Ballybofey were still in the match however and created several chances but didn’t trouble Joe Boyle in the Cappry net. Twice Boyle might have had to react quickly but for the unfortunate Ballybofey strikers been foiled by their own players as they tried in unison to get a goal back. The tie was put to bed when Aaron Kelly got Cappry’s third from the penalty spot following a hand-ball decision that looked harsh but that’s the way it goes. Cappry will now be looking to lift the Area Shield while Ballybofey will probably be looking to continue their rebuilding process and be ready for the League kick-off. Referee: Colm Mc Conigley.
Drumkeen United 3 v 2 Curragh Athletic
(No Report Submitted)
Dunkineely Celtic 2 v 5 Donegal Town
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines 1 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
The football unfortunately in the first 45 minutes did not match the beautiful sunny evening at Emerald Park. Neither keeper had a save to make as the football was mainly played in the middle of the park with the home side shading the better of the early exchanges but they couldn’t get a decent strike on target.
The best effort was from Paul Murrin on 36 minutes with only the keeper to beat he was unlucky to see his strike come off the upright and away from danger. George Clinton blew for half-time with the sides evenly balanced at 0-0. Letterbarrow meant businesses at the start of the second-half and made some penetrating moves through the Saints’ defence but once again they failed to test the keeper. Daniel Meehan was strong up front for the visitors but never really got a clear-cut chance. The breakthrough came on 75minutes when a mix-up between the Letterbarrow centre-half and keeper meant a high cannoned off the approaching Josh Maxwell and ended up running into the visitors’ net. The home team seemed to have more energy and ideas for the last 15 minutes and held on for the narrow victory. Colin Mooney again had an excellent game when he came on for the second-half. Barry Burke and John Keeney were steady in defence and were unlucky to go away with nothing from this encounter.
Gweedore Area
Glenea United A v A Glenree United
Glenea set the pace from the kick-off and were rewarded in the 10th minute when good link-up play between Blake Mc Garvey and Mark Harley set up Darren Mc Geever at the edge of the box. His low powerful drive left the keeper with no chance. Four minutes later Glenea added their second, a Conor Coyle corner wasn’t dealt with by the Glenree defence and John Mc Fadden picked his spot from 20 yards.
Glenea scored their third in the 18th minute with a well worked individual goal from Blake Mc Garvey. Glenea should have added another five minutes later, Remi Moran split the defence with a 40 yard pass landing at the feet of John Mc Fadden but his effort went wide. Darren Mc Geever scored his second in the 27th minute, Luke Mc Carry done the hard work and set up Mc Geever who beat his man and went for the low drive to the corner to make it 4 for Glenea. On the half-hour the game was abandoned when a Glenree player suffered a bad injury following a tackle and Glenea would like to wish him a speedy recovery.
Gweedore Celtic 1 v 1 Gweedore United
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Keadue started this one the brighter with some good play between Mark Forker and former Kilmacrennan man Christy Conaghan in the middle of the park. The deadlock however wasn’t to be broken until the 40th minute when Phillip Buchanan slipped a lovely ball through to Terrence Shields who didn’t hesitate to rattle the back of the net. It was 1-0 at the break. Keadue got straight back into it on 50 minutes when Barry Curran levelled from inside the box. The evergreen Shields popped up with his second of the evening soon afterwards to make it 2-1. On 70 minutes Aidan Simmons brought down Ridha Abdulla in the area giving away a penalty and receiving his second yellow of the game, Michael Mc Laughlin stood up to take the penalty which was well saved by the stand-in goalkeeper but Terrence Shields put away the rebound.
