Here all all of the results and match reports from this weekend’s Donegal League action.
Saturday 27th January 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 2 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Cappry hosted Oldtown Celtic in a classic at the Aura on Saturday. It was end to end action with some brilliant individual battles. Oldtown controlled the early exchanges with Kevin Mc Grath linking well with Sean Cleary and Tommy Mc Laughlin up front. They were rewarded for their efforts with Cleary fired home from close range after good work from Mo Friel. Oldtown doubled their lead before half time through Tommy Mc Laughlin when his clever volley from outside the box found the roof of the net. The young Cappry team showed great fight and put in an excellent second half performance. They got their break from Jack Marley who reacted quickest to a rebounded Ryan Mc Ghee free kick to tap into the empty net. Oldtown showed their experience and struck again through Sean Cleary. Cappry got one back through Jack Marley who won the ball cooly finished past the keeper into the bottom corner. It was a frantic finish as Calum Long came closest from a header to equalise for Cappry but Oldtown hung on for an important three points for their title push.
Donegal Town Reserves 2 v 3 Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 2 v 3 Strand Rovers
Strand Rovers got off to a great start as Tristan Boyle saw his shot from outside the box fly into the top corner making 1-0. Strand kept pushing and got their second when their right winger Michael Curran slotted home. Fintown’s Aaron Thompson then found Leo Mc Loone running through the middle of the box and his header found the back of the net. Fintown finished the half strongly, creating many chances but just not able to score. Half time 2-1 to Strand Rovers. Strand started the second half very well with a couple of strong attacks. Micheal Doherty broke forward from left back and he found himself on the end of substitute Dylan Mc Glynn’s pass and placed it into the back of the net levelling it for Fintown at 2-2. It was back and forth from there until Aaron Ward scored from close range to put Strand ahead again. It was cagey from there with the two teams battling hard.
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 2 St. Catherines Reserves
In breezy conditions, Glenea and St. Catherines played out a hard-fought draw. Playing with the wind, the away side made a quick start and took the lead on 2 minutes when the home side failed to deal with a corner and Aaron Byrne was on hand to drill the ball home from close range. Both sides were finding the breezy conditions difficult with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances. The away side increased their lead on 25 minutes when Glenea conceded a penalty from a handball and Barry Cannon converted from the spot. Glenea pushed hard to get back into the game and James Geaney saw his cross almost diverted into the goal by a St. Catherine’s defender. The home side were rewarded on 37 minutes when Patrick Doohan won the ball high up the pitch and his pullback was drilled home by Shaun Ferry. In the 2nd half, playing with the wind, Glenea started to get on top in midfield but similar to 1st half, clear cut chances were at a premium for both sides. Glenea almost equalised on 70 minutes when Neil Mc Geever saw his header come back off the bar. As Glenea pushed on, the away side were looking to catch them out on the break, but the home defence held them out. Glenea equalised on 88 minutes when the away side conceded a penalty from a handball and Luke Mc Carry converted the spot kick. Best for Glenea were Daniel Mulhern and Patrick Doohan, while Eamonn Curran and Dermot Cunningham were best for St. Catherines. Referee: Sean Ferry.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 0 v 0 Arranmore United
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1 v 3 Glencar Celtic
An evenly contested game between two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes ended with Glencar winning out by the odd goal in five. The away side started strongly and hit the front when the impressive Jack Dwyer fired home and the advantage was quickly doubled by Liam Doherty. Kilmacrennan then began to dominate proceedings and two fine saves from the Glencar keeper kept them at bay to leave it 2-0 at the break. The home side came out strongly after the restart and after some sustained pressure veteran midfielder Terence Shields scored from close range and it was game on. Minutes later it should have been level after a flowing Kilmacrennan counter attack found Shields free inside the box but his shot flew over when a goal seemed certain. Against the run of play Glencar scored again when a free kick from Dwyer out wide deceived everyone and ended up in the net. Kilmacrennan rallied again and centre half John James Sweeney scored to set up a tense finale. Glencar held on to continue their fine run of form. Good team effort from Kilmacrennan with Pajo Rafferty and Jack Dwyer the pick of the bunch for the winners. Referee: Leo Devenney
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3 v 2 Copany Rovers
Copany had the brighter start to this match and within the opening ten minutes they found themselves two goals to the good. After that opening flurry, Drumoghill got to grips with the game and Tiarnan Mc Connell became instrumental in midfield. Eunan Kelly pulled a goal back for the home side with a rasping free-kick into the top corner of the Copany net. The second half saw Evin Gibbons, Micky Melaugh and James Sweeney dominate the play and the equaliser duly arrived on 75 minutes when Dylan Mc Elhinney caught the keeper out with his high, looping free-kick. The comeback was completed when Shane Duffy produced a Supersub finale, heading the winner for Drumoghill with his first touch of the ball.
