Saturday 15th October 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 0 v 0 Glencar Celtic
Arranmore and Glencar finished goalless as the weather had a big part to play on the Island. Glencar came close mid-way through the half but Ben Boyle saved brilliantly.
Damien Weber, Tommy Mc Indewar and Paul Early all went close for the home side but the away keeper did well on more than one occasion and the rebound just wouldn’t fall kindly for the home side. The game finished 0-0 with both sides going for the win late into the game but a draw was a fair result. Two good team performances.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 1 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Drumoghill took the lead in the 40th minute from the penalty spot after Shea Mc Daid got on the end of a pass and was then was fouled in the box.
Colm Gardiner stepped up and slotted the ball home. Cappry started the second half strong and scored from a free kick. Both sides had chances to win it but it finished all level.
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
In windy conditions Glenea Reserves picked up all three points with a hard-earned victory over Donegal Town. Despite playing with the aid of the strong breeze, the home side were finding it difficult to create any clear-cut chances with a well marshalled Donegal Town defence keeping them at bay.
This deadlock was finally broken on 37 minutes when Calvin Murray picked up a Jason Mc Gee pass and unleashed an effort from 25 yards into the top corner.
Glenea doubled their lead on 43 minutes when Ciaran Coll picked up a loose ball and after beating a couple of defenders he fired home from the edge of the box.
In the 2nd half Donegal Town, with the aid of the elements, started the stronger and on 55 minutes pulled a goal back through Dermot Slevin after he took advantage of a mix-up in the home defence. Donegal Town pushed hard for an equaliser, but the home side were looking dangerous on the break and Ciaran Coll was denied
by the away keeper on 60 minutes. As the half progressed Donegal Town continued to press for an equalising goal against a well-disciplined home defence and were unable to get back on level terms
Best for Glenea were Kyle Mc Mullan and Peter Sweeney, while Tom O’Grady and Ciaran O’Reilly were best for Donegal Town. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.
Keadue Rovers Reserves 5 v 1 Dunlewey Celtic
Keadue Reserves continued their steady start to their league season with this comfortable win at home over Dunlewey Celtic on Saturday.
In difficult conditions at Central Park both teams found it hard to settle. Jordan Doogan had the first good chance on nineteen minutes, heading wide of the post. Jack Ward was next up for Keadue but had his header blocked. There followed a spell of scrappy play, which was suiting Dunlewey as they were playing against a very strong breeze.
Keadue upped the tempo after that and Doogan had his shot saved. Matthew Comiskey then hit a fine shot that went just wide of the post. Aidan Yank Boyle was also close before they finally broke the deadlock on forty minutes. Michael Greene’s through ball found Aidan Yank Boyle and his flick set up Jordan Doogan who scored to an empty net.
Doogan got his second from a header following a corner just as the halftime whistle beckoned. In the second half, the strong breeze dropped and Keadue had the better of the opening exchanges. Dunlewey found a route back into the game with a penalty which was neatly dispatched by Keith Sweeney. The home team did manage to get back on top and regained their two-goal lead just after the hour.
A fine ball through from Aidan Yank Boyle was met by Daniel Bonner whose shot was initially saved before Bonner tapped in the rebound. The game was over as a contest on sixty-six minutes when Ryan Connors slid home an effort from ten yards.
Keadue emptied the bench shortly after that and their subs made an impact on a tiring Dunlewey defence. The visitors had a good effort through Brendan Mac Geidigh on eighty-two minutes but the final goal of the day went to Keadue when Liam Boyle slotted home a fine finish.
A good team performance from Dunlewey, while for Keadue, Jordan Doogan, Michael Greene and Aidan Yank Boyle excelled. Referee: Patrick Martin.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 5 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Kildrum took the lead against the run of play when Gillen slotted home a penalty after Oldtown had a couple of half chances well saved by Devenney.
The Tiger’s doubled their lead when Justin Mc Bride scored followed good work from Gillen. Oldtown got back in the game when Tommy Mc Laughlin scored two well placed free kicks to make the half time score two all.
