Here are all of the results and match reports from another busy weekend of Donegal League action.
Friday 17th November 2023
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Bonagee United 1 v 4 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers picked up another three points to add to their impressive tally after a 4-1 win away against Bonagee United. Goals from Adrian Delap, Lee Mc Monagle and Conor Tourish had Rovers in control before half-time while it was Dean Larkin who would get on the scoresheet for Bonagee midway through the second-half. Tourish would find the net a second time late on with a super strike from just inside the box. Letterkenny Rovers started fast in this encounter and snatched an early lead inside five minutes. Adrian Delap would take advantage of a back pass intended for John Carr and he would make his way past the shot stopper before running into an empty net. Former Bonagee United man Lee Mc Monagle would make it two-nil to the visitors with 20 minutes gone, finishing from close range after a well worked set-piece that was headed into his path by Nathan Plumb. Dean Mc Carry would have an effort cleared off the line by Michael Funston but not long after Rovers had their third as Conor Tourish finished from close range following a corner from Gareth Doherty. Aidan Mc Laughlin would have a certain goal denied by Mc Carry shortly before the interval while Dean Larkin would also see a pop at goal clawed away by Mark Anthony Mc Ginley on the cusp of half-time. Larkin was again denied by Mc Ginley shortly before the hour but it would be third time lucky for the forward as he was alert to prod home after his teammate Aaron Wasson had a shot parried. In the final moments of the game, Tourish scored a spectacular volley from inside the box, with his acrobatic effort holding too much pace for John Carr to stop.
Saturday 18th November 2023
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1 v 0 Cranford United Reserves
A solid effort mid-way through the second half from inform attacker Tomas Gamble was enough for Castlefin to claim all three points against Cranford in a lacklustre affair. Reece Gallagher had numerous chances throughout the match but couldn’t find his way past the Cranford keeper who made numerous good saves.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 3 Drumbar United
Drumbar deservedly won this game on a wet and windy day at The Moss. In the first minute Christy Smith scored for Drumoghill from 35 yards out, an early contender for goal of the season. Drumbar’s equaliser came through a mix up in the home defence and they scored a second shortly before half time after a sloppy pass into midfield was intercepted and the striker made no mistake. The second half was much the same as the first with Drumbar not really under any pressure and they comfortably ran out 3-1 winners in the end.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 0 Copany Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Erne Wanderers Reserves 9 v 0 Drumkeen United Reserves
A big win for Erne against a young Drumkeen side. Drumkeen battled hard throughout and were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to score. Erne dominated all over the pitch with great performances from Dylan Gallagher and JC Mc Garrigle. Scorers for Erne were Philip Patton x2, Dylan Gallagher, Jakub Naperski, Diarmuid Spratt, Gearoid Gallagher and man of the match Adam Mc Glone who scored 3.
Gweedore United Reserves 1 v 2 Lagan Harps
Gweedore United Reserves welcomed Lagan Harps to the Gweedore Pobascoil on a blustery Saturday afternoon. The visitors almost got off to the perfect start after 2 minutes when they were awarded a free kick. Ross Hamilton’s effort came off the post and Damien Mc Fadden thought he had scored from 6 yards out, however this was ruled offside. The visitors had started very well and on 6 minutes Harps had another effort from Connor Crossan from outside the box which just went wide. In the 14th minute Brian Ferry made a good save with his foot when Callum Lynch found space in the Gweedore United box.
The visitors had the wind in their favour during the first half and a corner from Ross Hamilton on 15 minutes caused carnage in the Gweedore box. Brian McFadden could only parry and Damien Mc Fadden found himself free to tap in from a few yards out. On 22 minutes a speculative ball played in by Seamy Collen caused some confusion which resulted in the ball getting stuck on the mud. Eamonn Cannon was the quickest to react and slotted past Brian Mc Fadden at his right-hand post. In the 25th minute Stephen Mulhern for Gweedore United saw his shot just drift over the Harp’s goal. Gweedore almost pulled one back in the 28th minute when Darren Ferry played in Stephen Mulhern who found himself breathing down on Kai Brown’s goal. Stephen Mulhern manage to slip the ball past Kai Brown but excellent defending from Liam Kenny and Alex Ramsey kept the score at 0-2. Then on 29th minutes Lagan Harps thought they made it 0-3. Ross Hamilton found himself in on the Gweedore United goal and he fired past Brian McFadden but this was ruled offside. The second half saw the home side have the wind in their favour. In the 51st Minute Gweedore United won a corner and from Mark Doyle- McFadden’s corner Ownie Gallagher climbed the highest to nod a powerful header past Kai Brown. In the 64th minute Callum Lynch of Harps forced a save from Brian Mc Fadden from a tight angle. James Mc Glinchey had an effort for Gweedore United that just went wide. Gweedore began to gain momentum and on 71 minutes Sean Cundy almost scored from over 40 yards out but Kai Brown manage to get a hand on it to push it over for a corner. Gweedore United went searching for an equaliser but just couldn’t find it. In the 89th minute Seighean O’ Baoil forced a save from Kai Brown at a tight angle. Ownie Gallagher had a great game for Gweedore and Damien Mc Fadden for Harps.