Dunlewey Celtic 4 v 2 Ballybofey United Reserves
Blustery conditions in Glentornan Park when Dunlewey welcomed Ballybofey United. A minute’s silence was observed for former Dunlewey player Mícheál Roarty and the three other young lads who tragically lost their lives 5 years ago. Dunlewey flew out of the traps with the wind at their backs and went ahead on 4 minutes when a Brendan Mc Geady free kick looped in at the back post. Dunlewey pushed on from this and doubled their lead on 12 minutes when Darren Gallagher latched onto a pass from Brendan Mc Geady to finish well. Dunlewey went 3 up when Matej Haluska chipped the keeper with a neat finish on 16 minutes. Dunlewey kept the pressure on Ballybofey and got a fourth goal when Brendan Mc Geady won the ball well in the Ballybofey half and scored with a powerful shot at the front post. 4-1 the score at half time after Ciaran Thompson finished well after breaking the Dunlewey backline. Ballybofey started the second half strongly with the wind at their backs and pulled another goal back after Shane Carlin scrambled the ball home. Ballybofey pressed well to try and get back at Dunlewey but the defence held strong and Daniel Roarty with a vital save with his feet at the bottom right corner. 4-2 to the hosts in this one.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Gweedore Celtic Reserves bounced back from the previous week’s defeat away to Ballybofey to record this victory against a hard working Castlefin side. Playing against a strong breeze Na Ceiltigh were fortunate to be going into half time level as the away team had several chances to take the league but they squandered those opportunities and were made to pay the price at the final whistle. Gweedore were a much-improved team in the second half and took the lead through Martin Coyle. Micheal Mc Gee, who was pulling all the strings in midfield for the home side, played a through ball to Coyle and his exquisite lob from twenty yards gave the Castlefin netminder no chance. Soon after Na Ceiltigh doubled their advantage when Aodhan Mc Garvey’s corner sailed directly into the net. Gweedore had further chances to extend their lead through Peter Carragher and Daniel Doran but they failed to convert their opportunities. Thomas Devlin snatched a lifeline for the away team when he pounced to score with minutes left but Gweedore managed to hold out for all three points. A good team performance for Castlefin with Micheal Mc Gee giving a man of the match performance for Gweedore.
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 0 Cranford United Reserves
The mariners won a tightly contested physical encounter at the Flagpole Field to go top of the table. Evan Hewitt went down for a penalty early in the first half which Eoin Roulston put away easily. The second half was cagey with both sides threatening but it was Mariners who capitalised when Fionn Robinson scored their second which was enough to put the game to bed.
Swilly Rovers Reserves 0 v 0 Milford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 0 v 3 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
Bonagee United Reserves hosted local rivals Letterkenny Rovers Reserves at Dry Arch Park, in the Finn Travel Saturday Division Three. The weather was dry but very breezy, which made for a difficult first half for the home team, as they were kicking into the breeze. Bonagee United fielded a relatively young side, mostly made up of U18’s and the lack of football cuteness at this level showed in comparison to the opposition. Letterkenny Rovers were so much better in their decision-making in most parts of the field and defensively were very strong. In saying that, the home team had chances, but just couldn’t convert. Letterkenny Rovers took the lead in the 9th minute with Jason Doherty slotting home. It was a neat passage of play by the away side and Doherty made it look easy. In the 22nd minute, Jordan Nugent got Rovers second, where he received a nice assist from the right and finished off well. In the 24th minute, Aaron Wasson for Bonagee United had a great chance to pull one back, but it just went wide of the post. In the 26th minute, Rovers had the chance to put the game to bed but missed. The game was 0 – 2 at halftime. The second half was much better from the home side as the breeze settled down a bit and Bonagee were now playing with the breeze at their backs. Paul Higgins the Bonagee Manager made a few changes to his personnel which impacted positively for the home side. Unfortunately, Bonagee conceded a penalty when Rovers No. 11 was brought down in the box and Conor O’Donnell put the away side three up from the spot. Rovers again had another great chance to make it 4 but Bonagee stood strong to keep it out. The game fizzled out after this and Letterkenny Rovers were victors by 0 – 3 which was well
deserved. The Bonagee United young lads can take great pride in a decent performance and will learn a lot from this game. Referee: Barry Tourish.