Oldtown took the lead for the first time when Mc Laughlin completed his hat-trick when he got on the end of a long ball and beat the keeper. Gillen got his second of the game when he got on the end of a well worked move.
Kildrum retook the lead when a free kick from Coll flew into the goal. The scoring was completed when Paddy Gallagher lobbed the Oldtown keeper.
Strand Rovers 6 v 0 Copany Rovers
A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect for the victims and families of the recent tragedy in Creeslough.
Strand Rovers started off strong with a few chances but just couldn’t hit the target until Leo Bonner’s strike hit the cross bar and rebounded to Matthew O’Donnell who’s shot was saved by the keeper but came back for Matthew to finally head the ball home to give Strand the lead. Jordan Saville then ran down the wing and cut the ball back to Aaron Ward who doubled the lead before the break.
After a few minutes of the second half a throw-in from Matthew O’ Donnell set-up Aaron Ward for his second goal of the day as his flicked header found the back of the net. Brendan Glackin then passed a long ball to Jordan Saville who controlled the ball with his thigh, turned, and shot straight to the back of the net for the 4th goal of the game for Strand Rovers.
A long ball from the back found sub Lennon Cowely on the wing who dribbled into the box and cut it back for Leo Bonner to tap home at the back post. The last goal of the day came from Darren Gallagher who was played in behind the defence and he toe-poked it past the keeper.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United 1 v 1 Swilly Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 2 Ballybofey United Reserves
In the first half both teams played well.Gweedore had good chances and were defensively strong. The first goal of the game came Gweedore’s way from a free-kick from just outside of the box, Liam Mc Fadden placing the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Ballybofey came out in the second half strong and started well, putting pressure on Gweedore.Gweedore nicked a second goal from a quick counter-attack with Neil Doran hitting the back of the net.Ballybofey stayed positive and scored from a corner when the ball dropped nicely for Calvin O’ Brien who scored. Ballybofey equalised late in the game from a corner when Caolan Mc Clintock scored. A well-deserved point for either side.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
Fintown Harps defeated the hosts in this early kick off. Both sides were missing players however it was an entertaining encounter. Fintown started the better and pushed hard for an opener, looking dangerous from set pieces.
Fintown had their keeper to thank for not going a goal down after an amazing save from a Philip Buchanan shot from six yards. Fintown broke straight up the field and scored with a fine finish from Stephen Boyle. Fintown added a second shortly afterwards when Michael Doherty headed home from a corner.
Niall O’Regan pulled one back for Kilmacrennan just before half time. Kilmacrennan dominated much off the second half but could not find the equaliser despite having the bulk of possession. Fintown looked dangerous on the break and Stephen Boyle was foiled by a Kevin Mallon save from point blank range.
Fintown’s keeper made a great save from Oisin Harkin before Michael Doherty once again popped up unmarked from a corner to make it 3-1. Best for Kilmacrennan were Sam Harvey, Owen Browne and Oisin Harkin. Best for Fintown Stephen Boyle and Michael Doherty. Referee: Damian Mc Cafferty
Milford United Reserves 0 v 0 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
It was a game of two halves at Moyle View. Castlefin were strong in the first half and looked the most dominant, creating a mixture of corners and set-pieces which the Milford defence did well to deal with.
In the 50th minute Milford were awarded a penalty after Jason Mc Conigley was fouled inside the box but he didn’t convert it.
Milford looked dangerous from then on but unfortunately, they went down to ten men as veteran Ciaran Blaney got two yellow cards. Milford battled well to see out the game and secure a valuable point.
St. Catherines Reserves 1 v 3 Cranford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Sunday 16th October 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 0 v 2 Keadue Rovers
The visitors took the lead on eleven minutes when a clearance fell to Oran Fallen just inside the Bonagee half, he broke clear and shot home from twelve yards.
The home side’s first chance came on eighteen minutes when a great cross into the box from Aaron Wasson found Peter Carr but he shot wide from ten yards.
Wasson again put a great cross on twenty-seven minutes but Aiden Mc Laughlin header wide from twelve yards. On forty-two minutes Wasson again sent a through ball from midfield to Aiden Mc Laughlin but his effort went just wide of post.
