Here are all of the results and reports from this weekend’s Donegal League action.
Saturday 6th January 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 1 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
The first game of the new year was played in perfect conditions at Rannagh Park. The home side started better with Glenn O’ Donnell having a couple of chances early on. Gary Ward then hit the bar for Donegal from a long-range effort. On 20 minutes the away side opened the scoring when Darragh Owens scored from close range following a free kick into the box. Paul Early then had a shot blocked on the line by a Donegal defender. Raymond Mc Groary doubled Donegal’s lead when he met Ciaran Monaghan’s corner and the ball hit the back of the net. Donegal Town scored their 3rd goal of the game in the 2nd half through an own goal when a cross was converted by an Arran man into his own net. John Roper and Conor Proctor combined well down the left and following a cross from Roper, Glenn O’Donnell forced a good save from the away keeper. Donegal Town had a chance to score a 4th from the spot but Frankie Early saved the resulting penalty. Arranmore scored a consolation goal late on when Conor Proctor produced a superb long strike which flew over the keeper’s head. Best for Arranmore Paul Early and Glenn O’Donnell. Best for Donegal Town Darragh Owens. Referee: Sean Ferry
Cappry Rovers Reserves 0 v 3 Glencar Celtic
Glencar opened the new year with a victory over a young Cappry Reserve side at the Finn Valley Centre on Saturday. Not much separated the two sides in the first half. Cappry had the early chances through Jack Marley and were unfortunate not to be ahead when Marley slipped Daire Quigley through but his shot went narrowly wide. Glencar threatened from several set pieces with Pajo Rafferty coming closest, forcing a save from the Cappry keeper. Glencar got the breakthrough just on the stroke of half time. A long kick-out broke to Pajo Rafferty who fired home from the edge of the box. Cappry tried to get back into it but couldn’t break down the strong Glencar defence. Glencar doubled their lead through Connor Mc Brearty who finished well from close range. Glencar made it three near the end to take all the points against a brave Cappry side. Team performances from both sides.
Keadue Rovers Reserves 6 v 1 Fintown Harps AFC
Keadue Reserves made it 4 wins from 5 games with this hard-fought win over Fintown Harps despite the scoreline. Played in nice conditions for the time of year, Fintown started off brightly moving the ball round well, but came up against a good Keadue backline. The visitors had the first decent chance on fourteen minutes when Jamie Mc Monagle shot wide. Keadue’s first chance of note came on sixteen minutes when Brian Proctor’s header was well saved by the Fintown keeper. They kept up the pressure with both Paddy O’Donnell’s and Mark Boyle’s headers saved. Fintown stepped it up after that and on twenty-one minutes had a shot deflected wide for a corner and from this their header hit the crossbar. Oisin Mc Kelvey fired over for Keadue on twenty-three minutes while on twenty-nine minutes Fintown also shot over the bar. It got scrappy round the half hour mark with both sides cancelling each other out but before half time Fintown had the best chance of the game when a ball was crossed into the box but the striker just missed the ball for what would’ve been a sure goal. The home team ended the half on top in possession but the visitors enjoyed the better chances. Into the second half and Keadue introduced two substitutions which made a big difference. They went ahead on forty-six minutes when Aidan Yank Boyle drilled home from the edge of the area. Two minutes later Oran Fallon hit the crossbar as they upped the tempo. Back came Fintown and on the hour they hit the bar. On sixty-three minutes Daire Gallagher dropped deep and shot from long range, hitting the crossbar, and from the rebound Aaron Neely expertly converted a close-range header. For Fintown both Aaron Mc Glynn and Stephen Boyle caused problems, combining well and producing a save from Aaron Mc Cafferty. The visitors deservedly got back into the game on seventy-one minutes with Aaron Mc Glynn finishing low to the net for 2-1. It was game on at this stage but Keadue then upped the tempo with Daire Gallagher to the fore. He slipped through a ball to Oisin Mc Kelvey on seventy-four minutes who rounded the keeper for 3-1. That was the clinching of the game as a contest and for the next fifteen minutes, Keadue produced some fine football. It was 4-1 on seventy-eight minutes when Aaron Ward rifled home from a Daire Gallagher chipped through ball. On eighty-four minutes, Aaron Ward slipped a ball through and Daire Gallagher was on the end of this one to score. Gallagher completed the scoring on eighty-eight minutes with a good finish 6-1. This was a flattering scoreline and Fintown can take great heart for making this a very close tie for over seventy minutes and deserve credit for their performance. Best for them were Aaron Mc Glynn, Jamie Mc Monagle, John Molloy and Stephen Boyle. Keadue’s man of the match was undoubtedly Daire Gallagher, who was involved in five of the six goals, while also playing well were Aaron Neely, Oisin Mc Kelvey and Brian Proctor.
