The following are all the latest reports, results and fixtures for the Donegal Junior League.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Lagan Harps 2 v 3 Bonagee United
Bonagee picked up three vital points when they overcame a stubborn Lagan side in the Community Centre. Bonagee got off to a flyer when Aidan Mc Laughlin finished well after four minutes. Bonagee pressed but Lagan defended stubbornly. Lagan went close when Ciaran Quinn was too high with a free. Lagan then grabbed an equaliser when Conur Crossan found Oisin Harkin out wide. Oisin cut in before firing a screamer to the back of the net. Bonagee responded and Aidan Mc Laughlin converted two crosses on thirty-three and thirty-nine minutes to put them clear. Bonagee again dominated possession in the second half with Michael Funston and Jordan Armstrong pulling the strings. Lagan dug in and restricted them to a few clear chances. When they did get in Michael Toner pulled off a fine save. Lagan went close on eighty minutes when a Philip Doran lob forced John Carr to scramble it out despite crashing into the post. Lagan grabbed a lifeline when Ciaran Quinn got on the end of a free and finished well. Lagan almost grabbed a point in the final minutes when keeper Michael Toner headed narrowly wide from a corner. Referee: Alistair Gourley.
Friday 21th March 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 3 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
On an evening more befitting late November instead of late March it was a case of Friday Night Lights at the Letterkenny Community Centre where the home team ground out a three valuable points in their efforts to maintain their Division One status. Both teams, to their credit, were determined to play football despite the inclement conditions and it was Kildrum who hit the front after 10 minutes, an inswinging corner was poorly dealt with by the home defence and as the ball bobbled loose it was Kildrum winger Aaron Temple who reacted quickest and poked home from 6 yards. Minutes later a good reflex stop from the home keeper prevented Kildrum from doubling the lead and this spurred the home team into action. Midfielder Steve Mc Daid had a free kick brilliantly tipped over by Aaron Hepburn in the Kildrum goals and minutes later he was at it again, somehow turning a goalbound shot from Ethan Doherty around the post. From the resulting corner Kilmacrennan equalised, a handball on the line saw referee Con mc Laughlin point to the spot, issuing a red card to a Kildrum defender in the process, and Eoghan Quinn coolly despatched the spot kick to leave it level at the break. With a man advantage the home team pushed hard to get a 2nd goal and were rewarded 15 minutes into the 2nd half when a swift counter-attack found Ethan Doherty on the edge of the box. He cut inside and his deflected shot found its way to the back of the net. Kildrum started to go direct after this, allowing Kilmacrennan to hit them on the break and after strikes on goal from Oran Gallagher, Ciaran Mc Cormack and Ciaran Cassidy it was the latter who settled the game with 10 minutes to go. Another quick counter-attack found Cassidy out wide and he danced past two defenders before calmly slotting home to cap an impressive performance from him and his team. Kildrum were well served by their keeper Hepburn along with Gareth Colhoun and Aaron Temple with the home team putting in a strong battling performance with Owen Browne, Steve Mc Daid and the two Ciarans (Mc Cormack and Cassidy) particularly impressive. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Saturday 23rd March 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Shane McDevitt started the game well for Fintown, slotting home an early goal putting Fintown ahead. Fintown kept the pressure on Cappry and Declan Roper of Fintown saw his shot deflected of the Cappry goalkeeper into the path of Shane Mc Devitt who slotted home Fintown’s second goal. Fintown kept pushing for their third goal. Fintown’s right winger Aaron Mc Glynn beat his man before cutting the ball back to Roper who finished well to make it 3-0 to Fintown. Fintown’s right back Peter Mc Glynn had a moment of magic down the right side as he made his way into the Cappry box, he was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty. Centre back Kealan Mc Gill rocketed the ball over bar and the half ended 3-0 in Fintown’s favour. The second half commenced as the first one ended with Fintown dominating possession. The Cappry striker then found himself through on goal but skied the ball over the bar in what was Cappry’s first real chance of the game. Kealan Mc Monagle of Fintown from 45 yards-out rifled one towards the goal and somehow it found it’s way to the Cappry net making it 4-0 to Fintown. Cappry started working themselves back into the game but Kealan Mc Gill cleared off the line to thwart their goalbound effort. With very little to go in the game Joel Bradley Walsh of Cappry grabbed two goals back through a penalty and one from distance making it 4-2 in Fintown’s favour at the and.