Ulster Junior Shield
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 2 Lagan Harps
Lagan Harps started the brighter of the two sides in this one and went ahead after 13 minutes when Dylan Duggan struck a sweet free kick. Dunlewey began to grow more into the game and began to string passes together in the middle of the park and pulled the scores back level when Brian Sweeney’s shot from outside the area squeezed under the Lagan keeper with the conditions probably playing a part with the ball skimming off the surface. A couple of half chances for the home side after this, but the sides went in all square at the break. Dunlewey came out strong for the second half and began to create more chances, with the Lagan keeper Callum Crampsie pulling off an excellent save from a Dunlewey effort 20 minutes into the second half. Lagan had their own opportunities to go back ahead but Dunlewey’s defence held strong and their own keeper, Daniel Roarty pulled off a great save from a shot destined for the back of the net. Neither side could capitalise on their chances in the second half and this one was heading for extra time. 1-1 the score after 90 minutes. With the wet conditions the legs began to get heavy and a couple of changes beckoned for each side. The first half of extra time brought a couple of chances but neither side took advantage of them. The second half of extra time started with Dunlewey pushing for a winner. Lorcan Gallagher coming on for the home side caused trouble in the Lagan penalty box and managed to square the ball to Joseph Devenney who tapped home to put Dunlewey 2-1 up with five minutes to play. Lagan did not let this affect them and they went in search of an equaliser and it was Dylan Duggan again who popped up with one minute to play to force the game to go to penalties. Lagan came out on top in the shootout, winning 4-2 with Dunlewey missing two of their spot kicks. Josh Hay, Glen Gallagher, Cody Brogan and Dylan Duggan netted their spot kicks to send the visitors through to the next round of the Ulster Shield after a hard-fought contest.
Fintown Harps AFC 9 v 1 Cockhill Celtic
A 25-yard strike from Roper set Fintown on their way to a comprehensive victory at Pairc Achla on Saturday afternoon. On 17 minutes that lead was doubled when Keelan Mc Monagle scored. With 22 minutes on the clock John Molloy added the third. Karl O’ Brien dealt with anything Cockhill had to offer. A penalty saw the home side extend their lead to four before Dermott Galliger made it six with a fine strike from outside the box. Three more second half goals saw Fintown run out comfortable winners on the day.
Oldtown Celtic 8 v 1 Ballybofey United Reserves
Oldtown ran out comfortable winners in the end against a youthful Ballybofey side. The 1st chance of the game fell to Ballybofey but Oldtown Keeper Michael Gibson pulled of a fantastic save to keep the deadlock. Oldtown did take the lead when Ciaran Gibson headed home a Micheal Doherty corner and it was soon two when Kevin Mc Grath reacted quickest to a Doherty free-kick. Lennon Kisawa added a 3rd with a nice finish before Luke Friel was on hand to finish off a nice team move. Kisawa added his 2nd and Oldtown 5th just before the break. The 2nd half saw Oldtown creating chances and Luke Friel added a 6th from close range before thundering in a 7th from outside the box for his hat-trick. Kisawa added his 3rd with a strike from outside the box before Ballybofey got one back when Ciaran Thompson scored late in the game.
Strand Rovers 1 v 3 Culdaff F.C.
The lads started off the first half well with much of the half played in the Culdaff half. There was a strong wind in Strand Park and Strand had the benefits of it in the first half playing with it at their backs. They had a few corners in the first half but nothing came off them. Strand were playing the better football but just couldn’t find any open chances for a shot on goal! Score at half time remained 0-0. In the second half Culdaff came out with fire in their belly’s and started off strong with a few early chances. But it was the home side that got the first goal when a corner kick from Dylan Boyle found Chris Boyle at the front post to head to the back of the net. Culdaff where handed a life line when Aidan Cunningham was adjudged to be taking down it in the box and when he took the penalty he didn’t make any mistake hitting it to the bottom right corner. Shortly after Culdaff went ahead when a long ball was kicked up the field from their keeper using the wind to his advantage and was misjudged by the Strand defence then Jack O’Brien capitalised and made the most of it when he chipped the ball over the stranded keeper and found the back of the net.