Letterkenny Area
Bonagee United 0 v 0 Rathmullan Celtic
On four minutes the home side were awarded a free on the edge of the box but Daniel Stolarcky saw his strike go wide of the post. On twelve minutes Darragh Patton for the visitors saw his strike from twenty yards go just over the bar. On Seventeen minutes a cross from the right by Gerard Mc Ateer found Kevin Doran on the edge of the box but he fired wide. Duncan Patterson headed wide two minutes later for the home side from a corner-kick. Darragh Patton should have scored on twenty-seven minutes when the ball fell to his feet just ten yards from goal but he shot wide. On forty minutes Daniel Stolarcky saw his shot from twenty yards go wide of the post. The visitors started the second-half on top and had a good Niall Carruthers strike on goal from the edge of the box saved by Carr in the Bonagee goal on fifth minutes. Kevin Doran saw his shot on fifty-eight minutes from a Gerard Mc Ateer cross go over the bar from twelve yards. Barry Mulligan saw his header from a Kevin Doran cross go over the bar from ten yards on the hour. Niall Mc Crossan who just came on for the home side had a great strike from the edge of the box well saved by Gallagher in the visitor’s goal. Eamon Cannon for Bonagee then saw his strike from twenty-five yards deflected wide on seventy-six minutes. The visitors had half-chances for Niall Carruthers, Kevin Doran and Darragh Patton but nothing to worry Carr in the home goal. The home side hit the post on eighth five minutes when Peter Carr turned the defender inside the box. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Fanad United 3 v 2 Swilly Rovers
Old rivals Fanad United and Swilly Rovers played out a highly entertaining clash at Traigh-a-Loch with a late Eddie O’Reilly strike securing the win for Fanad. The game started out even enough with both sides having a few half chances. It was Swilly however who took the lead in the 10th minute. When a corner was cleared to the edge of the box, Shay During fired into the top corner from 20 yards. The lead lasted 10 minutes as Fanad equalised. Dylan Dorrian sent a long free-kick into the box and Kyle Mc Garvey rose highest to head home. Fanad then took the lead on the half hour mark. Eddie O’Reilly’s free kick from 25 yards was parried by Swilly keeper Jamie-Lee Blaney and Dylan Dorrian was quickest to react and headed the ball home. In the 37th minute Blaney produced a full length save to deny Cian Sweeney. Swill started to apply pressure and equalised on the stroke of half-time. When Tyler During was fouled in the box a penalty was awarded and Kyle Black made no mistake slotting into the bottom corner. Seven minutes into the 2nd half Swilly missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. When Kyle Black was fouled in the box a second penalty was awarded. This time however Fanad keeper Mark Mc Conigley produced a brilliant save to deny Black. In the 57th minute Dylan Dorrian set up Eddie O’Reilly and his shot produced a fine finger-tip save from Blaney. On the hour mark Patrick Moffit produced a brilliant block on the line to deny a sure Swilly goal. With 20 minutes to go, Paddy Sheridan saw his well hit free-kick saved by Mc Conigley. Fanad then got the winner with seven minutes remaining. After some mis-communication between the Swilly defence and goal keeper, Eddie O’Reilly pounced to score from a tight angle.
Milford United 2 v 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
(No Report Submitted)
Whitestrand United 0 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
A midweek trip to Mc Garvey Park awaited Letterkenny Rovers in the second leg of the Brian McCormick Cup. It all started off with both teams feeling their way into the match. Whitestrand had the first real chance when they hit the bar from a header from a corner. Shortly after Letterkenny scored their first goal which was neatly tucked away by Matthew Mc Laughlin. The second goal followed in quick succession when Nathan Plumb scored. Letterkenny largely dominated the second-half and they had a goal ruled out for offside but they had a lot of the ball without creating too many chances. Whitestrand threatened on occasion going forward on the break but the game petered out and Letterkenny went home with the win
Lifford Area
Deele Harps 3 v 7 Convoy Arsenal
This fixture was reversed to Convoy and it was the hosts who proved too strong for Deele as they started fast and raced into a two-goal lead after 10 minutes. Deele’s young defence conceded another two goals to leave it 4-0 at half-time. JP Malley with two, Joe McGill and Mark Griffin were the first half goal-scorers. Deele finally got going in the second-half and with a Jordan Duffy brace and Aidy Gallagher finding the net brought Deele right back into the game at 4-3. But further goals from JP Malley(2) and a disputed penalty from Joe McGill sealed victory for Convoy.