Erne Wanderers 6 v 0 Gweedore United Reserves
A big win for Erne against a solid Gweedore team. Adam Mc Glone with 4 goals leading the way. David Dorrian scored a tap-in and Jakub Naperski with the last goal. Great performance from Erne with Dylan Gallagher best for Erne.
Lagan Harps Reserves 2 v 2 Fanad United Reserves
Lagan and Fanad shared the points in a hard-fought game. Fanad took the lead on six minutes when Cormac Sweeney finished well after a mix-up in the Lagan defence. Lagan went close when Ross Hamlyn headed narrowly wide and then forced Brian Gallagher into a good save. Fanad went close on a couple of occasions before Aiden Devir headed just wide for Lagan. The equaliser came when Ross Hamlyn found himself free at the back post to fire home a Ronan Lynch corner. Ross then went close to putting Lagan ahead when his free, at the end of the half, clipped the crossbar. Fanad responded with Conor Blaney shooting just over from a corner. Fanad came out strong at the start of the second half with Dara Doherty forcing Kai Brown into a save from a free. They regained the lead when Conor Blaney finished a cross to the back post. The game was scrappy as both teams went for the vital goal. Lagan equalised on seventy minutes when Ciaran Quinn sent Ross Hamlyn through and he finished well. Both teams pushed for it with Lagan’s Damien Mc Fadden shooting wide from a Callum Lynch through ball. Conur Crossan drove Lagan forward from midfield but Fanad threatened on the counter. A fair enough result in the end. Referee: Daniel Carlin. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to young Lagan centre back Aiden Devir who picked up a nasty ankle injury in the final minutes.
Sunday 28th January 2024
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 5 Swilly Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United 2 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Milford claimed a badly needed three points in the Derby game played at a blustery Moyle View Park on Sunday afternoon. The wind was blowing towards the town end and Kilmacrennan had it on their backs in the first half but despite having good periods of possession they failed to trouble Caolan Mc Gettigan in the Milford goals. Milford played well into the wind but again failed to trouble recent signing Eoin Mc Gettigan in the Kilmacrennan nets. In the second half Kilmacrennan took the lead on 60 minutes when Milford failed to clear a corner at the front post and Conor Black hit the net. On 70 minutes a great ball from Darragh Black found Cathal Mc Gettigan who drove home to the roof of the net from 12 yards. On 78 minutes a ball into the box rebounded to substitute Ciaran Blaney who chested it down and hit the roof of the net from 15 yards to give Milford the victory despite Kilmacrennan pushing hard for the equaliser. Great relief for Milford to get the points with a few regulars missing and fifteen-year-old Caolan Mc Bride getting a late call for his debut and Paul Ryan returning for first game back at centre half, but over all a gutsy performance by Milford showing great team spirit to get three points. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
St. Catherines 4 v 0 Rathmullan Celtic
Gale force winds and sporadic heavy showers made sure that this encounter was never going to be a classic. The home team had the wind at their backs for the first 45 and knew it was vital to build a considerable lead with such an advantage. The saints corner count was building considerably and it was inevitable that their first two goals came from such situations. The first a super header from Paul O’Hare and the second floated beautifully from the boot of Conor Knox using the wind to his advantage, curled straight in over the head of the helpless Rathmullan keeper and was met at the back post by the boot of Ryan Cunningham for 2-0 on 20 minutes. Knox was now mastering the art of corner kicks when you have a gale of wind to assist you and he got his just reward on 39 minutes when his kick flew straight into the roof of the net establishing a commanding 3-0 lead for St Catherines at the break. Rathmullan pushed hard in the second half for that all elusive goal to launch a comeback. Mark Mc Ateer and Kevin O’Donnell both came close but never really bothered the home keeper. Kieran Gorman was doing his utmost at centre half for the visitors clearing ball after ball with his head as the superb duo of Conor Doherty and Paul O’Hare just kept coming at the Rathmullan back-line, winning vital free kicks in vital periods of the game for the saints. Ryan Cunningham moved back into midfield for the last quarter of the game and added protection to his under pressure back four and it was his vision on 90 minutes that produced the 4th goal for the home side. His quick free kick picked out a St. Catherines winger who duly picked out Daniel Meehan from the right and he needed no second invite to strike first time from the edge of the box, bulging the onion bag and securing victory. Rathmullan were better than 4-0 but the will to win was more in evidence from a fit, young and determined home team.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 0 v 1 Bonagee United
In game that was played in poor conditions in the Finn Valley Centre it was Cappry who went closest first when Conor Mc Daid hit the crossbar from the edge of the box. Cappry almost took the lead when Aaron hit a free from inside his own half but the Bonagee keeper just got back to tip it over the bar. Cappry kept pressing but couldn’t get the breakthrough and Bonagee were dangerous on the break. Bonagee started the second half well and pressed Cappry back but they dealt well with the pressure. The only goal came following a mix up at the edge of their box. Cappry pressed to get level and had a late penalty claim turned down.
