Here are all the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League action.
Thursday 30th November 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 2 v 0 Strand Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves P v P Arranmore United
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Donegal Town Reserves 5 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report Submitted)
Glencar Celtic 2 v 1 St. Catherines Reserves
The first half was very even with few chances and then in the second half St. Catherines started brightly and took the lead early on when a low cross into the box was diverted off the leg of Gio Peoples into his own net. Glencar responded when Barney Mc Menamin made a great run down the wing and slipped Paddy Collins in to equalise. The game was tight once again and both sides had chances to win it but it took until the 89th minute when a Pajo Rafferty shot was blocked on the line but Tarlach O’ Boyle was there to put it into the net to win the game for Glencar.
Glenea United Reserves 1 v 2 Keadue Rovers Reserves
In fine conditions, Glenea and Keadue played out a hard-fought derby with the away side coming out on top. In the 1st half Keadue started well and forced Thomas Ferry into a couple of fine saves. As the half progressed the home side came more into the game and had efforts from Carragher Friel and Michael Ferry. Keadue opened the scoring on 25 minutes when Ethan Mc Caffrey’s through ball released Oisin Mc Kelvey, who rounded the keeper and slotted home. The home side pushed hard for an equaliser and came close on 38 minutes when good play from Carragher Friel sent him clear of the defence but he saw his shot go wide. The home side finally equalised on 43 minutes when Carragher Friel headed on a Reece Mc Bride free-kick and Shane Coll scored with a fine effort from a tight angle. In the 2nd half the home side were happy to let Keadue have most of the possession as the home side kept a tight shape due to the loss of two players with injuries. Keadue pressed for a lead goal but were denied by a couple of good saves from Ivan Nefedov in the home goal. Glenea looked to play on the break and on 70 minutes Michael Ferry’s through ball released Shaun Ferry but he saw his effort go wide. Keadue regained the lead on 76 minutes when Oisin Mc Kelvey’s through ball released Daire Gallagher and he slipped the ball home from close range. Glenea pushed hard for an equaliser and on 88 minutes Luke Mc Carry saw his well struck free kick well saved by Aaron Mc Cafferty. From the resulting corner Patrick Mc Fadden saw his header cleared off the line by an away defender. Best for Glenea were Sean Geaney and Luke Mc Carry, while Ethan Mc Caffrey and Oisin Mc Kelvey impressed for Keadue. Referee: Shaun Houston.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Drumbar United
Drumbar recorded an impressive victory away from home against Castlefin. The hosts came into the game in fine form but it was the men from through the gap who took maximum points. After a goalless first half, goals from Kevin Markin, Vinny Breslin and Paul Lagan in the second half secured the visitors win.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 2 Dunlewey Celtic
A very under strength Drumoghill team were unlucky not to get something from this game. Dunlewey got their winner deep in injury time. Drumoghill took the lead through a 35-yard free kick from Tiarnan Mc Connell. Dunlewey levelled within two minutes from a penalty and scored a winner late on in injury time. Drumoghill maybe deserved something from the game but unfortunately it was not to be on the day.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 1 Milford United Reserves
On a perfect day for football both teams played out an entertaining open game but it was the home team who collected the points having come from a goal down at the break. Cillian Hagan, in goals for Milford, was the busier of the goalkeepers and he saved his side numerous times with some outstanding saves. Early in the match he saved from Conor Boyle, Martin Coyle and Dylan O’Donnell. Milford were content to sit deep and hit Gweedore on the break and it was from a through ball by Darren Mc Loughlin that Ryan Canning gave the away team the lead. Some resolute defending by Milford and poor decision making in front of goal by Na Ceiltigh saw the visitors leading by the minimum at the break. Gweedore began the second half with more purpose and they eventually grabbed the equaliser in the fiftieth minute when Martin Coyle’s inviting cross was finished to the net by Micheal Mac Comhaill. Soon after one became two when Aodhan Mac Gairbhigh’s perfect cross into the danger zone was dispatched to the net by James Ó Gallchóir. Milford did not give in and in the final minutes they saw an effort come off the crossbar and Joe Mc Gee saved Blaney’s shot from outside the box. In injury time Aidan Mc Cafferty saw his header cleared off the line and with it Milford’s last chance of a highly entertaining game. Referee: John Duffy
Ramelton Mariners 3 v 1 Copany Rovers
Mariners continued their good league form with a 3-1 win over Copany Rovers at the Flagpole Field in Rathmullan. Kieran Black opened the scoring before Copany got a quick equaliser. The Mariners got another shortly after through Shay Callan- McFadden to end the half 2-1. Copany battled to get back into the game threatening to equalise again but the Mariners held on and scored through Evin Hewitt to put the game to bed and put a valuable three points on the board.
