There was drama and excitement as Liam Wiggins scored a last gasp winner to give Gweedore Celtic a dramatic victory over Milford United in one of the big games of the day in the Donegal League.
Milford just needed a point from their trip to An Screaban to seal promotion to the Premier Division.
But Gweedore’s win means they could still overtake Milford to finish second on the final weekend of the season.
Meanwhile in the Premier Division, there’s no change at the top with the top two sides – Kilmacrennan Celtic and Fanad United – both recording wins.
In Division Two, both Lagan Harps and Cranford United secured promotion with Lagan winning at Drumoghill and Cranford playing out a 1-1 draw with Ballybofey United.
Round up
Saturday, March 25th
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 0, Strand Rovers 4
Strand took the lead mid-way through the first half when they scored from inside the box. Cappry had a couple of chances to get level but failed to convert them. Strand made it 2-0 when they scored from a corner. They added a third five minutes later from a good header in the box. Strand added a 4th late on to complete the scoring
Copany Rovers 0, Keadue Rovers Reserves 8
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town Reserves 4 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1
(No Report Submitted)
Dunlewey Celtic v Arranmore United – postponed
Glencar Celtic 2, Kildrum Tigers Reserves 1
(No Report Submitted)
Oldtown Celtic 5, Glenea United Reserves 2
It was a game of two halves at the Letterkenny Community Centre as Oldtown ran out winners.
Glenea came out of the traps very quickly and went one up when Cathal Mc Geever converted from the spot after he was fouled. Glenea added a 2nd when John McFadden fired home.
Glenea pushed to add more but were unable to find the breakthrough while Oldtown struggled to get going until the last ten minutes of the half.
Oldtown made two changes at half time and they proved to make the difference as one of the substitutes, Sean Cleary, pulled a goal back with a goal of the season contender when he volleyed home from all of 30 yards.
This spurred Oldtown on and they got level minutes later when Cleary again fired home from a free-kick that was delivered into the box.
Oldtown were now in the ascendency and took the lead when Gio Peoples added a 3rd with a delicate chip from the edge of the area.
Oldtown added their 4th when Sean Cleary released Kevin McGrath who had a composed finish from inside the area. Cleary completed his hat-trick with a magnificent third.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2, Gweedore Celtic Reserves 1
Castlefin secured all three points after a hard victory over Gweedore in a game played at St. Patrick’s Park, Drumkeen. Castlefin dominated proceedings, goals from Cathal Kennedy and Raymond Foy secured the win.
Cranford United Reserves 2, Ramelton Mariners 0
(No Report Submitted)
Drumbar United 1, Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 2
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 1, Milford United Reserves 1
Pairc Acla was the scene in glorious sunshine for this Division Two clash between Fintown Harps and Milford United.
We had to wait until the 8th minute before the first chance of the day fell to Logan Quinn, but his shot went over the bar.
Fintown had the next chance when a long ball from Karl O’ Brien fell to Aaron Mc Glynn but his header was straight at John Matthews in the Milford goal.
Fintown were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute when Aaron Mc Glynn was fouled in the box. Milford’s Alec Mc Conigley was injured in the clash and had to be replaced by Kieran Sheridan. Arron stepped up himself to take the penalty but John Matthews dived to his right to pull off a great save to keep it scoreless.
Just before half-time Logan Quinn had a shot from the edge of the box but John Matthews was again down quick to make the save.
Ten minutes into the second half Joe Shanky had a shot come off the post and the rebound was cleared for a corner-kick. From the resulting corner Fintown took the lead when Francis McDevitt sneaked in around the back and got his header away to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Fintown made some changes with Joe Shanky and Shane Mc Devitt being replaced by Dermot Slevin and Stephen Boyle. Stephen Boyle almost made an immediate impact but had a shot saved by John Matthews one minute after coming on.
In the 71st minute Milford were awarded a penalty but Jason Mc Conigley saw his effort come off the crossbar and over to keep the score at 1-0.