St. Catherines Reserves 5 v 1 Arranmore United
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 3 v 2 Glencar Celtic
With a strong breeze to the backs of the Glencar side, they made use of it early on when their keeper lumped up a long ball and it went over everybody to the in-rushing Jack Dwyer who slotted it into the back of the Strand net. Strand pushed to get an equaliser and had a few chances but none of them finding the back of the net until a throw in was taken by Chris Boyle into Conor Greene who passed the ball back to Chris who set it up nicely for Cian Mc Gee who made no mistake and finished it to the top right corner giving the keeper no chance. Glencar struck again when another long ball deceived the Strand defence and was flicked on to Pajo Rafferty behind the Strand defence and he cooly chipped the ball over the Strand keeper leaving it 2-1 at half time. Strand came out in the second half with the wind at their backs driving them on and it didn’t take the home time long to get back on terms when a delightful ball was played into the box by David Mc Carron and goal scorer from the first half Cian Mc Gee was well placed to finish it with a glancing header past the keeper. Strand hit the front when a corner was crossed in by David Mc Carron and a bullet header by Conor Greene went into the top corner making it 3-2 to Strand. Glencar pushed hard to try and get back into the game but the Strand men held on for an invaluable three points. Referee: Sean Ferry
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 2 Milford United Reserves
Castlefin and Milford played an entertaining draw on Saturday. Robert Patterson and Lee Kennedy goals for Castlefin either side of a Darren Mc Laughlin equaliser kept the home side in the lead. Mc Laughlin again equalised from the spot midway through the second half
Cranford United Reserves 0 v 3 Drumbar United
Drumbar took all three points from a wet and windy Cranford Park. Drumbar were two-nil up at half time from two well worked goals. Cranford came into it more in the second half but were caught on the break for 3-0 and that’s how it finished.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners 1 v 0 Dunlewey Celtic
The Mariners continued their good form with a hard fought 1-0 victory at home to a tough Dunlewey Celtic side who kept fighting right to the end. Mariners scored early on with Shay Callan-McFadden playing a super through ball for Evan Hewitt who opened the scoring in the 10th minute. The game opened-up after that with both sides having good periods of possession and working both keepers. The second half was much the same as both teams tried for the next goal, but it was the single goal for the Mariners that separated the teams.
Swilly Rovers Reserves 2 v 0 Drumoghill FC Reserves
Swilly Rovers Reserves secured a 3-0 victory against Drumoghill Reserves, continuing their pursuit of promotion. Swilly took the lead on 12 minutes when Daniel Mc Ateer gracefully maneuverer past the visitors’ defence to score. Thirty minutes later, Swilly’s defender Darragh Mc Daid scored stylishly from close range, doubling their lead. Despite battling hard, Drumoghill struggled to create many chances. Former Swilly player Christy Smith and utilised his experience to support the younger players. Swilly sealed the win on 80 minutes when Daniel Mc Ateer netted a solo goal, rounding the keeper to finish with finesse. The match ended with a 3-0 scoreline. Referee: John Duffy.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 4 v 3 Gweedore United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Drumkeen United Reserves 0 v 8 Erne Wanderers
It was a cold wet day in Drumkeen as Erne Wanderers were the visitors for this Finn Travel Saturday Division Three encounter. Erne ended up as runners-up in this League and were too strong for Drumkeen in the two previous League meetings and it was the same on this occasion. Goals from Adam Mc Glone (5). Rian Treanor and Dylan Gallagher (2) ensured another comfortable victory for the visitors. Drumkeen were always under pressure in the first half and although they defended relatively well they still found themselves four goals behind. Drumkeen did manage to create a few chances but it was one of those days for them and they couldn’t manage to get on the score sheet. In fairness, the Home team did not lose heart and kept battling away until the final whistle but were unable to stop Erne from adding four second half goals. Referee: Mick Lagan
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 4 v 1 Fanad United Reserves