Swilly Rovers Reserves 6 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
Ballybofey started well and got their first real chance 15 minutes into the game when a strike from the edge of the box was well saved by Blaney in the Swilly goal. Swilly opened the scoring on 25 minutes when Ryan Mc Daid released Daniel Mc Ateer through the middle and he beat the defence and rounded the keeper to make it 1-0. Ballybofey were putting pressure on to get the equaliser but Blaney made another save and the rebound was put over the bar. Swilly doubled their lead on 44 minutes when debutant Michael Kerr played a great ball through to Mc Ateer who ran down the left and beat the keeper at the near post with a composed finish. It was 2-0 halftime. On the 48th minutes Darragh Mc Daid’s header was met by the incoming Jordan Mc Daid who volleyed home from inside the 6-yard box to make it three. It was 4-0 on the 75th minute when Edan Bradley played the ball into Mc Ateer who scored his 3rd of the game with a great lob from 25 yards out. William Buchannan got the game’s 5th goal after being sharpest to react after Odhran Grimes’ penalty was well saved by the Ballybofey keeper. The final goal of the game came after some great play from debutant Daithí Kavanagh, he played an inviting ball into the box which was met by Toby Taylor who opened his Swilly account.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Gweedore United Reserves 3 v 9 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
The away side started brightly on a bitterly cold day at the Gweedore Pobascoil ground. Letterkenny Rovers had the first attempt of the game on the 5th minute from Jordan Nugent which saw his shot went just go over the Gweedore crossbar. However, on the 9th minute, Seaghan O’ Baoill scored on the half volley from just outside the Rovers’ box, to put the home side one up. Letterkenny Rovers went searching for the equaliser, good work from Adam Murphy saw him thread a ball into Connor O’ Donall who shot just wide of the right-hand post in the 29th minute. Letterkenny Rovers equalised in the 32nd minute after good work down the left-hand side. James Gallagher found himself free and curled in a shot from outside the box to made it 1-1. Frank Mc Gee almost restored Gweedore United’s lead in the 38th minute, his header was cleared off the line. On the 43rd minute Letterkenny Rovers went 2-1 up when Adam Murphy scored from inside the box. Gweedore United equalised on the 45th minute when Shaun Doherty found himself free after Owenie Gallagher’s free kick fell nicely for him. In the second half the visitors began to gain momentum and on the 48th minute Jordan Nugent scored to make it 3-2. On the 54th minute the visitors made it 4-2 after Adam Murphy scored from 6 yards out. Letterkenny Rovers extended their lead in the 69th minute when Jordan Nugent scored from outside the box making it 5-2. On the 73rd minute the visitors increased their lead again when Oran Winston scored from close range making it 6-2, he scored again in the 75th minute making it 7-2. On the 81stminute David Baakwe scored from just inside the box making it 8-2. On the 85th minute Gweedore United were awarded a penalty; Stephan Mulhern scored from the spot making it 8-3. Seaghan O’ Baoill and Ownie Gallagher both had a good game for Gweedore United. Letterkenny Rovers saw Jordan Nugent and Adam Murphy have a major influence on the game.