Cranford United 3 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
Cranford came away with three points with a deserved win at home. Convoy took the lead after 15 minutes after a scramble in the box from a corner. Cranford were level soon afterwards, another scramble in the box and Danny Mc Bride fired home and that’s how its stayed until half time. Cranford, playing with the wind in the second half, dominated the play with Paddy Sheils causing all sorts of bother up front. Cranford took the lead after the hour mark when Kevin Doherty did well on the edge of the box and crossed the ball in to Danny Mc Bride who headed it across to Paddy Sheils to head home. Convoy were then reduced to ten men and Cranford made the extra man count when Paddy Sheils headed home again from a Kyle Mc Fadden free kick.
Lagan Harps 1 v 0 Glenea United
The game was decided by a goal in the first minute from Codey Brogan. Lagan hit on a counterattack and a good through ball found Codey who finished well. With the breeze at their backs Glenea dominated without creating a clear chance. Their best efforts were a free from PJ Duggan and a long range shot from Ethan Friel which Michael Toner saved well. Glenea dominated the second half but Lagan defended doggedly. Cathal Mc Geever forced a good save from Michael Toner. There were a few scares but Lagan hung on. Lagan broke in the final minutes but Joe Coll pulled off a great save from Codey Brogan. Referee: Barry Hunter.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 5 v 0 Drumoghill F.C.
Ballybofey started the game brightly and took an early lead from the penalty spot after Niall Mc Closkey was taken down inside the box. Daithí Mc Mahon stepped up and put United one up. Drumoghill had their only real chance of the game on 13 minutes when they were awarded a free kick 20 yards out. It was struck well but Christy Patton got down well to his right to make the save. The follow up effort was fiercely struck but came off the inside of the post and bounced away to safety. The home side could have made it two on 19 minutes when Daithí’s brilliant left footed cross just evaded Niall Mc Closkey at the back post. Ballybofey then doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Adam Mc Cullagh won the ball deep in the United defence with a brilliant tackle to start the attack, he played the ball through to Barrie Mc Ghee who then played a lovely ball into Daithí who got his and Ballybofey’s second of the game. Just before half time it was 3-0 when Barrie received the ball out on the right wing and squared it into Damien Glackin who finished well from close range. Ballybofey started the second half with the same intensity as they showed in the first, and were rewarded with a 4th in the 56th minute when Daithí’s cross was met by Niall Mc Closkey who headed home. United then had three good chances in quick succession from Mark Griffin, who’s effort went just over, Daithí McMahon’s effort was well saved and Damien Glackin who’s shot rattled the crossbar. With 5 minutes left on the clock, Ballybofey got their 5th when Daithí slipped in Oran Gallen who neatly put it past the out rushing Drumoghill keeper.