A good afternoon’s entertainment for a good crowd. Referee: Rory O’ Gorman.
Oldtown Celtic 3 v 1 Glenea United Reserves
Oldtown got off to a great start when a nice passing move allowed Micheal Doherty to move into the box and he cooly finished to give Oldtown the lead. Glenea were growing into the game and were unlucky not to level when Paddy Mc Laughlin cleared off the line and then they hit the bar with a strike from distance. John Mc Fadden had Oldtown’s next chance but failed to hit the target. It remained 1 – 0 at the break.
Oldtown came out determined for the second half and looked to get the next goal and were rewarded for their persistence. Luke Friel sent Sean Cleary through and he made no mistake. Glenea pulled a goal back almost immediately from the penalty spot but the hosts added a third when Kevin Mc Grath slipped Chick Mc Laughlin in and the centre-half showed the composure of a striker to make it 3 – 1. The game was then abandoned with 10 minutes to go after a non-contact injury occurred involving one of the Glenea players. We wish him a speedy recovery. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
St. Catherines Reserves 0 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 6 v 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
With both teams sitting in the relegation zone, each was looking to get their first win of 2024.
The Strand men got off to a good start when a long ball kicked up the field from the back by James Mc Cole was despatched to the net by Cian Mc Gee. With Kilmacrennan looking the better team for the first half, and playing good football, it looked like an equaliser was coming but a corner taken on 41 minutes by Dylan Boyle was expertly volleyed into the net by Matt O’ Donnell to double the Strand lead just before half time. After the break, Strand came out looking to extend their lead. Dylan Boyle scored after dribbling his way into a shooting position. In the 55th minute Brendan Glackin was denied a goal-scoring opportunity when the Kilmacrennan defender saved the ball leading to a red card and a penalty to Strand Rovers. Strand’s Dylan Boyle stepped up but unfortunately sent the ball wide. The scoreline was changed once again in the 68th minute when the ball found sub Conor Greene in the box, he squared it to Matthew O’ Donnell who got his second goal of the day. Ten minutes before full time a throw-in from Matthew O’ Donnell was flicked on by Conor Greene to Dylan Boyle who volleyed past the keeper to give him his second goal of the day. When the game looked set to end at 5-0 Dylan Boyle got the ball on the wing and played a pass to sub James Mc Eniff who squared the ball to Conor Greene and he had the easy task and tapped it into the back of the net. Referee: Patrick Martin
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 2 v 5 Drumbar United
Drumbar came from behind to take all three points in Dreenan. It was an even first half with both sides having a few half-chances. The best chance for the home side came on six minutes when Kieran Thompson played a lovely one-two with Evan Sproule but dragged his right-footed shot just wide of the post. The visitors then had two chances near the end of the first half when they got in behind the Ballybofey defence but both shots went over the bar. Ballybofey got the best possible start to the second half when Aaron Mc Auley played a brilliant through ball into Kieran Thompson who found himself bearing in on goal and cooly chipped the out-rushing keeper to put Ballybofey one up. The lead was short lived, Drumbar equalised shortly afterwards from a long-range shot which came back off home keeper Daniel Crawford and was tapped home by the Drumbar striker. They got their second two minutes later when another long-range shot found the back of the Ballybofey net. With the clock hitting 70 minutes, Drumbar made it three after they won possession of the ball on the left win, and squared into the box where they rounded Crawford and tapped home. It was 4-1 on 83 minutes when an inswinging corner was flicked on and into the corner of the net. Ballybofey pulled one back with five minutes to go when Oran Gallen played in Kieran Thompson who showed great strength to finish a left-footed shot over the Drumbar keeper. Drumbar got their 5th when a mix-up at the back lead to an easy finish. Referee: George Clinton
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 3 Ramelton Mariners
Title contenders Ramelton Mariners escaped Castlefin with a narrow victory. In an even first half Ramelton went ahead through an Eoin Roulston free-kick. The home side responded and equalised when Reece Gallagher tapped home after a Sean Kennedy shot was parried out by the visiting keeper. Gallagher then put the hosts ahead after racing through on goal. In the closing minutes Finn Robinson and Stuart Byran capitalised on defensive lapses to see Ramelton over the line.