Referee: Michael Lagan.
Lagan Harps Reserves 1 v 1 Bonagee United Reserves
Lagan and Bonagee shared the points in a well contested game at Dry Arch Park. Bonagee took an early lead when Reuben Doherty finished well. Bonagee edged the first half with neither team creating clear cut chances. Lagan came out strong in the second half and equalised on fifty five minutes. Conur Crossan won the ball just outside the Bonagee area and crossed for Callum Lynch to score. Lagan got on top but couldn’t put the ball in the net. Damien Mc Fadden, Ross Hamlyn and Conur Crossan all passed up good chances. Bonagee nearly stole it right at the end when Caolan Mc Garrigle fired narrowly wide. A good hard game played in a sporting manner.
Fanad United Reserves 1 v 3 Erne Wanderers
League leaders Erne Wanderers made the long trip to Traigh-a-Loch and went away with a 3-1 victory.
Erne started on the front foot and were unlucky not to take the lead in the 15th minute when David Dolan fired over from a corner. Five minutes later from another corner Gearoid Gallagher shot just wide. Erne opened the scoring when Philip Patton broke forward from midfield and fired home from 20 yards. Just before the break Erne extended their lead. Adam Mc Glone went on a fine run down the left and when he cut into the box he shot home into the bottom corner. The second half was only minutes old when Erne got their 3rd. They were awarded a free 25 yards out. Adam Mc Glone saw his shot canon off the crossbar and when the ball broke Gearoid Gallagher was quickest to react and slotted home from 6 yards. Fanad kept plugging away and created a few half chances. They did pull a goal back with 20 minutes remaining. The Erne defence failed to clear a dangerous Daibhid Lynch free kick and Sean Martin slotted home at the back post. In the dying moments of the game Dylan Mc Glone saw his piledriver crash back off the Erne crossbar from 25 yards. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Milford United 0 v 4 Rathmullan Celtic
Rathmullan returned over the Moss Road with all three points, from a comprehensive victory over Milford. Jay Curran put them ahead on 3 minutes when he got on the end of a flick-on from Eoin Sheridan. Ten minutes later another corner evaded everyone at the front post and came off Liam Donnelly for an Own-Goal. James Doyle was then penalised for contact on Eoin Sheridan but Caolan Mc Gettigan saved the resulting penalty from Oisin Mc Menamin. Jay Curran made it three on 30minutes, heading home at back post. Gary Merritt received a second yellow on 65 minutes while Charlie Mc Ateer scored the 4th on 80 minutes.
St. Catherines 5 v 2 Kildrum Tigers
At a bitterly cold Emerald Park both teams served up excellent football that would warm the hearts of any Donegal Junior league supporter. On seven minutes the Cunningham cousins combined when Ryan slid a splitting pass through the Kildrum defence and Josh didn’t need to be asked twice as he whipped his right foot around the ball and past the away keeper for 1-0. Frank Hegarty was starting to control midfield and it was he who slotted the ball from outside the Saints’ box into the net for the equaliser on 22 minutes when the home defence were guilty of not clearing their lines quick enough. On the half hour the home team struck again through the left boot of the excellent Ryan Cunningham who gave the keeper the eyes from the edge of the box faking to shoot to his right but beating the Kildrum keeper low to his left for a 2-1 lead. The saints third, and the goal of the game, came on 40minutes. Dazzling one touch football down the Kildrum right which involved four players saw the ball landing on the toe of Josh Cunningham who in turn opened his body and struck the ball with his right peg to the roof of the visitors net for a 3 – 1 score line at the half time break. Ronan Mc Kinley was doing his best from midfield to drive his team on but got caught on 60 minutes as another fast sweeping move by the young St Catherine’s team and an excellent ball across the face of goal by Alex Mc Ginley left Josh Cunningham tapping in for his hat-trick. Mc Kinley did get one back for Kildrum on 78 minutes making it 4-2. The best way to dampen fears of a come-back is to score again and this duly happened on 81 minutes when the more clinical of the two teams scored another super team goal when the Saints’ wingers skinned the full backs and Darragh Murrin was delighted to prod in the ball and secure victory for the Saints. Although Josh Cunningham got his hat-trick, Odhran Mc Guinness was best for the home team as he made sure the Kildrum forwards were only feeding on scraps as he covered every blade of grass between his 18-yard line and half way. Two goods teams but the day goes to the excellent and more proficient front line of St. Catherines