Aiden Brennan for Keadue saw his strike from the edge of the box on forty-seven go over the bar. The visitors went two up on fifty minutes when they were awarded a penalty and Chris Greene fired home from the spot.
The home side had chances through a Peter Carr shot from ten yards on fifty-five minutes and a few headers that were close to the target. Carr in the home goal made a great save on eighty minutes from an Aiden Brennan strike from twenty yards.
Niall Mc Crossan for Bonagee had a good strike on goal on eighty-eight minutes but O’ Gara saved well. Team efforts by both sides. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 0 St. Catherines
Kilmacrennan took the three points after a tough battle against a young, hard working, St. Catherines side at Letterkenny Community Centre.
The first half was even and both sides created good chances but both defences held tight. Just before half time the Killybegs men had great opportunity but Kilmacrennan keeper Kevin Mallon pulled off a great save.
In The 2nd half Kilmacrennan dominated and made the breakthrough when sub Daniel Mc Laughlin, on 70 minutes, smashed a volley from the edge of the box into the top corner. Ryan Shields then made great run from his own half, combined with Chris Dillon, and chipped the keeper for a great goal.
On 85 minutes Daniel Mc Laughlin got his 2nd from a corner when he climbed highest to head home a great delivery from a James Doherty corner. Best for Kilmacrennan: Ryan Shields and it was a team effort St. Catherines. Referee: Alister Gourley
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 1 v 5 Letterbarrow Celtic
The opening chance of the game came on the 8th minute with a through ball to Christy Mc Laughlin who shot narrowly wide. Letterbarrow took the lead on the half hour mark with Lorcan O’ Donnell curling the ball into to the top corner from the right wing.
The away side doubled the lead early in the second half with Christy Mc Laughlin scoring after a good team break from defending a corner kick. Letterbarrow made it three on the hour mark with Gerard Mc Brearty passing to Lorcan O’Donnell for his second of the match.
Substitute Declan Duignan found the net for Letterbarrow to make it four. Convoy pulled one back with Johnny Doherty heading home Luke Harkin’s corner kick and Ian Campbell came off the bench and got the last goal of the match for Letterbarrow leaving the score 5-1 at the final whistle.
Donegal Town 4 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Hughie Walsh’s Kerrykeel were quicker out of the blocks and were one up against The Town through Johnny Nanny. Towns’ response was instant, they immediately scored after the restart through Robbie Murphy after a through ball from Mc Hugh. Not to be outdone Mc Hugh then scored just before half time.
Town started and dominated the second half and went 3-1 up, Murphy again. A moment’s hesitation in The Town defence allowed Johnny Nanny to get his second.
Robbie Murphy was then taken down and referee Mc Laughlin had no hesitation in awarding a penalty which Eoin Slevin cooly slotted home to make it 4-2.Two good team performances with Ronan Mc Hugh standing out for The Town. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Drumkeen United P v P Gweedore Celtic
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Raphoe Town 1 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 1 v 0 Gweedore United
Ballybofey started the match on the front foot with early efforts from Barry Mc Ghee, who saw his shot just drift wide, and Paddy Hannigan, who met an in-swinging Micky Lafferty corner with a lovely diving header but it was cleared off the line.
Ballybofey continued to pile of the pressure, winning another corner, and there was Paddy again with the header but he crashed his effort off the crossbar.
Ballybofey had further efforts from Mark Griffin and Daithí Mc Mahon who struck the post. It remained scoreless at the break. The second half started with both sides playing good football and it was Gweedore who had the best chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty.
Ciaran Bonner made a great save to keep the game level. Ballybofey got the winner two minutes from time when Griffin found Mc Mahon in the box and he flicked the ball home to give his side the points.
Cranford United 6 v 2 Deele Harps
Cranford secured all three points with a comfortable win at home to Deele and made it four wins from four in the league.
Cranford went three up early in the game, goals from Kevin Doherty, Chris Carr and Keelan Mc Groddy. Deele got one back on 35 minutes with a header but Cranford restored their three- goal lead before half time from a Dale Mc Fadden goal.