In the final clash of the Letterkenny Rovers Finn Travel Saturday Division Three league season, the champions, Letterkenny Rovers, squared off against Fanad United at Leckview on Saturday, March 23rd. Fanad graciously welcomed the title-holders onto the pitch, forming a guard of honour as they entered. The match burst into life early on, with Letterkenny Rovers asserting their dominance just 7 minutes in, as Adam Murphy unleashed a strike from 25 yards, finding the back of the net with precision. Fanad United’s resilience was evident as their goalkeeper, Brian Gallagher, thwarted a close-range effort from Artem Tymoschenko after 12 minutes. The champions continued to press forward, with Darragh Morrison doubling their lead in the 37th minute, courtesy of a well-executed assist from Pavlo Shevanick. However, Fanad United refused to give up, as Dylan Mc Bride tested the opposition’s defence with a shot just wide of the mark in the 40th minute. Their perseverance paid off just before halftime, with Cormac Sweeney pulling one back for Fanad, converting a free kick from outside the box in the 44th minute. As the teams regrouped at halftime, Letterkenny Rovers held a narrow 2-1 advantage. The second half saw Rovers maintain their attacking impetus, with Fanad United’s goalkeeper, Gallagher, producing a fine save to deny Pavlo Shevanick’s left-footed strike in the 48th minute. Letterkenny Rovers extended their lead in the 55th minute, as Darragh Morrison capitalized on a deflected shot from Jordan Nugent, giving his side a commanding 3-1 advantage. Despite Fanad United’s efforts to claw their way back into the contest, including opportunities for Mc Bride and Ferry in the 70th and 83rd minutes respectively, they were unable to find a breakthrough. In the dying moments of the game, Adam Murphy turned provider, setting up Jordan Nugent for Letterkenny Rovers’ fourth goal in the 90th minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the champions concluding their league campaign on a high note.
Sunday 24th March 2024
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Keadue Rovers 4 v 2 Gweedore Celtic
Keadue Rovers kept up their winning habit with their fourth win on the spin after dispatching a determined Gweedore Celtic outfit at Central Park on Sunday. In ideal conditions for football, both teams took a while to get into their stride but it was Gweedore Celtic who struck first after ten minutes when Jamie Doherty’s free kick on the left side of the box was misjudged by the Keadue keeper and it flew into the top corner. However, Keadue were not behind for long, with the impressive Aidan Mc Hugh putting in a good shift in the centre of midfield. Mc Hugh rifled home a leveller just after twenty minutes after some good pressure from the home side. Just short of the half hour, Mc Hugh was once again to the fore, this time lashing in a fantastic effort with his left foot from 25 yards which flew over the keeper. The home side kept up the tempo and put Gweedore on the back foot with another goal on forty minutes, this time via a cross which was deflected into the Gweedore net by their defender to leave it 3-1 at half time. In the second half, the home side remained on top for most of it, but the game was much scrappier this time, with Keadue content to soak up Gweedore pressure and hit on the break. They extended their lead just after the hour when a fine run and pass by Maurice Mc Gee released Aidan Brennan and he slotted home from close range for 4 -1. The visitors, to their credit, didn’t give up and a fine cross from the left side was met by a powerful Tommy Diver header for 4 – 2 on seventy minutes. However, after that, Keadue settled down and it once again became scrappy towards the end which suited Keadue as they ran out 4 – 2 winners to consolidate their good run and good position in the table. For the visitors, Jamie Doherty and two veterans Colin Mc Nicholas and Tommy Diver played well, while for Keadue, Aidan McHugh, Maurice Mc Gee and Aidan Brennan stood out. Referee: Packie Coll.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 v 4 Kildrum Tigers
(No Report Submitted)
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Honours even at the Flagpole Field as Castlefin and Rathmullan exchanged stoppage time goals at the end of either half in what was a largely forgettable afternoon by the Seaside for the footballing purist. The visiting side nipped ahead in first-half stoppage time, Sean Kennedy converting from close range after Rathmullan failed to deal with a set piece into the box. Castlefin looked as though they’d done enough in the second to keep an impotent Hoops’ attack at bay, but they weren’t counting on super-sub Paul Friel rising to the challenge of levelling matters deep into stoppage time. In the end, a point apiece might just about have been the fairest outcome. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United P v P Bonagee United
