Here are all the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League action.
Thursday 19th October 2023
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Bonagee United 5 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
The first chance of the game was on three minutes when Michael Funston won the ball on the halfway line, he saw the keeper well off his line but his strike went just over the crossbar. The home team were one up on twelve minutes when the ball broke to Jordan Armstrong inside the box, he laid it off to Dean Larkin who shot home from ten yards. Luke Mc Gee in the visitor’s goal made a great save from Hasson and from the rebound from Funston on twenty-two minutes. On twenty-eight minutes a cross into the visitor’s box from Eoghan Doherty was headed over by Latin from six yards. Gibson for the visitors saw his strike from the edge of the box well saved by Carr in the home goal on thirty minutes. The visitors were awarded a free kick outside the box on forty minutes and O’Donnell took the kick and it was deflected by a defender into the top corner of the net to level the match. The home side were well on top at the start of the second half and Mc Gee in goal made several good saves from Larkin’s over-head kick on the hour and a header on sixty-five minutes. The home side got their second on seventy-two minutes when a Michael Funston’s cross from the right was headed home by Aiden Mc Laughlin from six yards. It was three on seventy-five minutes when Fintan Hassan broke clear down the left and his strike from inside the box came off the keeper and went into the net. It was four on eight-four minutes when Aaron Wasson got the ball wide out on the right. he cut inside the defender and his strike from the edge of the box flew into the top corner of the net. The final goal of the game came on eighty eight minutes when Faolan Gibson broke clear into the box and his strike found the back of the net from close range. Team efforts by both teams. Referee: Paddy Martin.
Saturday 21st October 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 0 v 2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Castlefin left Dreenan with all three points, with both goals coming early in each half. The first coming from a defence splitting pass and nicely finished whie the second came from a good run down the right side and the squared ball wasn’t dealt with by the United defence and there was a Castlefin player to knock it in from close range. The visitors dominated most of the possession throughout the game, as the hosts never really got into the game.
Copany Rovers 3 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
On a day where conditions weren’t great, Copany started the brighter creating several decent chances but were unable to find the net. However, on 15 minutes the breakthrough came following some good work from Alex Mc Nelis who found Gerard Martin to feed Ethan Gallagher to find the corner of the net to give Copany a deserved lead. Not wanting to let Cranford have any space, Copany again pounced within 3 minutes of taking the lead with Gallagher returning the favour to Gerard Martin to finish on his weak foot. On 35 minutes following some strong running from Oisin Brogan, the home side were awarded a penalty which Daniel Brogan duly dispatched. Half time Copany Rovers 3 Cranford United Reserves 0. The Second half started with the home side seemingly still enjoying a break. Cranford were awarded a penalty from which home keeper Stephen Doherty pulled off a blinding save. It was nip and tuck for 20 minutes, the away side seemingly getting a lifeline and sneaking a goal off the post. Copany then rattled the post on 3 different occasions. On 85 minutes the visitors were reduced to 10 men. The game ended with Copany deservedly winning 3-1 to notch their first win of the season.
Drumbar United 3 v 0 Milford United Reserves
Drumbar welcomed Milford to Lakeside Ballyshannon. Drumbar started with a high tempo and were rewarded on 15 minutes when striker Andrew Monahan crossed in a perfect ball that was met with Dan Bennett to make it 1-0 to Drumbar. Drumbar remained dominant in the first half reducing Milford attempts to a minimum. On the stroke of half time Drumbar found the net again Daniel Bennett found the net from a direct free-kick to make it 2-0 going into the half time break. The second half began in similar fashion to the first with Drumbar having most the ball and the play. On 50 minutes, after a superb team play through the middle of the park, Tom Daly found the net to give Drumbar a 3-0 lead. Drumbar continued to have control of the game which ended 3-0 in favour of a dominant Drumbar.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 2 v 2 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
After a tight opening 20 minutes Danny Harkin made a goal out of nothing running from his own half and finishing neatly, 1-0 at the break. Gweedore came out for the second half and started well but on 60 minutes Christy Smith caught them on the break, beating the offside trap and finished well lobbing the keeper. After that Gweedore got a free kick which somehow found its way into the net, 2-1 and game on. Gweedore pressed hard but missed a few chances before scoring in the 89th minute to get a point. A draw probably a fair result in the end.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 11 v 0 Gweedore United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Drumkeen United Reserves 0 v 8 Fanad United Reserves
Drumkeen had their third home match in a row as Fanad United were the visitors to St Patrick’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Although the visitors ran out easy winners in the end this was a tight enough affair for most of the first half. Fanad dominated the opening half hour but Drumkeen managed to keep them at bay until Dylan Mc Glone finally broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark. Drumkeen keeper Evan Higgins then made a great save to keep his side in the game. Just before the break a Drumkeen attack broke down and they were caught on the counter attack as the ever-lively Mc Glone added his second goal to leave Fanad two goals ahead at the break. The second half started badly for the home team as an Alan Mc Ateer double had Fanad four goals ahead and the game was more or less beyond Drumkeen at that stage. As always Drumkeen battled on but it wasn’t their day as Ultan Mc Groddy added number five. Fanad then scored two great long range effects from Liam Mc Granaghan and Ultan Mc Groddy. Dylan Mc Glone had a great game for the visitors and was a constant danger throughout the match and he completed the scoring to earn himself a Hat-trick. Another tough day for Drumkeen against a talented Fanad Side.