Lagan Harps 2 v 4 Castlefin Celtic
Lagan and Castlefin served up a rousing encounter in Orchard Park. Lagan turned in their best performance of the season so far as they hung in the game throughout. Castlefin had the opportunity to take the lead on eight minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Frank Carberry saved Emmett White’s effort. Minutes later Kieran Friel headed narrowly wide. Lagan’s Ciaran Cunningham gave early warning of his threat from free-kicks when he hit the crossbar on fifteen minutes. Castlefin were awarded a penalty for handball on thirty-five minutes and Corey Lee Bogan drilled this one home. Lagan responded immediately with Ciaran Cunningham’s free from wide on the left going all the way through to nestle in the far corner. Lagan then suffered a blow losing Barney Meehan to injury. Castlefin came quickly out of the blocks at the start of the second-half with Jordan Mc Kinney firing just over. They took the lead again on fifty-six minutes when Emmett White was left free at the back post and he finished well. Lagan responded with Ciaran Cunningham again scoring with a free from the left which went through a crowded goalmouth to finish in the corner. Castlefin pressed but the youthful Lagan defence held firm. Lagan almost took the lead on seventy-five minutes when a one-two between Jack Canning and Shay Harkin saw Shay break into the area but his effort came back off the crossbar. Castlefin regained the lead on eighty-two minutes when they were awarded a third penalty and Corey Lee Bogan again fired home. With Lagan throwing players forward Castlefin hit on the counter-attack. In injury time Anthon Bogle finished well. A great game with Lagan giving a great account of themselves against one of the strongest Donegal League sides. For Lagan Emmett Tourish, Ciaran Quinn and Ciaran Cunningham stood out. For Castlefin Aaron O’ Hagan was solid at the back with Corey Lee Bogan and Emmett White also standing out. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Raphoe Town 0 v 0 Drumoghill F.C. (In Drumoghill)
(No Report Submitted)
Saturday 28th August 2021
Voodoo Venue Cup-Area 1
Area 1
Cranford United Reserves 0 v 4 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners P v P Glencar Celtic
(Match Postponed)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 3 v 2 Milford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Area 2
Drumbar F.C. 2 v 4 Copany Rovers
It was “Derby Day” in South Donegal with Drumbar F.C. hosting neighbours Copany Rovers. Copany Rovers had the better start to proceedings, going three nil up in the first 20 minutes. Drumbar did eventually settle and took hold of the game playing so fine passing football for the remainder of the half. They pulled one back when Nathan Carr picked out Vinny Breslin who fired home to make it 1-3. Drumbar continued to show authority in the game and it was the exceptional Tom Daly who drove into the box and scored Drumbar’s second. Drumbar were Unlucky not to equalise when Vinny Breslin seen an effort come off the frame of the goal. That is how it stood at half-time. The second-half saw Drumbar take the game to Copany in search of an equaliser. They had the opportunity when Vinny Breslin was taken down to earn a penalty but they didn’t make the most of their chance from twelve yards. Drumbar heads seemed to drop after this allowing Copany to get fourth goal to kill the game off.
Fintown Harps AFC 1 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
This match started well for Fintown when Barry Mc Monagle scored on 25 minutes with header to the corner of the net to beat Noel Gavigan the Donegal Town Keeper. In a very close encounter both teams played some good football. Fintown went in at the break one up. Donegal Town fought to get an equaliser and got their reward on 60 minutes when they caught Fintown on the break with a good move up the wing. James Kerrigan finished the attack when he shot past Molloy in the Fintown net. Both teams had chances but it finished all square at Pairc Achla. Oisin Gorell and Tom Cutts were best for Donegal Town while it was a credible team performance from Harps. Referee: Kevin Logue.