Copany Rovers 0 v 4 Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 3 v 5 Swilly Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United Reserves 0 v 3 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Drumoghill Reserves travelled to Moyle View and returned the victors in the first game after the Christmas break. Milford looked the better side for the first 20 minutes but Drumoghill scored from two corners, with a good strike after a bad Milford clearance and another from a scrabble in the box leaving Milford to try to catch up after half-time. The second half started like the first with Milford on top but having no luck. Drumoghil then finished Milford off with a late goal to travel back home with all three points.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Fanad United Reserves 1 v 5 Bonagee United Reserves
Fanad United hosted Bonagee United Reserves on Saturday and it was the visitors who went away with a comfortable 5-1 victory. The game was played in near ideal conditions and it was Fanad who had the first half-chance of the game after five minutes when a Darragh O’ Doherty free-kick was met by Odhran Shiels who’s header was cleared. Bonagee took the lead in the 20th minute. Aaron Wasson did well down the right and he squared the ball to Ultan Mc Mullan who scored from close range. Fanad did have some chances and in the 35th minute Bonagee keeper Callum Crampsie did well to block a Dylan Mc Glone shot. Five minutes before the break Bonagee extended their lead when Aaron Wasson set up Ruben Doherty to score. On the stroke of half-time Fanad got a goal back. Darragh O’ Doherty sent a dangerous free into the box and when Patrick Moffitt flicked it on the ball found the net via a deflection. The early stages of the second half were quiet enough with little goal mouth action. Bonagee got their 3rd goal on the hour mark when Fintan Hassan found space in the box and finished low into the corner. Five minutes later Bonagee keeper Callum Crampsie produced a superb save to deny Darragh O’ Doherty from a free-kick. With fifteen minutes remaining Ryan Bradley put Bonagee 4-1 up when he capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score. Then in the closing minutes Fintan Hassan crossed for Mark Casey to score Bonagee’s 5th of the match. Referee: Vincent McLaughlin.
Lagan Harps Reserves 8 v 0 Drumkeen United Reserves
Lagan turned in a strong second half to eventually run away with the game. It was tight early on with Drumkeen keeper Evan Higgins pulling off two good saves from Damien Mc Fadden and Ross Hamlyn. Lagan took the lead on twenty minutes when Damien Mc Fadden found Ross Hamlyn who scored with a good drive. Ross made it 2-0 minutes later when he scored from a free-kick. On thirty minutes Ross crossed for Damien Mc Fadden to score. Drumkeen went close but Owen Column was denied by a fine save from Kai Brown. Lagan dominated the second half with Ciaran Quinn, Conur Crossan and Ronan Lynch dominating the midfield. Lagan got their fourth on fifty minutes when Damien Mc Fadden crossed for Callum Lynch to score. Michael Toner came on for Lagan and hit the crossbar twice as well as heading narrowly wide. Damien Mc Fadden scored again on seventy-five minutes before the outstanding Ronan Lynch scored with a great half-volley. Michael Toner finally got his goal with a header before Damien Mc Fadden completed his hat-trick from a late penalty. A strong team performance by a young Lagan side against an equally young Drumkeen side. Drumkeen’s best were Fergal Quinn, Marty Mc Daid and Evan Higgins. Referee: Barry Tourish.