Fintown made some more changes with Keelan McGill and Ethan O’ Donnell coming on to replace Francis Mc Devitt and Arron Mc Glynn. Two minutes from time Milford drew level when a free into the box fell to Jason Mc Conigley who made no mistake from close range.
Fintown pushed hard for a winner but Milford’s defence saw the game out to share the spoils.
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1, St. Catherines Reserves 4
(No Report Submitted)
Sunday, March 26th
Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 0, Cappry Rovers 1
(No Report Submitted)
Fanad United 3, Bonagee United 2
Fanad United kept their Donegal League Premier Division title hopes very much alive after twice coming from behind to defeat Bonagee United 3-2 at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday.
The game was played in ideal conditions and it was a rip-roaring game from start to finish. Bonagee were quickest out of the blocks and took the lead after 10 minutes. Jordan Gallagher sent over a teasing corner from the left and Aidan Mc Laughlin was on hand to power home his header from 8 yards.
The lead however, only lasted a matter of minutes as Fanad equalised straight away. When Eddie O’ Reilly received the ball in the box, he was bundled over and a penalty was awarded. Eoin Logue stepped up and made no mistake.
In the 23rd minute Bonagee took the lead again. When Fanad failed to clear a dangerous free kick, Paddy Mc Gowan fired home from 10 yards.
Fanad pressed for the rest of the half and created several chances. Sean Carr volleyed over when well placed in the 30th minute. The best chance fell to Paddy Carr when he headed over from an excellent Keelin Mc Elwaine cross just before half time.
Fanad started the second half full of intent and almost equalised five minutes in when Darren Mc Elwaine saw his free-kick go just wide of the post. They did however, get their equaliser five minutes later. Keelin Mc Elwaine broke down the right and his superb cross was met by Paddy Carr who powered his header home.
Bonagee were still well in the game and in the 80th minute Aidan Mc Laughlin showed great skill to control a long ball on the edge of the box. However, he was unable to keep his shot down.
Fanad kept probing and with five minutes remaining they got their 3rd. Paddy McGinley fired a shot from 20 yards, referee Patrick Martin adjudged that the ball was handled by a Bonagee defender and awarded a second spot kick. Again, Eoin Logue made no mistake from 12-yards. Bonagee piled on the pressure for the rest of the game forcing a number of corners.
From one corner Fanad keeper Mark McConigley made an outstanding save to deny Cody Brogan. Fanad however held out for a vital three points.
Referee: Patrick Martin
Keadue Rovers 0, Kilmacrennan Celtic 1
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines 4, Kildrum Tigers 3
Vincent Mc Laughlin had the task of overseeing this feisty affair at Emerald Park and it was only two minutes in when the opening goal arrived as the two Cunningham brothers combined to give the hosts an early lead. A beautiful left foot cross from Conor set up Ryan who snuck in behind the Kildrum centre-half and hit a half-volley superbly wide of the visiting keeper.
The Saints continued with their bright start and on thirty minutes Paul O’ Hare threaded a low ball through the heart of the Kildrum defence to Ryan Cunningham who latched onto the ball and increased the Catherines’ advantage.
Man of the Match Ryan Cunningham, was now on fire and we only had to wait two minutes more to watch him take down a cross-field ball and again strike with his right past a helpless Kildrum keeper to complete his hat-trick.
Kildrum got a lifeline, and something to play for, as Davitt Walsh was taken down on 43 minutes and duly converted the penalty himself to make it 3-1 at the interval.
Kildrum started brightly in the second half and it was game on when James Connolly followed in and headed home a ball that came crashing back off the Saints’ crossbar on 47 minutes.
Ryan Cunningham continued to torment the away defence and his run up the right only came to an end when he was tripped in the box and awarded a penalty. Daniel Breslin calmly slotted the spot-kick home for a 4-2 lead which seemed to settle the nerves both on and off the field.
Kildrum would not go away and William Lynch rose high on 88 minutes to flash a great header across the Saints’ box which was subsequently dispatched by Davitt Walsh and the lead for the Saints was narrowed to one again.