Lagan Harps Reserves 1 v 5 Erne Wanderers
Erne Wanderers kept their title challenge going when they proved too strong for Lagan at Leckview Astro. They took an early lead when some slack defending saw Jack Gallagher lay the ball off for Philip Patton to finish. They went 2-0 up on ten minutes when Jack Gallagher fired home from the edge of the area. Lagan responded with Jack Duncan denied by a great block by Erne’s left back. Jack brought Lagan back into it with a good finish after thirty-five minutes. Erne restored their two goal advantage minutes later when Lagan were slow to react to a short corner and Philip Patton fired home from thirty yards. The second half had fewer chances with Callum Crampsie pulling off a few good saves and Erne striking the crossbar. Erne got their fourth on seventy minutes when there was a mix up at the back from a long clearance and Jack Gallagher was left with a tap in. Lagan had a couple of decent efforts from Eamon Cannon and Jack Canning. Erne’s last goal came in the final minute when Aidan Mc Glynn headed in from a long throw-in.
Ulster Junior Shield
Arranmore United 0 v 3 Redcastle F.C.
Redcastle made the trip to the Island and ran out 3-0 winners after three goals in the first 20 minutes of this game. Arranmore created two or three guilt edged chances in the first half but couldn’t find the net. Arranmore set out their stalls to keep the score down and tried to nick a goal to stay in the game and the defensive rearguard did well to keep the impressive Inishowen outfit scoreless in the second half. Shaun Bonner and Paul Early came close for the home side in the latter stages but the game ended 0-3. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Glenea United Reserves 0 v 3 Cockhill Celtic
In fine conditions, Glenea Reserves bowed out of this season’s Ulster Shield as it was the away side that came out in top in this tightly fought game. Both sides started well, and Cockhill’s Joe Doherty forced Shaun Mc Clafferty into a fine save. The away side took the lead on 15 minutes from the penalty spot as Joe Doherty converted. Glenea almost equalised a few minutes later when Michael Mc Hugh’s through ball found Shaun Ferry but his effort was well saved by Graham Doherty in the away goals. Graham Doherty was to the rescue again on 25 minutes when Kevin Boyle got free at the back post at a corner, but his shot was well saved by the Cockhill keeper. Cockhill almost extended their lead on 32 minutes when after a scramble from a corner Michael O’ Connor saw his header come off the bar. Cockhill increased their lead on 35 minutes when the home defence failed to deal with a cross from the right and Shane Meehan was on hand to drive home from close range. Glenea almost pulled a goal back on 43 minutes when Michael Mc Hugh got through the away defence but slipped his shot the wrong side of the post. In a tight second half, the home side pushed hard to pull a goal back, but both sides were finding it hard to create any real chances. Cockhill eventually increased their lead when Shane Meehan headed home a free kick on 65 minutes. Glenea continued to push for a goal and came close with efforts from Michael Mc Hugh and Shaun Ferry. Best for Glenea were Stephen Curran, Ciaran O’Donnell and Michael McHugh while Gavin Doherty and Gavin Lyons impressed for Cockhill. Referee: Shaun Houston.
Oldtown Celtic 4 v 0 Buncrana Hearts
Oldtown took the lead after 20 minutes when Kevin Mc Grath converted from the spot. The Buncrana keeper was shown a straight red for the challenge the lead to the penalty and the away side faced an uphill battle. Oldtown soon added a second when Micheal Doherty scored from distance. Buncrana battled hard to get back into the game but found it difficult with being down to 10. The second half began with Oldtown in the ascendency pushing to get a killer third and Luke Nelis provided with a great strike from distance. Kevin Mc Grath then added his second with a spectacular effort from distance. Buncrana to their credit continued to battle despite the man disadvantage but Oldtown prevailed to go through to the next Round.
Sunday 22nd October 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 2 v 3 Rathmullan Celtic
A last gasp strike from Connor Temple gave visitors Rathmullan all three points in Castlefin. Castlefin took the lead when Rabeh broke through and slotted home. Rathmullan equalised when Ronan Morris stabbed home at the back post. Gavin Sweeney restored the host’s lead early in the second half before an Oisin Mc Menamin penalty drew the visitors level.