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 1 v 1 Erne Wanderers
In a toughly contested New Year’s clash at Leckview Park, Letterkenny Rovers and Erne Wanderers battled their way to a 1-1 draw. The first 15 minutes saw both teams vying for control. Letterkenny Rovers gradually asserted dominance. Jordan Nugent’s 16th-minute solo effort, beating the Erne defence before cooly slotting into the goal, put them 1-0 ahead and allowed Rovers to grow in confidence. Throughout the first half Rovers missed several opportunities including a Kealan Dunleavy header that hit the post and Conor O’Donnell’s one-on-one chance when he was denied by Erne’s goalkeeper Peter Boyle. As the second half unfolded, Rovers continued to press for a second goal. Erne’s resilience paid off with Philip Patton’s 74th-minute free-kick goal levelling the score at 1-1. Despite late chances for both teams, including a near-miss from Erne in normal time, and Rovers in injury time, the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought draw. The result leaves things unchanged at the top of the table with two points separating both teams, setting the stage for a closely contested battle for the remainder of season. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Sunday 7th January 2024
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Fanad United 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Fanad United maintained their position at the top of the Donegal League Premier Division with a narrow 2-1 victory over Keadue Rovers at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday. Played in decent conditions both sides attacked from the start. Keadue had the first chance on 13 minutes when Brendan Mc Cafferty’s well hit free kick was saved by Mark Mc Conigley. Five minutes later Darren Mc Elwaine saw his snap shot from 25 yards go just wide of the Keadue post. Fanad then took the lead in the 25th minute when Declan Mc Garvey sent a free kick into the box. The ball fell to Peter Carr who thumped home a half volley into the bottom corner. Two minutes later Fanad should have extended their lead when Peter Carr’s cross was met by Keelin Mc Elwaine who volleyed over from close range. Just after the half hour mark Fanad got their second. Darren Mc Elwaine lofted a lovely pass to Eddie O’Reilly who finished well into the corner. Keadue had plenty of possession and came close to getting a goal back just before half time. After a corner the ball came to Michael Green 35 yards out and his well hit shot produced a brilliant save from Mark Mc Conigley and when the ball fell to Chris Green he fired over from close range. In the second half Keadue piled on the pressure and at times pinned Fanad back. On the hour mark James Gallagher produced a superb block to deny Peter Mc Gee a goal for Keadue. On 75 minutes Mark Mc Conigley produced another excellent save to stop a Brian Proctor free kick. As the pressure continued Paul Boyle saw his volley from 30 yards fly past the Fanad post. Keadue did get a goal back in the 10th minute of injury time when Chris Green converted from the spot after a Fanad defender was penalised for a hand ball. From the kick-off Eddie O’Reilly could have got a 3rd for Fanad but when through on goal he took the ball just a bit too wide and failed to convert. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin
Kildrum Tigers 3 v 1 Gweedore Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 1 Milford United
Kilmacrennan took the three points with a hard-fought victory at Letterkenny Community Centre.
It was a close game in first half and both teams had good chances to take lead but failed to convert. On 60 minutes Kilmacrennan took the lead when Jordan Gallagher scored from close range after a great ball from wide on the right from Michael Mc Laughlin. On 70 minutes Conor Mc Hugh equalised for Milford after a mix-up in Kilmacrennan defence. Kilmacrennan scored the winner on 84 minutes when Sam Harvey tapped home from another Michael Mc Laughlin cross.
Best for Kilmacrennan was Paul Bradley and it was a team effort from Milford. Referee: Paddy Martin.