In the end the home team deservedly survived to move closer to safety in mid-table.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 0, Donegal Town 1
(No Report Submitted)
Drumkeen United 2, Raphoe Town 1
Drumkeen welcomed near neighbours Raphoe Town to St Patrick’s Park on Sunday.
This was a must win for both teams if they were to have any chance of avoiding automatic relegation. The first 15 minutes were even enough. Then on 17 minutes Dylan Brolly put the visitors ahead with an effort from just inside the box.
As half time approached Drumkeen had several chances to equalise. Freddie had a great chance which went wide and then, from a Ryan James corner, a couple of Drumkeen players just narrowly missed getting on the end of. Drumkeen kept the pressure on and Freddie did get his goal finishing well.
Drumkeen began the second half well and were soon ahead. Niall Howley had entered the fray at half-time and it was his great pass which played in Freddie who calmly slotted home his second goal.
As the game drew to a close Raphoe were still very much in it and it was a nervy final few minutes for the home team but they managed to hold on. As it turned out results elsewhere meant that this result for Drumkeen was irrelevant in regard to avoiding the drop.
The only positive the home team will take is that after a tough season it was nice to finish the home campaign with a win. This was not a classic but it was played in a good sporting manner.
Referee: Barry Hunter.
Gweedore Celtic 2, Milford United 1
Gweedore kept alive their chances of promotion with this narrow victory against a dogged, resolute Milford who had promotion in their grasp but were denied by a last gasp winner for the home team in injury time.
The pattern of play in the first half from both teams was of a cagey nature with neither side creating anything of note although Gary Merritt saw his thunderous effort in the 20th minute go just past the Gweedore post.
The second half was much improved with Na Ceiltigh putting a lot of pressure on the Milford back line and they hit the front in the 65th minute when Tommy Diver’s pass sent Ciaran Mc Hugh through and the midfielder finished well to the corner of the net.
Gweedore had their tails up at this stage but it was Milford who scored with fifteen minutes remaining. Substitute James Doyle rose unchallenged to head home Gary Merritt’s corner.
The home team threw caution to the wind and went in search of the winner. Diver had a header cleared off the line and Cian Mc Bride was twice denied by keeper Mc Gettigan.
With time running out Gweedore won a free on the edge of the box. Padraig Hagney Gallagher, just on the pitch, whipped the ball towards goal and his cross was met by Liam Wiggins much to the delight of the home support.
Both teams have one game remaining, results of which will determine who finishes second and third in the promotion hunt.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2, Letterkenny Rovers 1
The ‘71 got a vital win and what a win it was over Letterkenny Rovers.
The home team started the better with Johnny Nanny and Kevin Loughrey causing all sorts of problems for the men from the Cathedral town in a game they simply had to win.
Rovers went in front on 30 minutes when great work from Jordan Nugent found Patrick Galent and he did well to fire past Shaun Friel.
The ‘71 never let the heads drop and drew level on 38 minutes when Kevin Loughrey headed home after a great team attack.
Hughie Walsh’s men came out for the second-half and pinned the Rovers back without really testing di Silva in the visiting goal.
Up stepped Mark Sparky Friel on 70 minutes with a cracker of a free-kick from 30 yards into the top corner to send the big home support into raptures.
Rovers threw everything into the game for the final 20 minutes but could not find a way past the home side who man for man were outstanding. A massive result for the ‘71 in their quest to avoid the drop. A massive team effort from all involved. Nugent and Malseed were best for Rovers.
Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Letterbarrow Celtic 0, Swilly Rovers 1
Perfect conditions meant for a tough contest between the two teams. Swilly started strong but couldn’t get past a well organised Letterbarrow defence. Swilly dominated possession but failed to capitalise and at half time it was scoreless.
The second half was similar. A strike from Gerry McBrearty from 40 yards almost surprised the keeper but he did well to scrape the ball away to safety. Swilly finally broke the deadlock from a free-kick that proved the winner.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Cranford United 1, Ballybofey United 1
Cranford got themselves promoted after a 1-1 draw with Ballybofey.