Area 3
Arranmore United 0 v 1 Strand Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Dunlewey Celtic 4 v 1 Glenea United Reserves
Damp conditions welcomed both sides for Dunlewey Celtic’s first home game in over a year when they faced local rivals Glenea United Reserves in the Voodoo Venue Cup. Both sides started the game brightly and things were very frantic for the first twenty minutes. It was the visitors who struck first when Luke Mc Carry finished well. Both sides battled hard to get the next goal of the game, John Cannon made the most of a low cross into the box where he controlled neatly and finished well to the bottom corner to level the match. The hosts continued at an upped momentum and scored again on their very next attack when Joseph Devenney found the net. Glenea were chasing an equaliser leading up to half-time, it took a couple of excellent saves from Daniel Roarty to keep Dunlewey ahead. Dunlewey capitalised on the open spaces in the second-half and on a counter-attack a Chris Cannon cross found Keith Sweeney who scored at the back post. Brendan Mc Geady wrapped things up with a close-range header from a corner with fifteen minutes to go.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 1 v 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves
Played in perfect conditions at An Screaban, this game ended with honours even. Both sides played entertaining football with each team having control of the game for spells. In the 70th minute Keadue went ahead but the lead only lasted for five minutes as Colin Ferry was taken down in the box. Liam Wiggins converted the penalty. In the last 15 minutes the visitors pressed hard for a winner but the home defence stood strong. Best for Gweedore were Joey Gillespie and Joe McGee. Good team performance from Keadue.
Area 4
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 4 v 2 Ballybofey United Reserves
Ballybofey started the brighter but couldn’t break down a strong Drumoghill rearguard. Drumoghill gradually played themselves into the game and opened the scoring mid-way through the first half when Shea Mc Daid reacted quickest in the box to slot home. Mc Daid scored again minutes later after good work from David Mc Cormick to put him through on goal. Gareth Temple made it three-nil five minutes before half-time, heading home a Joe Mc Laughlin flick-on from a Odhran Donnelly corner. Drumoghill got their fourth ten minutes into the second half when Odhran Donnelly slotted home after good work again from David Mc Cormick. Ballybofey scored twice late on with strikes from Oran Gallen and Mark Mc Bride but Drumoghill held out to make it two wins from two.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 3 v 0 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Kildrum went ahead in this match when Micheal Devine was fouled on the edge of the eighteen-yard-box veteran Packie Coll stepped up to score a great free-kick. Kildrum were well in control when Daniel Mc Nulty played a great through ball to Michael Devine who made no mistake to increase their lead. Cappry then came more into it and had the better of things until half-time. In the second-half Kildrum got the assurance goal when Mc Nulty again played Micheal Devine through to get his second of the game. A team performance from Cappry while Cappry were solid throughout.
Oldtown Celtic 11 v 0 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
This game was played in good conditions and Oldtown had a comfortable victory against a youthful Castlefin side. Sean Cleary gave Oldtown an early lead and a Joe Mc Carron free-kick was added shortly afterwards. Gerard Patton headed home from a corner and Sean Cleary swept home a 4th after a good team move. Castlefin defended very well with their keeper making a couple of good saves. In the second half Castlefin pushed to get back into the game but Sean Cleary added his 3rd and 4th goals in quick succession to take the wind out of their young sails. Oldtown increased their lead with Tommy Mc Laughlin adding two goals and Luke Friel and Darragh Whoriskey both getting on the scoresheet. Castlefin battled hard to the end and were unlucky not to hit the target with a couple of well worked chances.
Sunday 29th August 2021
Brian Mc Cormick Cup-Area Shields
Donegal Area
Cappry Rovers 3 v 2 Drumkeen United
Cappry Rovers continued their perfect start to the Brian Mc Cormick Cup after coming from behind.
Drumkeen went into the interval with the lead thanks to a superb strike from Eoghan Kennedy before quick-fire strikes after the restart from Patrick Mc Nulty and Dean O’Donnell gave Cappry the advantage.
McNulty netted once more and Rory Craig set up a tense finish before Drumkeen were reduced to ten men in stoppage time. It was Drumkeen who had the better of the early chances with Niall Sweeney and Conor Laverty both testing Joe Boyle inside ten minutes. Cappry had chances of their own with the best opportunity falling to the ever-busy Mc Nulty. The ball was in the back of the Cappry net around the mid-way point of the first half but the offside flag cut short any celebrations. The halted celebrations weren’t cut short for too long though as Drumkeen opened the scoring just moments later. Niall Howley whipped a ball into the box from the right and Eoghan Kennedy watched it all the way before rifling a half volley into the bottom right corner.