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 1 St. Catherines
A sun-kissed Flagpole Field bore witness to a typical winters’ afternoon game of football as Rathmullan and St. Catherines battled hard, found the conditions little help and, ultimately, each went home thankful for a point. The home side were worthy leaders once Mark Mc Ateer had stabbed home from six-yards on 70 minutes, but the Fishermen stood up to the challenge and penned Rathmullan in thereafter, sub Darragh Murrin the man with simple finish on 84 minutes to ensure a share of the spoils. Rathmullan enjoyed strong spells across both halves, but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. Killybegs meanwhile had their tails up after that leveller and had numerous set piece opportunities to try and find a winner. All in all, a fair enough outcome to a compelling game.
Swilly Rovers 5 v 3 Castlefin Celtic
Swilly Rovers secured a 5-3 victory against Castlefin Celtic, showcasing resilience despite missing key players. Early on, Ronan Tourish’s impressive attempt hit the bar as Castlefin pressed hard. Kyle Black’s shot was then parried by Castlefin keeper Tiernan Gallagher, allowing Shane Mc Namee to stylishly finish from an acute angle for a 1-0 lead. In the 21st minute, Swilly’s Ukrainian striker Wadi scored a remarkable goal from 20 yards, making it 2-0. Tyler Toland then demonstrated clinical finishing after fine work by Kyle Black. Castlefin pulled one back with a penalty from Ronan Tourish just before halftime. Swilly’s Ciaran Kelly extended the lead with a close-range finish, courtesy of Tyler Durning’s magic in the box. Castlefin intensified their efforts, securing their second goal through Ronan Tourish’s penalty after a foul. Wadi’s composed play in the box resulted in Swilly’s fifth goal with 15 minutes remaining. Castlefin managed to score again in the 88th minute as Dean Kelly converted a rebound from Lafferty’s free-kick parried by Swilly keeper Barry Gallagher. The match concluded with a 5-3 scoreline witnessed by a large crowd at Swilly Park.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Bonagee United 3 v 1 Cappry Rovers
The first goal came on eight minutes when Michael Funston scored from a free-kick from twenty yards to put the home team ahead. The second goal came on twenty minutes when Funston sent a good ball down the right to Aaron Wasson who cut inside the fullback and laid the ball back to the incoming Dean Larkin who scored from six yards. The first real chance for the visitors was on thirty-six minutes when the ball fell to Jack Long and his strike on goal from twenty-five yards was deflected wide by the defender. On forty-three minutes a strike from Conor Mc Daid for the visitors went just over the bar. The third goal came on fifty-two minutes when Jordan Armstrong received the ball wide on the left, he rounded the defender and his cross into the box was deflected into the net by a defender. A strike from Aaron Kelly for the visitors from thirty yards on the hour went just over the bar. The visitors were awarded a penalty on seventy-two minutes for a foul in the box and Jack Long made no mistake from the spot. Larkin should have scored three minutes later when the ball fell to him in the box but his strike was straight at the keeper. Paddy Mc Nulty for the visitors saw his effort on goal go just wide of the post on eight five minutes and on the full time whistle his strike from ten yards was straight at Carr in the home goal. Team effort by both sides. Referee: Michael Connolly.
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 10 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town 10 v 0 Cranford United
Played in Hospital Field, Town were quicker out of the blocks and Declan Duignan finished expertly with only five minutes gone. Duignan ended up with 4 goals, David Graham got two, Toby Owoeye, Ronan Mc Hugh, Joe Campbell all got a goal apiece and the tenth was an Own-Goal. Referee: Richard Storey.