Gweedore United 4 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
Gweedore United got back to winning ways at the Pobal Scoil, Gweedore in a thoroughly entertaining match against Conroy Arsenal. It was the visitors who had almost taken the lead in the 2nd minute, Shay Harkin’s cross forced a great reflex save from United ‘s keeper, Oran Craig. The Gweedore men were next to come agonisingly close in taking the lead in the 21st minute. An excellent ball from Stephen Doyle- Mc Fadden picked out Ciaran Mc Fadden and his shot crashed against the underside of the crossbar. It was the away side that ended up breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Arsenal’s, Anthony Bogle made no mistake from the resulting spot kick. The 31st minute, the home side should have equalised when Stephen Doyle- Mc Fadden headed over from close range. United had another opportunity to restore parity on the 35th minute, when they too were awarded a penalty, however, Darren Ferry missed his spot kick. United showed their attacking intentions from the outset of the second half. The home side got their award on the 54th minute when good work down the left-hand side by Stephen Mc Fadden – Doyle played in Brian Mc Fadden who forced a saved from Ben Johnstone, however he could only parry, and Ronan O’Donnell was there to tap in from close range. The home side now with the momentum had taken the lead on the 57th minute, some slick passing from Mark Mc Fadden, Stephen Doyle- Mc Fadden and Ronan O’Donnell resulted in a close- range finish from Brian Mc Fadden. However, the away side punished United for their series of missed chances, on the 81st minute, Anthony Bogle found the net again. On the 85th minute, United’s Callum Ferreter’s delicate shot came off the underside of the crossbar and somehow the Convoy men manage to scramble the ball away. On the 87th minute, the home side’s persistency paid off, the deftest of touches from Darren Ferry from a Mark Mc Fadden free-kick restored the lead for them. Convoy Arsenal should have equalised again on 89th minute, however Jamie Grieve’s shot just nestled passed the home side’s left- hand post. The result was settled in the 91st minute, as a series of crisp passes by Mark Mc Fadden, Darren Ferry, Ciaran Mc Fadden down the left- hand side picked out Stephen Doyle- Mc Fadden who finished with great aplomb from outside the box. The two teams served up some excellent performances, United’s Stephen Doyle- Mc Fadden, Darren Ferry, Brian Mc Fadden, Ronan O’Donnell and Mark Mc Fadden were all very influential in the home side taking the three points. Anthony Bogle produced a fantastic display for the away side, and Callum Gillen, Shay Harkin, Ben Johnstone all produced good performances for the Convoy men. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Letterkenny Rovers 5 v 2 Letterbarrow Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Ulster Shield
Cockhill Celtic Reserves 5 v 1 Oldtown Celtic
(No report Available)
Results
Thursday 20th March 2024
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Lagan Harps 2 v 3 Bonagee United
Friday 21th March 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 3 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Saturday 23rd March 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
Fintown Harps AFC 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
St. Catherines Reserves 5 v 1 Arranmore United
Strand Rovers 3 v 2 Glencar Celtic
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 2 Milford United Reserves
Cranford United Reserves 0 v 3 Drumbar United
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
Ramelton Mariners 1 v 0 Dunlewey Celtic
Swilly Rovers Reserves 2 v 0 Drumoghill FC Reserves
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 4 v 3 Gweedore United Reserves
Drumkeen United Reserves 0 v 8 Erne Wanderers
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 4 v 1 Fanad United Reserves
Sunday 24th March 2024
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Keadue Rovers 4 v 2 Gweedore Celtic
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 v 4 Kildrum Tigers
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United v Bonagee United
Gweedore United 4 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
Letterkenny Rovers 5 v 2 Letterbarrow Celtic
Ulster Shield
Cockhill Celtic Reserves 5 v 1 Oldtown Celtic