Dean O’ Donnell came close to levelling things shortly before the break but just brushed the side netting while Drumkeen almost doubled their advantage only for a last-ditch interception from Aaron Kelly to deny Howley who had the goal at his mercy. Cappry started the second-half with one thing on their mind and after they had a penalty appeal waved away, they equalised five minutes in. A quickly taken corner on the left was well worked with Luke Mc Glynn curling the ball into the box where Patrick Mc Nulty was on hand at the back post to tap in. Just two minutes later and Cappry were in the lead, Mc Glynn sending in a high ball from deep and a defensive mix-up between Ciaran Bonner and Conor Mc Daid allowing Dean O’ Donnell to pass the ball into an empty net. Shortly after the hour, Cappry gave themselves a cushion as Mc Nulty grabbed his second of the game, heading home after a pinpoint cross from Jamie Murray. Drumkeen fought for a route back into the game but were limited to very few chances. That changed in rather fortunate circumstances with just under ten minutes to go. Conor Bonner whipped a ball in from the right and it looked to be meat and drink for the defence but the falling Paddy O’ Connor headed it back into the path of Rory Craig who lifted the ball beyond Joe Boyle. The shot-stopper was called upon again as stoppage time began and made a huge save to deny Craig a brace from close range as Drumkeen looked to salvage a point. Late into injury time however they were reduced to ten men. Cappry held on to their one goal lead to maintain their perfect start to the Brian Mc Cormick Cup Area Shield.
Curragh Athletic 3 v 1 Dunkineely Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town 0 v 4 St. Catherines
A good match held at The Hospital Field between two evenly matched teams. St. Catherines took the lead after 20 minutes with a good Ryan Cunningham strike. They doubled their lead before half-time following a corner finished by a Gallagher header. Dan Breslin made it three after 60 minutes and an excellent finish by Paul Murrin made it 4-0 in favour of the visitors. Joe Mc Intyre, Ronan MC Hugh and Ryan O’ Brien played well for Donegal town and it was a good team effort by St. Catherine’s. Referee: Vincent MC Laughlin.
Letterbarrow Celtic 3 v 0 Ballybofey United
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore Area
Glenree United 3 v 3 Gweedore Celtic
Drama doesn’t begin to describe Glenree this season. In what was a hard fought, end to end fixture, a draw was the end result. The game was intense from the first minute with Glenree providing early pressure, but it was Gweedore who took the lead with a well struck volley from the edge of the area past stand-in goalkeeper Paddy Coll. Glenree came back strong and only a few minutes later drew level. Martin Mc Bride swung a teasing ball in and Kevin Doherty was on the end of it to put the ball in the net. Glenree then had their tails up and quickly went close again. The sides exchanged sequences of play for a while until a decisive pass from Martin Mc Bride put Daire Shields through on goal and he made no mistake with a low drive into the corner. Glenree let it slip however, Gweedore drawing level with another wonder-strike immediately from the kick-off. The game started to get heated as yellow cards were exchanged. Glenree then went back into the lead with Martin Mc Bride grabbing a third assist of the day, he played in Daire Shields once again and the winger made no mistake. After a lengthy delay, due to an injury, Gweedore hit the woodwork and eventually got an equaliser after a scramble in the box. 3-3 is how it finished. Best for Glenree were Daire Shields, Kevin Doherty and Martin Mc Bride. Referee: Sean Ferry
Gweedore United 0 v 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Kilmacrennan went home from Carrickboyle with a hard earned three points against an injury struck home side. The visitors played nice football from the start however United restricted them to very few chances. In the 17th minute a good cross from Doherty was met by Paul Bradley who scored a great header into the top corner leaving Charles Doherty in the United nets with no chance. The home side continued to work hard with Ethan Harkin and Stephen Mc Fadden making good runs that were well dealt with by the Kilmacrennan defence. In the second-half the visitors continued to keep the ball well however they a1didn’t cause any real threat until a screamer by Terence Shields in the 56th minute when he hit a volley from just inside the box into the top corner to make it 2-0. United settled after that goal with Brian Gallagher’s header coming off the bar in the 63rd minute. The home side did have the ball in the net in the 78th minute when Mark Mc Fadden finished well but match referee Con Mc Laughlin blew for off-side. Kilmacrennan probably deserved the win, however the home side will take a lot of positives from this one. Terence Shields was excellent for Kilmacrennan with Peadar Ó Baoill and Ryan Kelly excelling for a hard-working home side. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Keadue Rovers 1 v 0 Cranford United
Cranford had the game’s first chance on seven minutes when a header was glanced wide from a corner. The home side were quickly into their grove and Barry Curran had an effort blocked on fifteen minutes. Cranford then hit the post on a counter-attack in a match that was end to end at this stage. The home side continued to compete with Jack Doherty showing really-well on the right wing, causing Cranford plenty of problems. A David Ward free-kick was floated wide on thirty-seven minutes and then, three minutes later Christy Connaghan had a free header which was saved. At the start of the second half Keadue laid siege to the Cranford goal but found keeper Bobby Mc Gettigan in great form. Oran Fallon had a good run and shot just after fifty minutes that was well saved. After that Peter Mc Gee replaced Jack Doherty and still the pressure kept coming. David Ward had his shot blocked on the hour from a Peter Mc Gee cross. A triple home substitution made the difference for Keadue, they changed their shape and moved three up front. In the last twenty minutes further chances fell to both Peter Mc Gee and Calum Boyle who had shots blocked after some good passing moves. The winning goal came on eighty-one minutes when a weaving run by Peter Mc Gee led to him tucking the ball past the keeper for a fine goal. Cranford pushed hard for an equaliser. On eighty-four minutes they had a shot saved and a follow-up corner was headed wide. A good win for Keadue who would’ve won by a bigger margin but a good defensive display from a gritty Cranford side for whom Bobby Mc Gettigan, Chris Duffy and Chris Carr excelled while best for Keadue were Calum Boyle, Jack Doherty, Paddy Bonner and Peter Mc Gee. Referee: Tony McNamee.
Letterkenny Area
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0 v 3 Fanad United
Fanad made the short trip to Kerrykeel and left with the three points but the score-line was harsh on a Kerrykeel team missing a host of players. With all their keepers out of action Matthew Stewart bravely went in goals and to his credit did well. Kerrykeel started the better and Marty Mc Ateer went close as did Fergal Friel. Fanad went in front on 30 minutes when a great ball from Enda Coll found Eddie O’ Reilly and he fired home from close range. They made it two just before half-time when O’ Reilly beat the off-side trap and found Mc Garvey at the back post to tap home. The second-half was a tight affair with both teams missing chances. Kerrykeel missed a great chance on 60 minutes when a Paddy Heraghty glancing header went just wide. Fanad wrapped up the points on 75 minutes when O’ Reilly finished brilliantly at the back post. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Barry Hunter
Letterkenny Rovers 1 v 1 Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee both remain unbeaten in this season’s Brian McCormick Area Group stages after the sides drew 1-1 in a well congested encounter at the Aura Leisure Centre on Sunday afternoon. Bonagee had the better of the early exchanges and hit the bar before James Gallagher made a super goal-line clearance to deny the visitors while Rovers came closest through Adam Yisau as the sides remained scoreless at the break. It was Rovers though who broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when Yisau kept up his good start to the season, firing low past John Carr in the Bonagee goal and that looked like it could be the match-winner but Bonagee found a leveller when Peter Carr’s shot from distance flew past Blake Forkan on 82 minutes. Letterkenny ended the game with ten men following the late dismissal of Jack Dwyer for a second yellow card. A keenly contested game and the share of the spoils sees them remain in the top two spots ahead of games against Rathmullan Celtic and Swilly Rovers next Sunday.