Glenea United 1 v 0 Lagan Harps
In perfect conditions Glenea welcomed Lagan for the first game of 2024. Glenea opened the scoring on 25 minutes when Darren Mc Geevers’ pass put Seamus Doogan in on goal and he kept his composure to finish into the bottom corner. Both sides had good spells but 1-0 was the score at half time. The second half saw chances for both sides and it was Lagan who finished the strongest however a combination of good defending and a few excellent saves by Joe Coll kept Glenea in it to claim an important three points. Good team efforts from both sides in the first game back after the break. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 7 v 1 Dunkineely Celtic
The game started with both teams working hard but neither could take charge of possession. Curragh took the lead on 15 minutes when Dean Hannigan won the ball in the middle of the field and rifled it past the Dunkineely keeper from 35 yards. Both teams worked hard to work openings but neither could find the net. Half Time 1-0. Curragh came out strong in the second half and extended their lead with a brilliant effort from Anthony Bruton from 30 yards on 50 minutes. Adrian Nesbitt brought it back to 2-1 with a good solo effort two minutes later. Calvin Bradley made it 3-1 with a good finish from the edge of the box on 62 minutes. Calvin got his second on 68 minutes when he intercepted a pass in the Dunkineely back line and fired home as Curragh extended their lead. On 75 when Curragh broke through Conor Galvin found John Anthony Chambers who did well and squared it to Mahdi Ahmed to tap home. John Anthony Chambers got himself on the scoresheet to make it 6-1. The Curragh made it 7-1 when Calvin Bradley squared it for Stephen John Carlin to finish. John Anthony Chambers was best for Curragh. A team effort from Dunkineely. Referee: George Clinton
Deele Harps 1 v 1 Drumoghill F.C.
This game was reversed to The Moss due to a frozen pitch in Ballindrait. Deele started brightest and took a deserved lead on 18 minutes through a great team goal involving the birthday boy Corey Lindsay whose trickery on the wing fed Jordy Duffy who threaded a through ball to Conor Breslin who finished with aplomb. Drumoghil responded well and forced numerous corners and David Arthur produced a stunning save on 30 minutes to preserve Deele’s lead. The second half resumed in the same manner with both teams playing attacking football and Drumoghil drew level on 70 minutes when Richie Moore headed home. Both teams had chances to win it and a draw was probably a fair result. Team performance from Drumoghil and Jack Mac Beth was Deele’s best player.
Lifford Celtic 6 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
This game started with both sides showing their desire to win and with Kerrykeel in the ascendency they took the advantage when some slack defending gifted them the lead. Lifford tried to dominate but again with Lifford making some unusual errors, Kerrykeel managed to score again leaving Lifford trailing 2-0. Lifford did continue to attack at will and were rewarded when Sean Ferry pounced to reduce the deficit. Half -Time Lifford 1-2 Kerrykeel. Lifford came out of the blocks better at the start of the second-half and gave Kerrykeel no time to settle. Lifford were rewarded with an equaliser, Ferry buried the ball and levelled the scoring. Lifford were now dominating the ball and continued to attack at will and it was the turn of Conor Carlin to score. Lifford now leading 3-2 soaked up some pressure before Ferry was released down the wing and he crossed for young Vlad to bury his effort. Lifford again released Ferry who completed his hat-trick and then managed to tee up Carlin for his second. Game finished 6-2 to Lifford.
Raphoe Town 2 v 7 Ballybofey United
(No Report Submitted)
Whitestrand United 4 v 2 Drumkeen United
The first game of 2024 took place at Mc Garvey Park where Whitestrand welcomed Drumkeen. Whitestrand were looking for a good start to 2024 but the game started badly when a cross by a Drumkeen player was turned into his own goal by a Whitestrand defender. The response was swift when Michael Sweeney seized on a short back pass and calmly rounded the keeper for 1-1. Whitestrand began to dominate the game and pushed for a second but the game went in 1-1 at half time. Whitestrand started the second half well and took the lead from a corner when the excellent Paddy Walshe watched the ball and side foot volleyed past the keeper. They extended the lead when Reece Thompson finished calmly when the ball dropped to him in the box. The fourth came soon after as Cormac Dunleavy scored the penalty he won after being fouled by the keeper. Drumkeen got a second but this was no more than a consolation as Whitestrand saw out the game for an excellent start to 2024. An overall excellent performance by Whitestrand with standout performances from Paddy Walshe and Kevin Mc Carry.