Gweedore Celtic 1 v 3 Keadue Rovers
Keadue secured all three points with a workmanlike performance against an understrength home team. David Ward rifled Keadue ahead in the tenth minute with a sweet strike from the edge of the box. Their lead was short lived when Crónan Mc Fadden equalised from Padraig Gallagher’s free kick. Keadue were on the front foot most of the half but they found a resolute Gweedore defence hard to penetrate and when they did, Micheal Mc Kelvey in goals was at his best. Ten minutes before the break poor defending was punished when Keadue took the lead when Micheal Greene pounced to finish from ten yards.
The second half followed the pattern of the first with defences to the fore. Brian Proctor and Chris Greene could have added to the away team’s lead but again they were thwarted by the in-form Mc Kelvey. Gweedore had a glorious opportunity to equalise when Alex was played through but Caolan Bonner saved well to maintain their lead. Daire Gallagher should have given Keadue a two-goal lead but he missed his opportunity. Martin Coyle got in behind the Keadue defence and his low cross was cleared off the line by Paul Boyle. Deep in injury time Keadue made sure of the points when Greene lobbed the home keeper to secure the victory. Referee: Alistair Gourley
Kildrum Tigers 4 v 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Two goals either side of half time gave the home side a comfortable three points. Daniel Clarke opened the scoring as he finished well at the back post. Shortly after Matt Crossan made it two from the penalty spot to take a two-goal lead into the break. Kildrum started similar in the second half, Ronan Mc Kinley produced the moment of magic in the game as he hit an unstoppable drive. Kilmacrennan threaten in moments, although starved throughout the game Paul Bradley’s quality shone throughout. James Connolly added the home side’s fourth as he rounded the keeper and slid the ball home.
St. Catherines 7 v 0 Milford United
A sun drenched Emerald Park was the venue for this premiere league encounter and the home fans could hardly believe what they were watching as the saints notched up 5 goals in the first half with no reply from the visitors. Alex Mc Ginley got the first two as he met crosses from either side of the pitch on 15 and 20 minutes. Josh Cunningham opened his account when he found himself in acres of space inside the Milford box and nodded home for 3-0 on 22 minutes. The home team had Milford pinned back for long periods of the game. The excellent Ryan Cunningham made it 4-0 on 26 minutes after the ball ricocheted around the penalty spot before he connected sweetly with his left and the away keeper, Killian Hagan, found himself picking the ball out of the net for the fourth time. Goal of the game came on the stroke of half time when the saints’ keeper landed a long clearance deliberately on the chest of Ryan Cunningham just outside the Milford box and two touches from Ryan saw the ball sail into the roof of the net for 5-0. Milford continued to try to play football in the second half and seemed to steady the ship somewhat until man of the match Josh Cunningham decided he hadn’t quite finished scoring yet. His hard work and determination saw him torment the Milford defence and he got his just reward with two more excellent goals on 60 minutes and 86 minutes albeit with superb assists from his striking partners. A young Milford side will have better days and Marty Mc Garrigle ended their pain a few minutes early and a final score line of 7-0.
Swilly Rovers 2 v 0 Fanad United
(No Report Submitted)
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 4 v 1 Gweedore United
Gweedore started the game well and pressed early on but the Cappry defence held firm. Cappry took the lead when Ronan Mc Hugh crossed for Paddy Mc Nulty who made it 1-0. Cappry made it 2-0 when Ronan Mc Hugh finished off a good move. Gweedore were dangerous on the break. Cappry made it 3-0 when Ronan Mc Hugh scored again. Gweedore United started the second half well and got their reward when they scored. Gweedore kept pressing for another and went close a few times to getting another one back. Cappry wrapped up the points when Ronan Mc Hugh wrapped up his hat-trick when Paddy Mc Nulty played him through. Two team performances.
Cranford United 1 v 8 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United 1 v 1 Letterbarrow Celtic
In great conditions for football Glenea welcomed Letterbarrow to Pairc Joe and wasted no time in getting off the mark when Cathal Mc Geever finished after a spill from the keeper after five minutes. Letterbarrow equalised on the half hour mark leaving an exciting end to the first half. Both sides enjoyed spells in the second half but there were no major goal threats leaving a 1-1 final score. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps 3 v 3 Ballybofey United
Deele welcomed league leaders Ballybofey to Marty Duffy Park in perfect conditions. Both teams started well and Tom Mullan went close on 10 minutes with a long-range effort. Ballybofey threatened next when Mark Griffin hit the bar on 13 minutes. Deele’s Declan Lafferty sent Jordy Duffy through on 25 minutes but the keeper saved well. The deadlock was broken by Ballybofey when Barrie Mc Ghee scored from the edge of the box on 29 minutes. Deele’s response was swift as Adi Gallagher’s cross was headed home by Tom Mullan on 29 minutes. The home side were in the ascendancy and took the lead on 32 minutes as Declan Lafferty’s free was headed home by Adi Gallagher. Deele’s lead was short lived as Niall Mc Closkey scored after being set up by Barrie Mc Ghee on 37 minutes in a lively first half. The second half started with Ballybofey on top and Damien Glackin fired home after a defensive mix up on 53 minutes. The home side equalised again on 73 minutes when Declan Lafferty’s free deceived everyone and found the net. That’s how the game finished 3-3, with team performances from both sides. Referee: Sean Houston.