Rathmullan Celtic 2 v 0 Milford United
Rathmullan Celtic took the much-coveted bragging rights and the all-important win in this derby clash with fiercest rivals Milford United. A James Gallagher strike in the opening half followed by a Niall Carruthers solo goal after the break ensured the points remained with the home side. Eamonn Sheridan’s Hoops were full of confidence following a fine midweek performance at Bonagee going into Sunday’s Moss Road Derby clash against Noel Gillespie’s young Milford side and the contest quickly heated up in the early exchanges in front of a packed Seaside faithful at the Flagpole. It was Milford young guns Killian Mc Bride and Darragh Kelly Cullen who impressed in the opening half with Mc Bride seeing his strike go inches wide of goal on the half-hour mark while Kelly Cullen was unlucky to see his speculative lob just dip over Shaun Gallagher’s crossbar on 35 minutes. The deadlock was broken on 39 minutes when Hoops midfield maestro James Gallagher sold a great dummy at the edge of the Milford area before neatly finishing low into the bottom corner of Caolan Mc Gettigan’s net. Milford were thrown a lifeline moments later when the Hoops were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow for left back Kevin O’ Donnell. The second-half saw Carruthers put on an exhibition for his ever-growing fan base with the firecracker forward unleashing a strike from 20 yards that went narrowly wide on 65 minutes. The Hoops were then denied by a fine double save from Mc Gettigan on 70 minutes with the shot stopper quick to react superbly to David Edwards rebound strike inside the area. The highlight of the game came on 73 minutes when Carruthers picked up the ball on the left wing before beating the Swans’ defence and drilling low into the bottom right corner of Mc Gettigan’s net, a skilful goal that drew applause from both sets of supporters. Hoops midfielder Kevin Doran drew another fine save from Mc Gettigan on 80 minutes before Milford finished with a flurry of chances that they probably feel they should have made more of in such a high-profile derby clash. In the 90th minute Doran set up Hoops’ maestro Carruthers on the left-wing but his fine lob was once again stopped by a busy Mc Gettigan in the Milford goals as the Hoops took all three points but moreover, a deserved win over their local rivals in a lively derby that entertained the large attendance at the Seaside.
Joey Cullen and Lorcan Friel were strong for Milford alongside their young guns Killian McBride and Darragh Kelly Cullen who impressed in this big derby. Niall Carruthers starred for the Hoops with his insatiable skill, while Barney Patton never put a foot wrong all afternoon at the Flagpole. Referee: George Montgomery
Swilly Rovers 4 v 0 Whitestrand United
(No Report Submitted)
Lifford Area
Castlefin Celtic 3 v 0 Deele Harps
(No Report Available)
Drumoghill F.C. 2 v 3 Lagan Harps
Lagan Harps held off Drumoghill’s late onslaught in search of an equaliser to emerge victorious in this derby encounter after a lively second half that saw the visitors race into a 3-1 lead before Liam O’ Donnell scored on 79 minutes to set up the frantic finish. In the end, it was a quick-fire double from Lagan Harps midway through the second-half that settled the contest. With the game finely poised at 1-1 on 65 minutes, Lagan were awarded a free-kick around 30yards from goal. Ciaran Quinn’s left-footed effort beat Ryan Lockhart to put Lagan ahead, before Noel Donnelly raced away in a counter-attack four minutes later to double their lead. Drumoghill though did pull one back on 79 minutes when Liam O’ Donnell got on the end of Gareth Temple’s cross, and they were dominant for the final 15 minutes in their pursuit of the equaliser. However, they had nothing to show for their efforts other than Shea Mc Daid’s close-range effort on 89 minutes that went just the wrong side of the post.
The first half had been an even affair after a frantic beginning in which both sides scored. Liam O’ Donnell’s 8th minute penalty was cancelled out by Noel Donnelly.
Kildrum Tigers 3 v 0 Raphoe Town
Kildrum started this game at Station Road at a fast pace, creating a few early chances. On 10 minutes the deadlock was broken, Kevin McHugh was put through on goal and he made no mistake. It was a tough first half for the visitors and Barry O’ Donnell doubled Kildrum’s lead on the half hour mark when he finished neatly at the front post. Raphoe were a much different side after the break and almost got an early goal back when Ryan Mc Cullagh pounced on some sloppy play at the back from the home side but just couldn’t force the ball home. Kildrum we’re reduced to 10 men as Daniel Clarke received a second yellow for dissent. The visitors made the extra man count as they pushed and played neat football, Dylan Brolly had Raphoe’s best chance to get themselves back into the game but he couldn’t convert the cross. Kildrum added a third late on as Aaron O’ Donnell broke clear and after a one-two with McHugh, O’ Donnell slide the ball home.