It looked as if the game was going to end 1-2 but the Culdaff side had one more trick up their sleeve in the 90th minute when Jack O’Brien once again picked up the ball and drove at the Strand defence got tackled but somehow the ball seemed to stay at his feet and clinically finished it off nicely with his left foot finding the bottom corner.
Sunday 19th November 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 3 Gweedore Celtic
Castlefin suffered a home defeat to fellow strugglers Gweedore Celtic. In an even game throughout two late goals gave Gweedore maximum points. The home side started the brighter with Ronan Tourish slotting home a Mark Lafferty pass and for the remainder of the half the hosts defended comfortably with the visitors having all the possession. In the second half Gweedore equalised when a Odhran Mc Niallais rifled home from the edge of the box. Castlefin changed their game and created numerous good openings but two late goals against the run of play saw Gweedore claim the points
Kildrum Tigers 4 v 0 Milford United
Two goals either side of half time gave the home side a comfortable three points. Milford had the first opening of the game when Gary Merritt was denied by a top class save from Chris O’Donnell. Ronan Mc Kinley then gave the home side the lead from the edge of the box. Kildrum added a second before half time, this time Brian Breslin Cooley slotted past Mc Gettigan in the Milford net. After the break Kildrum made it three, McKinley again the scorer. Despite Milford’s best efforts and in particular those of Cathal Mc Gettigan they couldn’t get the goal that may of gave them hope. It was the home side who finished off proceedings as Oran Higgins produced the moment of quality as he curled his effort into the top corner.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 v 3 Fanad United
Kilmacrennan took lead on 35 minutes when Paul Bradley fired home from inside box after rounding the keeper. They went in one nil up at half time. On 48 minutes Fanad equalised through Edward O’ Reilly when he headed in a cross from Darren Mc Elwaine. On 75 minutes Mc Elwaine headed home at the back post from a Fanad corner. The points were safe on 90 minutes when Mc Elwaine scored his 2nd after been put through and he chipped the keeper. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 4 Keadue Rovers
Keadue Rovers were deserving winners at the Flagpole Field this afternoon as the men from the Rosses scored three times early in the second half to run out 4-1 winners. The excellent Martin Ferry joined Aaron Ward, Mark Forker and Aidan Brennon on the scoresheet for Keadue, with Rathmullan levelling in the first half through Mark Mc Ateer. Ahead of kick-off, both teams, management and all in attendance observed a poignant minutes’ silence in memory of the late, great, Patsy Sheridan who was laid to rest in Rathmullan last weekend. Keadue were fastest from the blocks and led on four minutes, central defender Ferry heading home at the back most as the visiting side impressed early on. Rathmullan took time to settle but started to threaten after a tough opening 15 minutes and they were on terms after 23 minutes, Mc Ateer stabbing home from six-yards after a corner. Oisin Mc Menamin flashed a shot wide of an upright soon after as the home team enjoyed their best spell in the game, with Kevin O’Donnell also testing Caolan Bonner in the Keadue nets from a free-kick. It stayed level until the break thanks in no small part to Bonner’s opposite number, Shaun Gallagher in the Hoops’ goal. He was down with a one-handed Gordon Banks-eques save to stop Chris Greene’s header on 32 minutes and then batted away a shot from Ward with a leg, showing superb reflexes. As they did at the start of the first half, Keadue hit the net almost immediately in the second, this time Ward on hand to convert a pass from Peter Mc Gee. With the game in the balance, Keadue were given an early Christmas present when a misplaced pass from Gallagher gifted the ball to Brian Proctor and he squared for Forker to side-foot into an empty goal. That was the cushion Keadue needed and they controlled matters thereafter with Brennan breaking the Rathmullan cover on 62 minutes before applying a cool finish to make it 4-1. Rathmullan enjoyed territorial advantage in the closing stages but they didn’t really trouble Bonner and Keadue’s excellent recent form continued with a decisive and deserved win at the Seaside.