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 2 v 1 Glenea United
In what was a close game it was Cappry who had the first chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty but Ronan Mc Hugh pulled his penalty wide. Cappry did open the scoring when Ronan Mc Hugh raced through and rounded the keeper to tap home. Glenea were well in the game and Eoin Gallen made two fine saves to keep Cappry in the lead. Glenea were level early in the second half when Ciaran Coll scored. Cappry regained their lead when Peter Sweeney crossed for Matthew Mc Geehan to finish at the back post. Cappry were awarded a penalty with ten minutes to go but this time Aaron Kelly saw his effort saved. Glenea pushed hard to get level but Cappry held on for the three points. Two team performances.
Lagan Harps 2 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
A minutes’ silence was observed before the game for Letterbarrow stalwart Michael Burke who sadly passed away. When the game got underway it was a cagey affair. Lagan had most of the possession without threatening the Letterbarrow goal. Codey Brogan had Lagan’s best chance early on when he found himself through after a one two but his shot was well blocked by the Letterbarrow keeper. Letterbarrow almost took the lead minutes later when Kevin Mc Brearty got his head to a corner but Matthew Whoriskey saved well. Riyadh Abdullah went close in a goalmouth scramble for Lagan but it deflected out for a corner. Lagan upped the tempo at the start of the second half and Codey Brogan had a shot well saved. Lagan then opened the scoring when Dylan Doogan’s shot deflected in after a scramble. Letterbarrow had a chance to equalise almost immediately when James Mc Groary played a great ball over the Lagan defence. Eoin Mc Hugh however rushed his shot and it went wide. The game opened up with play going from end to end. Lagan had a great chance when Codey Brogan got a great cross to the back post but Dylan Doogan blazed wide. Kevin Mc Brearty went close for Letterbarrow again with another good header and Matthew Whoriskey had to get down low to save a James Mc Groary effort. Lagan wrapped up the points when Taylor Cassidy was taken down after a great run and Glen Gallagher converted the penalty.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 3 v 8 Ballybofey United
This local Derby saw Ballybofey United run out as comfortable winners in perfect football conditions in the Curragh. Ballybofey took the lead in the 5th minute when Mark Griffin pounced on a mistake in the Curragh defence to slot the ball past the keeper. Ballybofey got their 2nd on 10 minutes when a long ball from Paul Kelly found the head of Daithí Mc Mahon who nodded past the Curragh keeper. The 3rd goal came from nice play down the Ballybofey right and Glackin set up Barrie Mc Ghee for a neat finish. Goal number 4 came from a great free kick delivery by Paul kelly and Andrew Mc Closkey’s clever flick left the Curragh keeper with no chance. Ballybofey got a 5th on the half hour mark when Micky Lafferty set up Glackin who made no mistake with a great control and finish. Curragh got one back just before half time with a great strike from Stephen John Carlin from outside the box and he found the top corner of the net. There were five more goals in the 2nd half in this high scoring game. Barrie Mc Ghee got his 2nd after Daithí Mc Mahon set him up. Daithí himself got his 2nd goal of the game from another Paul kelly assist in the 70th minute. Ballybofey got their 8th and final goal when Kieran Thompson finished well from a Mark Griffin through ball. Curragh got two late goals through Oisin Mc Cool with great strikes from outside the box that gave the Ballybofey keeper no chance. Referee: George Clinton