The second half was less lively but Cranford got two more goals from Kevin Doherty and Kyle Mc Fadden before a late Deele consolations goal.
Curragh Athletic 0 v 1 Drumoghill F.C.
In an intense opening-half there were few chances at either end. The sides went in 0-0 at the break. Drumoghill got the perfect start to the second half when they went one up through a Curragh own goal in the 46th minute after a great through ball from the Drumoghill centre half.
Curragh pushed in search of an equaliser but were unable to break down a strong Drumoghill defence. Drumoghill held out to secure the three points. Good battling performance from both sides.
Lagan Harps 6 v 1 Whitestrand United
Lagan produced a clinical display to overcome a youthful Whitestrand side in Ballyare. Whitestrand had the first effort when Garret Ferry forced Michael Toner to push his shot behind for a corner. Lagan began to threaten and took the lead on five minutes.
Good interplay between Matthew Doran and Seamie Cullen saw Seamie cross to the back post where Dean Murray scored with a diving header.
The game went from end to end and Lagan increased their lead on twenty minutes when Joe Mc Carron volleyed in a Glenn Gallagher Cross. Lagan made it 3-0 on forty minutes when Ross Hamlyn broke through to score.
Ross then converted a penalty on forty-three minutes to leave Lagan 4-0 up at the break. The second half was as open with both sides creating chances. Lagan got their fifth on fifty-five minutes with Philip Doran finishing well.
Joe Mc Carron with a fine strike from the edge of the box made it six on sixty minutes. Whitestrand never gave up and Garret Ferry got the goal he deserved when he forced home a corner on seventy-five minutes. Both teams continued to attack but there were no further goals.
A good team effort from Lagan while Whitestrand contributed with some good passing moves. Referee: Seamie Ferry.
Lifford Celtic 14 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
This match started very bright for Lifford when Matthew O’ Rourke broke through the Dunkineely defence to open the scoring.
Soon after the restart Cian Patton got on the scoresheet after a fine bit if play down the left. Lifford got a penalty shortly after that and John Mahon converted to the bottom corner. Cian Patton then scored his second of the day.
Matthew O’ Rourke and Shay Lindsay both added goals to leave it 6-0 at half time. In the second half, it was more of the same with Lifford the stronger team. Two Shea Whyte goals and one from Corey Lindsay pushed them further in front.
Lifford made five subs before O’ Rourke and Shay Lindsay completed their hat-tricks. Super sub Jordan Porter adding two good goals. Dunkineely did create several chances but failed to take them. Great team performance from Lifford.
FAI Junior Cup
Fanad United 0 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Castlefin Celtic progressed to the next round of the FAI Junior Cup after overcoming Fanad United 1-0 at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday.
It was Fanad who started the quicker with a couple of chances early on. In the 10th minute, Oisin Langan saw his free kick from 25 yards fly just over the bar.
Two minutes later Fanad came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when Seimi Friel rose highest in the box but his glancing header came back off the Castlefin bar.
It was Castlefin who got the only goal of the game in the 25th minute. Following a good move down the right, the ball broke to Jordan Duffy inside the box and he finished cooly into the bottom corner.
On the stroke of half time, Dylan Dorrian struck an excellent free kick from 30 yards but Castlefin keeper Tiernan Gallagher produced a superb full length save to keep the ball out.
The second half was a very scrappy affair with chances few and far between. In the 60th minute, Eddie O’Reilly seen his free from outside the box well held by Tiernan Gallagher at the second attempt. At times the game threatened to boil over as Fanad pushed for an equaliser.
In injury time Castlefin were reduced to ten men when Mark Lafferty received a 2nd yellow card. From the resulting free kick, Seimi Friel seen his header drift just over the bar. Ref: Liam Mc Laughlin
Milford United 0 v 1 Cappry Rovers a.e.t.
Milford United made their exit from the FAI Junior Cup after a hard-fought defeat to Cappry Rovers after extra time at Moyle View Park. Cappry came close in the opening 20 minutes, but failed to convert.
As the half went on Milford got into the game and a great chance for Liam Donnelly was blocked and fell to Joey Cullen who put the ball over the bar.