Swilly Rovers 1 v 3 St. Catherines
Swilly Rovers suffered a 1-3 defeat against St. Catherine’s at Swilly Park. Despite missing key players, Swilly faced a formidable Catherine’s team, solid in defence and lethal on the counter-attack. The scoring began on 18 minutes when Ryan Cunningham’s impressive left-wing cross deflected into the net. In the 25th minute, Josh Cunningham headed home Conor Knox’s free kick for a 2-0 lead. Barry Gallagher’s crucial saves denied Ryan Cunningham just before halftime. Swilly struggled to breach Catherine’s resilient defence, and on the 56th minute, Josh Cunningham scored his second from a close-range free set up by Ryan Cunningham. Despite Swilly’s late pressure, Kyle Black converted a penalty on the 86th minute for a consolation score. St. Catherine’s secured the victory, maintaining their league lead. Mick Langan officiated the match.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
A battle of the basement sides at Orchard Park resulted in the home side claiming a vital three points. Convoy started the game very well and went close from a corner early on. They were rewarded for their dominant start on twenty minutes when Anthony Bogle converted a free kick. Following the goal the visitors warmed to the task but could not threaten the Convoy goal. Letterbarrow carved out several good chances in the second half but a combination of good goalkeeping from Andrew Walsh and poor finishing that kept them scoreless. Convoy sealed the game late on when Shay Harkin coolly slotted home after good work from Ben Johnston. The visitors struck the woodwork again before the finish when well placed.
Team performances from both.
Glenea United 3 v 2 Cranford United
Glenea took the lead in the 15th minute after good work from Darren Mc Geever down the left, his cross was headed home by Ciaran Coll. Cranford got their equaliser 5 minutes later when Shane Coll’s long range effort landed in the top corner. The game then came to life with both sides having decent spells but failing to trouble either keeper until Cranford were awarded a penalty which Chris Carr converted. Glenea started the second half well and got rewarded after 10 minutes when the ball was deflected In after a spill from the Cranford keeper. Glenea took the lead 5 minutes later when Padraig Coyle finished well from long range. Cranford pushed hard to get back in the game but Glenea dug in and held on for the 3 points. Best for Glenea were Shaun Maguire and Ciaran Coll.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 5 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Dunkineely Celtic were the visitors to St Patrick’s Park on Sunday on what turned out to be a horrible cold wet afternoon. The home team began well and got their reward after sixteen minutes. The opening goal was a good one and was created by young Dara Patton who won the ball in midfield and then played a great ball to Freddie who finished well past Keeper Corey Byrne. Drumkeen doubled their advantage about ten minutes later when Freddie added his second with another good finish. The home team were well in control at that stage and Freddie had another effort well saved by Keeper Byrne to deny him his hat trick. As the first half wore on The Visitors gradually began to get into the game. Unfortunately for the Visitors they didn’t manage to get a goal before the break but they did force a good save from Drumkeen Keeper Paul Mc Auley who had to get a touch on a dangerous free kick to tip it over the bar. From the resultant corner, they forced another couple of corners during a good spell for them. Drumkeen also had a great chance to extend their lead before the break but Lee Guthrie saw his great strike come off the inside of the post and bounce out when it could have just as easily have ended up in the Dunkineely net.
Drumkeen began the second half well and soon added another goal when Niall Sweeney rather fortunately set up Liam Grant who finished well. Drumkeen added number four with a good move which involved Jason Mc Daid who found Michael Patton on the right wing and Patton’s cross was turned home by Freddie to Complete his hat-trick. Drumkeen’s fifth goal was a cracker from Michael Patton who let fly from about 30 Yards out and it flew into the net giving Dunkineely’s Keeper no chance.
Despite the scoreline the visitors kept going and Drumkeen keeper Mc Cauley had to make a couple of saves and defender Conal Mc Dermott with a well-timed tackle ensured that the Clean sheet remained intact. These are tough times for Dunkineely but they battled on gamely throughout while Drumkeen will be glad to get a win under their belt after a couple of recent bad results. This game was played in a good spirit throughout. Referee: Sean Houston.
Drumoghill F.C. 3 v 3 Raphoe Town
Bobby O’Loughlin’s late strike was enough to secure a point for Raphoe Town in this lively clash at The Moss. O’Loughlin controlled at clearance on the edge of the box and calmly curled the ball beyond Duffy to level the scores in the 89th minute. The points had looked like they were heading the way of the home side when Liam O’ Donnell beat the offside trap only minutes earlier to put his side into the lead on 86 minutes.
