Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League, Voodoo Venue Cup and Brian McCormick Cup action.
Monday 4th March 2024-03-03
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Drumkeen United Reserves 3 v 3 Bonagee United Reserves
A youthful Bonagee team started brightly and scored inside the first five minutes. They got their second through a superb finish from a very tight angle midway through the half. Drumkeen tried hard to get back into the game but found the Bonagee defence in fine form. Owen Collum, Dabhan Doherty and Emmett O’ Boyle all had chances for the home-side. Sadly, for Drumkeen all three failed to find the back of the net which left it 2-0 to Bonagee at half time. Bonagee pressed hard in the second half and got their reward with a third goal through a beautiful finish into the top corner from 20 yards. At this point it would have been easy for Drumkeen to drop the heads but they fought back and got a goal through a great team goal, a ball down into the channel by Evan Dunleavy saw Emmett O’Boyle facing down the Bonagee goalkeeper and he unselfishly squared to his brother Tiernan to tap into the empty net. A second soon followed as Emmett got his own goal before substitute Jack Patton completed the superb comeback for the Drumkeen men with ten minutes left on the clock. Excellent team performances from both sides in a very entertaining game in The Finn Travel Saturday Division Three. Referee: Seany Houston
Saturday 9th March 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 3 v 0 Glenea United Reserves
On a bright but breezy day at Rannagh Park, Arranmore got back to winning ways with a comprehensive win over the visitors. The front four of Finnian O’Donnell, Paul Early, Damian Weber and John Roper all caused problems early on and it was Damian who opened the scoring. Glenn O’Donnell whipped a free kick into the box and Weber was at the back post to finish. Not long after the second goal came direct from a corner kick which was taken by Roper and flew straight in past Shaun Mc Clafferty in the Glenea goal. Arranmore went into the break 2-0 up and shortly after half time they got their third. John Roper was played in but his shot was saved and Finnian O’Donnell was on hand to score a well-deserved goal.
Team performance from both sides. Referee: George Clinton
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Cranford United Reserves 1 v 1 Copany Rovers
A share of the spoils in Cranford Park with both sides failing to find a winner. Cranford started the strongest and were creating most of the chances and went one up after 35 minutes when Domhnaill Sweeney finished well in to the bottom corner. Copany almost equalised before half time but were denied by a good save from Dean Fleming. It was even in the second half with both sides creating chances and Copany levelled with twenty minutes to go. Cranford pushed hard for the winner and had most of the possession and chances but couldn’t find the net.
Voodoo Venue Cup
Ballybofey United Reserves 4 v 3 Erne Wanderers
The first few chances of the game came to Erne, the first was dragged wide while the second was fired over the bar. Ballybofey scored the first goal of the game when Shane Carlin fired home from the spot. Erne equalised shortly after with a scrappy goal from corner. Ballybofey then made a goal-line clearance to keep the game level. Erne then took the lead from a set-piece. On the stroke of half time Kieran Thompson had a long-range free-kick that went over everybody and into the Erne net to send the sides in level at the break. In the second-half Oran Gallen and Kieran Thompson combined well with a good bit of play but Thompson’s effort was saved by keeper. Oran Gallen won yet another penalty and it was Shane Carlin again who stepped up to put Ballybofey 3-2 ahead. Kieran Thompson doubled Ballybofey’s lead when he pounced on a loose ball in the box. Erne pulled one back from a corner making it 4-3. For the last half hour Erne piled on the pressure but the Ballybofey defence consisting of Daniel Crawford, Dean Walsh, Michael Scully, Cian Thompson and Odhran Byrne were well up to the challenge.
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 3 Bonagee United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 5 v 3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(a.e.t. and Penalties)
Ryan Lockhart was the hero for Drumoghill, saving two penalties in the shootout as Drumoghill advanced in the Voodoo Cup. The game ended 1-1 after full time and extra time with both teams playing some decent football throughout. The first half started with Kildrum having most of the possession with Drumoghill happy to sit in and counter attack and it was from one such attack that Drumoghill took the lead when Conor Gallagher raced through to put Drumoghill ahead on 60 minutes. Kildrum equalised with a header off the post on 75 minutes. Drumoghill though prevailed in the shootout.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 0 v 2 Keadue Rovers Reserves
Keadue Rovers got the upper hand on Gweedore Celtic in this very tight Voodoo Cup tie played in perfect conditions at An Screabán. Two late goals guaranteed Rovers’ passage to the next round, but prior to those goals, both teams had chances to win this encounter between two evenly matched teams. Keadue will look to missed opportunities from Daire Gallagher and Oran Fallon in the first half whilst Na Ceiltigh will rue the chances that fell to Crónán Mc Fadden and Darragh Mc Gee also in the opening half. Oisin Mc Kelvey was Keadue’s outstanding player in the first half, dictating proceedings in the middle third. Mícheál Mc Gee did likewise for the home side. The first goal was going to be a game changer and it arrived with ten minutes remaining. The Gweedore defence failed to deal with a free kick and defender Jack Ward pounced on this hesitation to score. With time almost up Aidan Boyle ran through to slip the ball past Joe Mc Gee to ensure that Keadue’s name remains in the hat. Referee: Mick Lagan
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 5 v 1 Fanad United Reserves
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves clinched a convincing 5-1 victory over Fanad United Reserves at Leckview Astro in a Friday night game under lights. They took an early lead with Conor O’Donnell converting a penalty after Jordan Nugent was fouled in the box. Johnny Robb extended the lead scoring two in the first half while Fanad goalkeeper Brian Gallagher made several notable saves. Fanad struggled to find their rhythm as Letterkenny dominated the game. Conor O’Donnell got a second just two minutes into the second half while Johnny Robb made it a hat-trick for himself. Fanad managed a late consolation goal from Keelan Kerr but it wasn’t enough to overturn Rovers’ dominance. The result sees Letterkenny Rovers advance to quarter final stages of the Voodoo Cup.