Cranford had to come from a goal down and a man down and battled hard to get the point and could have won it at the end.
Ballybofey started the stronger and were one up after 20 minutes after a ball over the top which Mark Griffin finished well. Cranford’s job got harder as they were reduced to 10 men after 40 minutes. Cranford came out for the second half and pushed hard for the equaliser. The pressure paid off with six minutes to go when Domhnaill Sweeney finished well from outside of the box. He was unlucky not to get the winner soon after.
Deele Harps 2, Dunkineely Celtic 1
Deele welcomed Dunkineely to Deele College on a fine day for football.
In an evenly contested first half, it was the away side who took the lead on 32 minutes, when the evergreen Adrian Nesbitt rifled home from 20 yards.
On 35 minutes Deele had a penalty shout waved away. The home side were then reduced to ten men following two quick-fire yellow cards.
The second half started with Deele on the front foot and the equaliser came on 55 minutes when Sean O’ Reilly scored when his long-range effort deceived the Dunkineely keeper.
The ten men of Deele were on top, but Dunkineely always carried a threat with Adrian Nesbitt keeping the Deele defence busy.
Pearce Lindsay and Paul Lynch were solid in defence for Deele. On 89 minutes substitute Conor Catterson rifled home a free-kick from 25 yards to win the game for Deele. In a tough season the Ballindrait men are finishing the season on a high.
Team performance from Deele with Adrian Nesbitt starring for Dunkineely.
Referee: Leo Devenney.
Drumoghill F.C. 1, Lagan Harps 2
Lagan achieved promotion with this win as other results went their way.
The game started frenetically, as these derbies do. Drumoghill were on top at the start, with Lagan finding it hard to get up the field.
However, it was Lagan who went closest to opening the scoring when Josh Hay headed an Emmet Tourish cross against the bar.
Drumoghill took the lead when Ciaran Cunningham fired home after a scramble in the box. Lagan responded minutes later when Josh Hay scored with a cracking shot from twenty yards. Liam O’Donnell almost restored Drumoghill’s lead minutes later when he headed just wide from a corner.
Lagan took the lead on thirty-five minutes. Marty Brogan’s shot was saved by Roy Duffy but Ross Hamlyn fired the rebound home.
Drumoghill went close at the start of the second half when Keelan Collier forced a save out of Michael Toner. Drumoghill then lost the influential Christopher O’ Donnell to injury, disrupting their defence.
Lagan then took control and wasted several chances. Ross Hamlyn broke through twice after good interlinking play but shot wide on both occasions.
Kenny Doran then broke through but Roy Duffy saved his shot and Matthew Doran hit the post from the rebound.
Drumoghill threatened with a few late set pieces but Marty Brogan won a number of headers to clear the lines.
Lifford Celtic 1, Curragh Athletic 5
Curragh started the stronger team playing some nice football. It wasn’t long until they got on the score-sheet when they caught the Lifford keeper off his line to make it 1-0.
Two further strikes gave Curragh a comfortable three-nil lead at the break.
Lifford started as the brighter side in the second half and got in behind the Curragh defence. Shay Lindsay squared the ball for Anthony Catterson who finished nicely into the bottom corner. Curragh made it four with a great strike from outside the 18-yard box that gave the Lifford keeper no chance. They went on to add a fifth before the final whistle.
Whitestrand United 3, Gweedore United 1
Whitestrand United took on Gweedore United in the penultimate home game of the season. Whitestrand took an early lead when Michael Sweeney broke through and scored. Whitestrand scored a second when they put in a corner and Michael Sweeney headed it home.
Whitestrand continued in a very positive manner and Daibhid Lynch rounded the keeper to find the net.
The second half started with Gweedore looking for a way back into the game. Whitestrand defended resolutely but eventually the pressure told and Gweedore got one back through Kieran Mc Fadden.
Gweedore kept pushing but Whitestrand were dangerous on the counter with Lynch hitting the post twice which would have killed the game.
Best for Whitestrand in a great team performance were Michael Sweeney, Daibhid Lynch and Paddy Walsh.