Curragh Athletic 1 v 0 Drumkeen United
Windy conditions made for an entertaining game in Killygordon with both sides battling for control. Drumkeen came closest to opening the scoring when a rasping shot came back of the Curragh crossbar. 0-0 at half time. The second half started with both sides going close and the game looked to be heading for a draw when in the 90th minute Curragh broke down the right with Jac Chambers who cut inside and found Shea Mc Menamin at the back post who swivelled and finished from 12 yards. Man of the match was Dean Hannigan. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Deele Harps 1 v 1 Lifford Celtic
Deele maintained their unbeaten run at Marty Duffy Park on Sunday but will consider this two points dropped against their neighbours. In a cagey first half, chances were few and far between and it was scoreless at the break. The second half opened up and Mullen and Duffy were causing problems for Lifford’s defence. The deadlock was broken on 65 minutes when Jordy Duffy evaded a couple of tackles to slide a through ball to Aidy Gallagher who fired home first time past Lee White. Deele spurned the chance to seal the game on 70 minutes when Lee White pulled off a double save from Cameron Mahon and then Jordy Duffy. Deele would rue that miss as on 75 minutes Deele lost possession and Sean Ferry finished from the edge of the box to grab a point for Lifford. Team Performances. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 6 v 2 Raphoe Town
On a great day for football the ‘71 kept in the hunt for promotion with a well-deserved win over a youthful Raphoe. Raphoe started well and hit the post on 10 minutes from Mark Duffy. Shaun Kerr put the ‘71 in front five minutes later after he fired home a Jamie Mc Ateer cross. It was two soon after this time James Kerr with the cross and Patsy Friel was on hand with a great finish. Raphoe got one back 5 minutes later when Oisin Kelly scored from close range after a mix up in the Kerrykeel defence. The ‘71 hit straight back and again a brilliant James Kerr cross was tucked home by Jamie Mc Ateer. Brandan Mc Clafferty then on the stroke of half time got the forth for the ‘71 again James Kerr was the provider. To their credit Raphoe started the second half well and made Shaun Friel pull off a few fine saves. Michael Mc Devitt got his first of the season and the ‘71s fifth with a great strike. Mark Friel then missed a penalty before Patsy got his second with a delightful chip from 18 yards. Oisin Kelly got a well-deserved goal for Raphoe deep into injury time to add to his tally. A good win at Rabs Park for the home side and a youthful Raphoe can go home knowing they will improve with experience. Referee: Sean Houston
Ulster Junior Shield
Buncrana Hearts 3 v 0 Carndonagh F.C.
(No Report Available)
Cockhill Celtic 2 v 0 Donegal Town
(No Report Available)
Fanad United 0 v 1 Gweedore United
Gweedore United travelled to Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday and caused an upset by knocking Fanad out of the Ulster Junior Cup. The windy conditions made good football nearly impossible so chances were at a premium throughout. The first chance fell to Fanad midfielder Shaun Carr in the 17th minute when he fired a shot wide from the edge of the box. Two minutes later Gweedore attacker Fionnan Coyle broke down the right but his shot from inside the penalty area was saved at his near post by Mark Mc Conigley. The only goal of the game came five minutes before the break when Gweedore were awarded a free kick 35 yards out. Mark McFadden stepped up and his well hit low shot nestled in the bottom corner. The second half was devoid of many chances as conditions worsened. On 70 minutes Oisin Langan struck a deep free into the Gweedore box which was flicked on by Martin Mc Elhinney to Paddy Carr but his volley was easily saved by Gweedore keeper Oran Craig. The closest Fanad came to an equaliser was in the 85th minute when Liam Mc Grenaghan’s free kick was deflected onto his own crossbar by a Gweedore defender. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin
Letterkenny Rovers 4 v 0 Glengad F.C.
In challenging windy conditions at Leckview, Letterkenny Rovers secured a convincing 4-0 victory against Glengad United in the Ulster Junior Cup Quarter-final clash. The first half saw Rovers dominating possession and creating several chances. Despite attempts going wide, the team maintained pressure. Mark Anthony Mc Ginley made a crucial save for Rovers, denying Glengad’s Ryan Mc Laughlin. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when a well-timed run by Leon Doherty, following a cross from Joel Gorman, resulted in the opening goal. Rovers continued their momentum, extending their lead to 2-0 in the 66th minute through a collaborative effort involving Adrian Delap and Adam Murphy. Rovers’ dominance continued and Glengad’s troubles increased when Owen Doherty received a straight red card on the 75th minute. In the final moments, Rovers sealed the win with Zach Gorman’s header from a Nathan Plumb cross, making it 3-0 in the 84th minute. Despite Glengad being awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, Mark Anthony McGinley’s save denied them a consolation goal. Rovers continued their assault, with Luke Parke’s strike in the 88th minute securing a resounding 4-0 victory. The win puts Letterkenny Rovers into the semi-finals of the Ulster Junior Cup. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.