Oldtown Celtic 1 v 4 Glencar Celtic
Glencar triumphed in the local derby in what was a classic battle between the sides. In a fixture that normally produces a close, tight affair, this spectacle was somewhat different and in the end Glencar progressed with showing a clinical edge in front of goal. Glencar took an early lead when Gio Peoples’ header squeezed into the bottom corner. Oldtown battled to get back into game and spurned chances when Drew Connolly and Kevin Mc Grath couldn’t keep their composure inside the box. Glencar were looking dangerous on the break and added a 2nd through Pajo Rafferty when he fired home after a clinical counter attack. Gerard Patron’s header was then cleared off the line just before the break to leave the score at 2-0. Oldtown began the 2nd half in the ascendency with Glencar playing defensively but also showing a threat on the break. The next chance of the game fell to Kevin Mc Grath after he was played through by a quick free-kick but Decky Mc Dermott in the Glencar goal made a fantastic save to deny him. Mc Dermott again proved his worth when rushing from his line and saving from Tommy Mc Laughlin after he was put through by Luke Friel. Glencar got their third when a nice passing move was finished off by Pajo Rafferty for his 2nd off the day. Oldtown to their credit still threw everything they had at Glencar and got a goal back when Kevin Mc Grath showed composure to finish to give Oldtown some hope with ten minutes to go. Joe Mc Carron added Glencar 4th from the penalty spot to secure the win for Glencar.
Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
St. Catherines Reserves 1 v 4 Drumbar F.C.
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 7 v 1 Gweedore United Reserves
It was a day of great football in Strand Park with the Maghery men taking on Gweedore United in the Voodoo Venue Cup. Straight away the home side took control of the game creating chance after chance to get that first goal. The Gweedore keeper played a blinder in the first half saving numerous shots. The first goal came in the form of a switch play 21 minutes in from the Strand Captain Shane O’ Donnell to Cainan Mc Daid who slotted it inside the far post. Two minutes later a foul outside the box lead to Gweedore United being awarded a free-kick which was excellently dispatched by James Mc Glinchey to the bottom left corner, Strand Keeper Kevin Mc Govern managed to get a touch on it but couldn’t keep it from crossing the line. With the sides level, both teams really pushed to get a second goal before the half time whistle. It wasn’t until injury time when a corner taken by David Mc Carron bounced around the box until it found Aaron Ward who volleyed it in to net. It was still all to play for in the second half and much like the first, a lot of the play took place in the Gweedore half. Strand defender Chris Boyle was the next to get on the score-sheet when a cross, come shot, deflected off a Gweedore man and into the net. The next goal for Strand came 15 minutes later as David Mc Carron swung the ball up the field into the box and when the Gweedore keeper fumbled Lennon Cowley was there to knock it past him into the net. The introduction of subs gave Strand a boost and Aaron Ward played a one-two with sub Cain Mc Gee and got this second goal of the day. With only nine minutes left Strand scored again, this time sub Shayne Glackin dribbled the ball up the line before passing it to James Mc Eniff who poked it past the keeper. Just as it looked set to end at 6-1, one last attempt was successfully pulled off when another of David Mc Carron’s corners was whipped into the box. Up steps Strand’s youngest player James O’ Donnell to head the ball straight to the back of the net for his first goal in the Strand strip. Referee: Sean Huston
Sunday 10th March 2024
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 6 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Oran Gallen played in Barrie Mc Ghee but his shot went just wide of post as Ballybofey started brightly. Again, Gallen was the provider as he played in Jude Patton who slipped the ball to Marty who opened the scoring. Patton then squared the ball to Daithí Mc Mahon who shot was only inches wide with his shot at goal. Mc Ghee then send a free-kick deep into the Dunkineely penalty area where Bobbie Heneghan rose highest to redirect the ball back across the face of the visitor’s net however it didn’t get the touch required to divert it home. The visiting custodian then saved well from Mc Ghee. Mc Mahon then went on a mazy run before crashing the ball off the post in a move that deserved a goal. Patton then extended the host’s lead. Further goals from Kieran Thompson assisted by Bonner, Patton, Kearns, Carlin and Mc Cullough completed the scoring and ensured the side finished their League campaign undefeated.