On the stroke of half time, Shane Black’s corner was headed toward the goals but Mark Flood failed to connect on the goal line and ball was cleared. Cappry always looked dangerous but the Milford rear-guard defended well and the best chances fell to Milford with Cathal Mc Gettigan and Mark Flood both having great chances to give Milford the lead.
The game ended 0- 0 and extra time was needed to separate the teams. From the kick-off Cappry Rovers drove the ball forward and a Jamie Murray cross was cleared by Milford but fell to the left foot of Benny Bonner and his strike to the top corner gave Caolan Mc Gettigan no chance and the magnificent strike proved the match winner.
Milford pushed for an equaliser with chances falling to Flood, Cathal Mc Gettigan, Merrit and Corey Lee Mc Conigley, but It was not to be for the home team. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Rathmullan Celtic 2 v 5 Greencastle F.C.
The visitors from Inishowen ran out deserving winners in this FAI Junior Cup tie at the Flagpole Field after they caught the home side stone cold with two goals in the first three minutes.
Rathmullan did well to make a contest of it after such an early setback and, at one stage trailing 3-2, had chances to restore parity, but it was Greencastle that got the crucial score to lead by two at the break and they held firm despite the home side pressing hard in the second period.
The teams came together before the game to observe a minutes silence before the match in memory of the ten souls lost in the tragedy in Creeslough last week, as the football family in Donegal once more showed their support for the families and communities in this time of immense sadness.
From the first whistle, Greencastle were on the attack. Brendan Moore poked them into the lead from six yards inside a minute and they led by two just 90 second later when Nigel Mc Monagle sprung the offside trap and lobbed home from 20 yards.
When the lively forward doubled his tally after 20 minutes, it looked like a long afternoon was in store for Rathmullan but the Hoops responded strongly and were on the scoreboard when Kevin O’Donnell’s swirling corner found the net.
After 35 minutes, it was game on as Eoin Sheridan’s close-range finish made it 3-2 and Rathmullan had their tails up.
On the stroke of half-time Ciaran Diver found the top corner from 25 yards out with a fine strike to restore a two-goal cushion for a well drilled Greencastle side.
The introduction of Ronan Morris aided Rathmullan in the second half and they had several chances to cut the arrears to one goal again, with Kevin Doran, Jay Curran and Mark Mc Ateer all threatening, but they couldn’t draw a decisive blow to set up a grandstand finish.
With three minutes remaining, Jamie Mc Geaghan finished nearly inside the penalty area to make it 5-2, a scoreline almost certainly harsh on the home side, making the contest safe for Greencastle.
Referee Gerald Devine had a relatively quiet afternoon and handled matters with ease.
Fixtures Week 9
Saturday 22nd October 2022K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United ReservesvDrumbar United
Castlefin Celtic ReservesvRamelton Mariners
Cranford United ReservesvMilford United Reserves
Swilly Rovers ReservesvKilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Ulster Junior ShieldK.O. 1.30p.m. (Unless Stated)
Donegal Town ReservesvCarrowmena FC
Glencar CelticvClonmany Shamrocks
Kildrum Tigers ReservesvRaphoe Town
Oldtown CelticvIllies Celtic
St. Catherines ReservesvDeele Harps
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two K.O. 7.30p.m.
Lifford CelticvCurragh Athletic (Oaktree Complex, Killygordon)
Sunday 23rd October 2022K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Fanad UnitedvCappry Rovers
Glenea UnitedvBonagee United
Keadue RoversvRathmullan Celtic
Kildrum TigersvKilmacrennan Celtic
St. CatherinesvCastlefin Celtic
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Gweedore CelticvDonegal Town
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. vConvoy Arsenal
Letterkenny RoversvMilford United
Swilly Rovers vDrumkeen United
Ulster Junior ShieldK.O. 1.30p.m. (Unless Stated)
Cranford UnitedvLagan Harps
Dunree UnitedvStrand Rovers
Gweedore UnitedvKeadue Rovers Reserves
Quigleys Point SwiftsvArranmore United
Whitestrand UnitedvGlenea United Reserves