Deele Harps 1 v 1 Whitestrand United
On a crisp and cold afternoon in Ballindrait, Deele welcomed Whitestrand to Marty Duffy Park. Deele played some of their best football of the season but could not apply the finishing touches in the final third. Tom Mullan had the ball in the net on 12 minutes but it was ruled out for offside. It was the visitors who took the lead on 14 minutes when Michael Sweeney flicked home from 6 yards following a cross from Ward. Deele almost responded immediately when Corey Lindsay headed down to Jordy Duffy whose lay off found Declan Lafferty but his shot was blocked by a defender. David Arthur was called into action when he saved well from a Cormac Dunleavy effort on 25 minutes. Deele were dominant but chances came and went until a Declan Lafferty corner was headed home by Tom Mullan on 69 minutes. That’s the way the game stayed despite Deele’s push for a winner as a determined Strand side took a point. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Dunkineely Celtic 1 v 6 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
The game was played in excellent conditions at a cold Darney Park. Kerrykeel were out of the traps from the kick-off, putting Dunkineely under pressure and they were rewarded with their first goal after three minutes. Dunkineely composed themselves and regrouped and were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Kerrykeel box after eight minutes. Adrian Nesbitt stepped up for Dunkineely and got the ball around the wall but his effort was well saved by the Kerrykeel keeper. After 18 minutes Kerrykeel doubled their lead when a cross to the Dunkineely back post dropped it the box and was deflected into the back of the net. Dunkineely rallied once again and both teams had chances but it was Kerrykeel who got their 3rd after 33 minutes and from there on they took control of the game adding two more goals before half-time. Adrian Nesbitt pulled a goal back after 61 minutes but it was just to be a consolation as they could make no in-roads into the Kerrykeel defence. Kerrykeel added their final goal after 77 minutes for a well-deserved win and the three points.
Lifford Celtic 2 v 0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Lifford came out of the blocks at an immense pace bombarding the Drumoghill keeper but just could not break the deadlock. With the pressure continuing Lifford managed to get the breakthrough when Conor Carlin fed Sean Ferry who made no mistake and opened the scoring on 39 minutes. 1-0 to Lifford.
The second half started similar with Lifford applying pressure. A Kevin Mc Brearty free kick into the Drumoghill box led to Justin Mc Bride cooly placing his header past Duffy in the Drumoghill net on 53 minutes, 2-0 to Lifford. Lifford continued to control the game throughout with Lee White in the Lifford nets having a quiet afternoon. A comfortable day for Lifford with Justin Mc Bride best for Lifford.
Raphoe Town 3 v 3 Drumkeen United
Raphoe young guns were out to make amends against Drumkeen after suffering a heavy defeat when they met earlier in the season. Raphoe started well and controlled most of the play in the first 20 minutes of the game and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Oisin Kelly picked up the ball in the middle of the field and played it down the wing to Ryan Mc Neill to play an inch perfect pass for Kyle Martin to slot home from close range. That was the wake-up call Drumkeen needed and they scored three times before the break to make it 1-3 at Halftime. The second half started slow for both teams and after 20 minutes it was Jack Gallagher’s run out of defence to play Oran Kelly down the wing and with another perfect cross Kyle Martin shot into the top corner to make it 2-3, Game On!!. Raphoe were then reduced to ten men and most thought their hopes of getting anything from the game were over. But not these young lads, they lifted the tempo and played like they had the extra man. Raphoe got awarded a corner in the 85th minute and it was everyone into the box and up pops Jack Gallagher with a thunder header to make it all even at 3-3. With only minutes left on the clock there was no time for a winner for either team so it was a share of the spoils.