Whitestrand United 3 v 0 Curragh Athletic
Whitestrand United took on Curragh Athletic in the final game of the season, looking to finish the season on a high. Whitestrand took the lead early when Michael Sweeney nodded the ball into the path of Ronan Sweeney who scored a contender for goal of the season, into the top corner from outside the box. Whitestrand continued on the front foot with Reece Thompson performing well and the pressure told when Michael Sweeney broke through and finished well off the inside of the post. Curragh settled into the game and had possession but Whitestrand were dangerous. The second half started in a similar footing and Whitestrand extended their lead when Paddy Sheridan broke through and finished well with his weaker right foot. Curragh almost got a consolation goal at the end but their striker put it wide and the game finished 3-0. Best for Whitestrand were Ronan Sweeney & Reece Thompson
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Lifford Area
Drumoghill F.C. 3 v 0 Lagan Harps
The reds march on in the Brian Mc Cormick Cup with this comfortable victory over Lagan Harps. Second half strikes from Lee Smyth, Gareth Hamilton and Liam O’Donnell ensured the home side’s passage to the next round of the competition after an uneventful first half. The game began with both sides appearing to place an emphasis on avoiding defeat which is never a surprise in any derby encounter, particularly one in a knock out competition. Neither side committed too many in attack and any efforts on goal were limited to strikes from distance that offered no threat to either Roy Duffy and Michael Toner who were in goals at each end. In truth, the game was crying out for a goal and it arrived early in the second half. There appeared little danger when Colm Gardiner won possession from Eamon Cannon before releasing Niall Mc Crossan whose neat centre was latched onto by Lee Smyth at the near post to put the home side into the lead on 51 minutes. Before Lagan had any chance to respond they found themselves two goals behind from a strike that was created in similar circumstances. This time it was Stephen Craig who turned creator when his first time cross was hammered home at the far post by Gareth Hamilton on 54 minutes. Drumoghill were now in control and were happy to contain Lagan as part of seeing the game out. Lagan enjoyed large spells of dominating the ball with Glenn Gallagher notable throughout but they lacked any kind of killer instinct to trouble Dylan Mc Elhinney and Rory Mc Crossan at the back for Drumoghill. Drumoghill were content to soak up the attacks and hit the opposition on the counter and it was from one such attack that they put the game beyond doubt through Liam O’Donnell on 88 minutes. This time it was Seamus Bogle who helped set up the attack as he won possession from Taylor Cassidy before releasing Lee Smyth on the right wing. Smyth evaded the challenge of Josh Hay before placing a superb cross into the path of O’Donnell who tapped beyond Toner to end any hopes Lagan Harps might have had of getting back into the contest.
Kildrum Tigers 4 v 0 Lifford Celtic
Kildrum welcomed neighbours and newly promoted Lifford Celtic to Station Road for their Cup semi-final encounter. The home side progressed to this year’s Area Final thanks to first half goals from William Lynch, Keelan Gillen and Brian Breslin while Gillen got the game’s only second-half strike. Lifford battled well throughout.
Donegal Area
Drumkeen United 1 v 3 St. Catherines
Drumkeen brought the curtain down on their Season with the visit of St Catherine’s for this Donegal Area semi-final of the Brian Mc Cormack Cup. Drumkeen have struggled for form in the League this season but they gave a good enough account of themselves for a large part of this game against their Premier Division visitors. St Catherine’s took the lead in this game after ten minutes when a Darragh Murrin effort squeezed in between the keeper and post. Drumkeen got back on level terms quickly when a Michael Patton shot came back off a St Catherine’s defender and fell to Shaun Doherty who fired it home. The visitors got back in front again after 25 minutes with a great left footed strike from Kyle Mc Geoghan which went across the goal and nestled in the right-hand corner of the Drumkeen net. Drumkeen were still very much in this game and were defending fairly well but it was hard to see where the goal they needed was going to come from as they were struggling to create goal scoring opportunities for themselves. Midway through the second half Dean Breslin added a third goal for St Catherine’s to give them a two-goal cushion and it was hard to see a way back for Drumkeen at that stage. The home team battled on and they did manage to earn a couple of free kicks on the edge of the box but they never unduly worried the Killybegs keeper.
Referee: Semi Ferry.