Drumoghill F.C. 1 v 3 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Kerrykeel gave their promotion hopes a major boost with this impressive 3-1 victory over fellow hopefuls Drumoghill at The Moss. Second half strikes from James Kerr and Kevin Loughrey were ultimately the difference in the sides as the visitors came from behind to grab all three points. Niall Mc Crossan had earlier put the home side into a deserved lead midway through the first half but Gerard Mc Ateer restored parity to leave the scores level at the break. The second half began with the game swinging from end to end before a Drumoghill will reflect on an opportunity that fell to Lee Smyth early in the second half that proved to be the games turning point. Liam O’Donnell’s strike from distance forced a brilliant save from Sean Friel and although Smyth was first to react he was unlucky to see his effort clear the crossbar. As the game moved into its latter stages, Kerrykeel grabbed control thanks to those strikes from Loughery and Kerr and ran out winners.
Lifford Celtic 14 v 3 Raphoe Town
Sean Ferry struck four times in the opening half of this one-sided affair as Lifford Celtic easily overcame East Donegal neighbours Raphoe Town. Shane Mc Nulty had already given Celtic the lead before Ferry got his first on five minutes. Ferry made it three on twenty-four minutes while Kyle Martin got Raphoe’s first three minutes later. On thirty-six minutes Ferry became provider as he set up Conor Carlin who was having a great game and was credited with providing the assists to Mc Nulty and Ferry. Nine minutes later the same duo combined to start the second half as the first had ended. Raphoe replied with two goals to reduce the deficit to four, 7-3. It was only a temporary reprieve however as further goals from Shay Lindsay (2), Conor Carlin (4) and Ferry again on eighty-four minutes completed the scoring.
Whitestrand United 4 v 3 Dunkineely Celtic
Whitestrand United took on Dunkineely Celtic at Mc Garvey Park. Whitestrand were coming off a positive performance but ultimately disappointing result last time out and wanted to make a fast start here. They did that when Cormac Dunleavy seized on a mistake and scored the opener in the first minute. Dunkineely responded well and equalised when they scored from a cross. They went ahead when a cross was glanced in at the near post and it seemed to go in off a defender. Just before half time Dunkineely added a third when a shot came from outside the area and the keeper couldn’t keep it out. Whitestrand had their chances but went in at half time 3-1 down. Whitestrand made changes at the break and they seemed to reinvigorate the side as they started on the front foot with a couple of dangerous crosses coming into the box. They got a foothold in the game when they got a penalty which Cormac Dunleavy dispatched despite the keeper going the right way. Whitestrand’s tails were up and they got an equaliser when Dunleavy completed his hat-trick with a fine finish. Both teams were then looking for a winner and Dunleavy completed a remarkable scoring day for him personally when he ran through to score the winner with only two minutes to go. It was an excellent comeback and a good result going into the derby next week against Kerrykeel.
Ulster Junior Shield
Curragh Athletic P v P Ramelton Mariners
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Lagan Harps 5 v 0 Gleneely Colts
Played in beautiful sunny conditions Lagan went through after a strong second half performance. Lagan started well with Codey Brogan causing a lot of problems down the right. They took the lead on twelve minutes when Dylan Doogan reacted well to fire home a Josh Hay cross. Ridha Abdullah then struck the crossbar as Lagan put on the pressure. Tristan Mc Colgan was lively on the left for Gleneely but they didn’t trouble the Lagan goal. Lagan passed up a few opportunities with players shooting from narrow angles instead of crossing. Rhys Kerr also pulled off a few good saves in the Gleneely goal. Lagan put the game to bed in the first fifteen minutes of the second half with three goals. Josh Hay fired home after a scramble at a corner. Ciaran Quinn did the same minutes later. Josh Hay then scored the fourth with a header at the back post, from another corner. Gleneely then created a few shooting opportunities, with Shane Diver shooting across goal and sub Billy Mc Cann having a few decent efforts. Lagan’s fifth came when Conor Parke superbly controlled a through ball from Codey Brogan before finishing well. Kenny Doran went through late on for Lagan but Rhys Kerr raced off his line to block him.
Sea Rovers F.C. 1 v 2 Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Available)