Ulster Junior Cup
Buncrana Hearts 2 v 1 Bonagee United
(No Report Available)
Castlefin Celtic 2 v 5 Gweedore United
Gweedore advanced to the next round of the Ulster Junior Cup after a seven-goal thriller in Castlefin. Gweedore raced into a three-goal lead, a Ciaran Mc Fadden double and an Ethan Harkin goal saw the visitors keep the lead at half time. Castlefin put together a fightback, a Reece Gallagher double gave the home side a fighting chance. As the hosts pushed for an equaliser, Gweedore added further goals on the break through.
Donegal Town 1 v 0 Keadue Rovers
Donegal Town held a minutes’ silence in memory of our player Eduard Sheklias’ Mother who passed away during the week. A very even game, with few chances, until man of match Ben Sweeney broke through and finished expertly on 89 minutes. Two good team performances with John Doc Doherty, Ian Campbell and Oisin Gorrell excellent for the home team. Good team performance from Keadue.
Fanad United 5 v 0 Swilly Rovers
Fanad United progressed to the next round of the Ulster Junior Cup after a comfortable 5-0 over Swilly Rovers on Sunday. Fanad started on the front foot and had the first clear chance in the 15th minute when Keelin Mc Elwaine shot just wide. Their pressure paid off five minutes later when they opened the scoring. Shaun Carr took a shot from outside the box which was parried by the keeper and Eddie O’Reilly was quickest to react and scored from 6 yards out. In the 35th minute they extended their lead. A clearance from keeper Mark Mc Conigley was latched onto by Keelin Mc Elwaine who cut into the box past two defenders before firing low into the bottom corner. Swilly did have a chance to pull a goal back before half time when a well struck shot from Shane Mc Namee forced Mark Mc Conigley into a decent save.
The second half was much like the first with Fanad having most of the possession and chances. Five minutes into the half Declan Mc Garvey sent over a lovely cross from the right which was controlled by Darren Mc Elwaine but his volley produced a brilliant save from Barry Gallagher in the Swilly nets. On the hour mark Fanad got their 3rd. Liam Mc Laughlin sent the ball through to Eddie O’Reilly who showed great composure to round the keeper and score from a tight angle. Five minutes later they got their 4th when a flick from Eddie O’Reilly sent Peter Carr away and he produced an accomplished finish. Keelin Mc Elwaine could have added to his total but was twice denied by very good saves from Barry Gallagher. Just before the final whistle Eddie O’Reilly completed his hat-trick when he headed home a Keelin Mc Elwaine cross at the near post. Referee: John Coll
Letterkenny Rovers 4 v 1 Monaghan Town
In a convincing display, Letterkenny Rovers secured a comfortable victory against Monaghan Town in the Ulster Junior Cup clash. The match kicked off with an early penalty for Rovers on the 6th minute, expertly converted by Conor Tourish after a foul on Nathan Plumb. Rovers continued to dominate, with notable contributions from players like Luke Parke, Ryan Lonergan, and Lee Mc Monagle. Nathan Plumb secured a well-placed goal in the 9th minute from a well-delivered ball by Luke Parke. Monaghan Town made efforts to get back into the game but Rovers maintained control. Shay Kelly’s deflected strike at the 32nd minute brought Monaghan their first goal, narrowing the gap to 2-1 at halftime. The second half saw Rovers extending their lead, with Zach Gorman converting a penalty in the 83rd minute after Nathan Plumb was fouled in the box. Monaghan Town persisted in their efforts, but Rovers’ defence held firm. In the closing minutes, Monaghan had chances, including Shay Kelly’s denied effort in the 87th minute and Corey Mc Aradle’s strike in the 88th minute. Rovers responded with shots from Zach Gorman and Gabby Aduaka, keeping Monaghan’s keeper on alert. As the game approached its conclusion, Rovers sealed the victory in the 93rd minute. Zach Gorman delivered a precise cross met by Gabby Aduaka who slotted home to secure a resounding win for Letterkenny Rovers in this Ulster Junior Cup clash. Referee: Zach Mc Loughlin