In truth, neither team deserved to win this game as both defences struggled to cope with the windy conditions and a draw was a fair result. Raphoe started the brighter and it was no surprise when they took the lead through Ryan Kildea. Drumoghill though came back into the game and managed to take the lead themselves with a double strike from Lee Smyth just before half time. However, Raphoe Town again came out of the blocks quickest at the start of the second half and quickly levelled the scores when Kyle Martin latched onto to a wayward back-pass to drive the ball beyond Duffy. Both teams had chances to take the lead during the second half. Liam O’Donnell came close when his header came back off the crossbar before Oisin Kelly forced a fine save from Roy Duffy. A draw though did look the likely result for most of the second half until the late drama unfolded and Drumoghill will feel they let this one slip away after finally making the breakthrough as Colm Gardiner’s brilliant through ball sent O’Donnell away and the striker made no mistake to beat the advancing Dolan. Raphoe Town deserve credit though and refused to give up and they were rewarded with their late equaliser through O’Loughlin. Referee: Barry Hunter
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2 v 3 Ballybofey United
The men from the Twin Towns left Rabs Park with the 3 points after a hotly contested match in Division Two of the Donegal Junior League. Ballybofey went in at half time two up and deserved their lead after a poor first-half from the home side. Kerrykeel were a lot better in the second-half and got one back on 55 minutes with a brilliant free kick from captain Mark Friel. Kerrykeel pushed for a second but we’re caught on the break and Damien Glackin made it 1-3 with ten minutes to play. James Kerr then got Kerrykeel back in it after great work from Patsy Friel and with still time remaining they threw everything at it but couldn’t find a way past Patton. Ballybofey keep their unbeaten start to the season going and to be fair are rightly top of the pile with a team ready to make the step up. Referee: Semie Ferry
Ulster Junior Shield
Cavan Rovers 1 v 3 Glencar Celtic
(No report Available)
Cockhill Celtic 3 v 0 Donegal Town Reserves
(No Report Available)
Culdaff F.C. 3 v 0 Milford United Reserves
(No Report Available)
Curragh Athletic 0 v 1Ramelton Mariners
Curragh faced Ramelton on a very wet day at the Curragh. Curragh started off well and began to dominate possession but couldn’t find a way through a strong Ramelton back line. Curragh’s first chance came on 24 minutes when Conor Galvin’s shot from outside the box was well tipped onto the crossbar by the Ramelton goalkeeper. Ramelton then went up the other end and looked like scoring but were denied by two excellent saves by Chris Burns. Curragh came out strong in the second half and threatened the Ramelton goal on numerous occasions but were unable to find the net. The game looked to be heading to extra time but on 86 minutes Ramelton grabbed the winner after a mix-up at the back for the Curragh. Curragh hit the crossbar twice in the dying minutes which sees Ramelton through to the next round of the cup. Two good team performances from both sides. Referee: Damien Mc Fadden.
Deele Harps 2 v 3 Bonagee United Reserves (a.e.t)
Deele welcomed Bonagee to Marty Duffy Park on a damp Sunday for this Ulster Shield tie. The hosts were on the front foot from the start with Tom Mullan and Jordy Duffy causing the Bonagee defence all kinds of problems. It was Jordy Duffy who opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Corey Lindsay was fouled. Deele extended their lead on 30 minutes when Tom Mullan held up the ball well and slid a through ball to Corey Lindsay who rifled home. The second half seen Bonagee come alive and pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Ultan Mc Monagle fired home from the edge of the area. Bonagee drew level on 71 minutes when Faolan Gibson finished at the back post. The game ended all square at 90 minutes. Bonagee struck within a minute of extra time when Kayden Mc Aleer scored what turned out to be the winner. Team Performances.
Dunree United 2 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
In a gripping showdown between Dunree United and Letterkenny Rovers, the excitement kicked off when Conor O’Donnell’s early free-kick for Rovers in the 5th minute narrowly missing the mark with Caolan Dunleavy’s header. The game took a turn in the 8th minute when Gerry Farrell broke through and confidently found the net, putting Dunree in the lead 1-0. Despite spirited efforts from both teams, the score held until the 41st minute when Dunree’s Adam Barrett set up Gerry Farrell for another clinical finish, extending the lead to 2-0 against the run of play. Rovers were on top for most of the game but the Dunree defence were solid. A chance to claw back a goal came in the 48th minute, but Dunree’s goalkeeper, Adam Harrigan, did superb to stop Danny Hall’s penalty. Undeterred, Rovers fought back, and in the 60th minute, Conor O’Donnell’s corner saw Jason Doherty with a powerful header, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Dunree had a strong spell pressing in the 70th minute, yet Rovers’ keeper, Mark Margey, stood tall with a remarkable save. Despite a valiant effort from Dunree, Rovers continued to push, creating opportunities. Deep in injury time, Rovers had a final chance with Caolan Dunleavy’s long-range strike, saved by the Dunree keeper, followed by a blocked attempt from Danny Hall. The referee brought an end to the match, with Dunree United ultimately claiming the glory with a 2-1 victory. Best wishes to Dunree as they proceed.
Quigleys Point Swifts 5 v 0 St. Catherines Reserves
(No Report Available)
Redcastle F.C. 1 v 3 Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Available)