Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal Women’s League action.
Senior League
Bonagee United 3 – 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Both teams started well but it was Bonagee who applied the early pressure with good link up play on a few occasions between Deborah Kerrigan and aisling Mugan on the right side. Bonagee gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. It was Erin Doherty who took charge and converted it into the left side of the net. It wasn’t long before Bonagee levelled with Caitlin Fletcher scoring a nice goal coming in from the right. shortly after this Bonagee were awarded a corner and after some confusion in the Rovers’ box the ball landed to Eimear sweeney who made no mistake with her finish. All to play for the in the second half with Bonagee having the better chances. Catherine Frier and aisling Mugan dominating the midfield and Zara Shortt having a brilliant game on the left. Bonagee got their third of the night when Shortt played the ball inside to Natalie McFadden who had spaced to run into and played a nice pass into Chloe Creevy who finished well for her first senior goal. A good game of football from both sides. Bonagee now look forward to an away trip to Cabinteely from Dublin on Sunday in the All-Ireland amateur shield semi-final.
Under 12
Group 1
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 – 0 Gweedore United
Donegal Town 2 – 0 Lagan Harps
Another fantastic result for our under 12 girls tonight with a hard fought 2-0 victory over a strong Lagan Harps team, goals either side of half time from Sophie and Nicole wrapped up the points for the Town, a very good team performance from all 10 girls, next up it’s an away trip to Cappry, well done girls.
Finn Valley A 1 – 1 Ballyraine Harps
On Tuesday evening we welcomed Ballyraine to the Finn Valley Centre. Both teams started strong and there were chances at both ends but neither team able to score. In the second half Finn Valley pushed on and scored through Ríona Mc Intyre with a brilliant finish. Finn Valley continued to press but hit the woodwork on numerous occasions. Some great saves from the Ballyraine keeper kept them in it and with little over 5 mins remaining Ballyraine broke and got the equaliser. The game finished one each. Thanks to Ballyraine for a great game and to Eunan Brolly for a well reffed game. Good luck for the rest of the season
Convoy Arsenal – Mulroy Academy (Mulroy Win)
Just another one of those nights for Convoy girls as they took on Mulroy at home in Orchard Park. The girls battle on in this very hard group and can be happy to know that regardless of what happens they will finish at least in the top 10 in the whole league. Mulroy’s number 10 was on fire tonight, a super young player altogether. She took chance after chance and got her reward. Well done to both teams on what was a warm night to be playing. Convoy girls cheered up when they got the opportunity to get their picture taken with the Ladies Street League Cup won by their coach on Saturday. Something for them to work towards in the future.
Keadue Rovers 0 – 0 Gweedore United A
On a fine evening for football, both defences were well on top in a game of very few chances. Keadue had the best chance of the game on 20 mins when a tremendous cross from Ciara Gallagher, found Jessica Keys at the back post but her first time effort went just wide of the post. Both keepers had numerous shots from distance to deal with but both keepers dealt excellently with anything that came their way. Referee Seimi Ferry let the play flow well and the big crowd were treated to a good physical game, which just needed 1 goal to spring into life.
Cappry Rovers A 3 – 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Cappry A u12 girls had a home game against Kilmacrennan tonight. It was a hard-fought victory for Cappry with Kilmacrennan battling to the very end. The 1st half ended 1 – 0 to Cappry after a great pass from Neasa Foy was scored by Molly Gallagher. Kilmacrennan had a number of chances from some super throws from Jorja Mae McGroarty. Cappry scored again after a free kick was pounced on by Eadaoin McMenamin to make it 2 – 0. A great passing move from Cappry was scored by Alison Imbuli. The game finished 3 – 0 to Cappry with all the girls combining well and playing some great football. Neasa Foy best for Cappry. Wishing Kilmacrennan all the best for the rest of the season
Lagan Harps 0 – 3 Cappry Rovers
Lagan put in a real battling performance against a really strong Cappry side. Cappry dominated from the start and forced corner after corner. They eventually scored from one when Sinead Mc Menamin got free to score. They got a second just before halftime when Abi Lyons scored from the edge of the box. Caoimhe Sweeney carried Lagan’s main threat but was continually closed off. Cappry again dominated the second half, but the Lagan defence of Thea Rodgers, Ariah Doherty and Kelsie Mc Menamin really battled hard. Cappry got their third eventually late on with a great strike from Mollie Gallagher. It was a back to the walls for most of the game for Lagan but the girls battled gamely throughout. Well refereed by Sinead Hagan.
Group 2
Drumkeen United – Kildrum Tigers (Kildrum Win)
After a tight affair between these two teams at the start of the season, Kildrum proved too strong this time out as the away side took the lead on the 4th minute. From here Kildrum continued to keep the pressure on and deservedly found themselves 3-0 up by half time. Drumkeen had a few chances in the second half but couldn’t test the Kildrum keeper. Kildrum went on to put the game to bed as they scored another 3 in the second half. A good all-round performance from Kildrum with young Sophia Henderson standing out for Drumkeen on the day.
Dunfanaghy Youths 4 – 1 Milford United
Callum Friel Park in Dunfanaghy was the setting for the first meeting of the Dunfanaghy Youths Girls U-12 against Milford Utd. It was a lovely evening for it and referee Matthew Hall was the official. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half with both teams having chances at each goal. The first goal came on 21 minutes when Fiadh Mc Ginley slotted the goal in the back of the nets. For the home team keeper Roisin Browne was in fine form making valuable saves and Clara Ward Duffy was strong at the back commanding the defence. The second goal came from number 14 Emily Black on 36 minutes and was a great team effort with the ball worked up from defence. Just a few minutes later Milford scored a fine goal with Michaella Mc Elhinney getting her name on the scoresheet. Dunfanaghy Midfielder Sophie Barbour and Emily Black came close again on a few occasions, but it was to be Fiadh Mc Ginley’s night when she completed her hat trick with two more goals at 51 and 57 minutes respectively. Overall, a fine performance from players on both teams and a lively game to watch for spectators. The final score was 4-1 with the home side taking the points.
Gweedore Celtic 0 – 3 Glenree
Drumbar United 4 – 0 Illistrin
Group 3
Swilly Rovers – Letterkenny Rovers B (Swilly Win)
Swilly Rovers FC u12 Girls had a win over Letterkenny Rovers FC u12B this evening in sun drenched Swilly Park. The game started off with both teams battling hard in midfield and both found it hard to get the ball into space. Eventually Swilly started to gain advantage though and a few corners came their way. Letterkenny were resolute in their defense though and the score remained even for at least 15 mins when Anna Pshenychni broke the deadlock. Kiri Sweeney soon followed up after some nice midfield play and a through ball. Letterkenny had a few chances of their own now, but chasing the game they game they were left exposed, and Kiri grabbed another. Not to be outdone captain Ella Coyle swiftly followed with another. Lots of changes meant a new line up in second half and after a very intense spell of pressure from Letterkenny Anna Pshenychni struck again for Swilly. Ella followed up again and soon after Alannah Quaile getting her first in this campaign. Rebecca McBride came close in the dying minutes but her shot came off the post and her second attempt was expertly saved by the Letterkenny goalkeeper. Well done Letterkenny and thanks to Con McLaughlin for officiating
Cappry Rovers B 0 – 0 Bonagee United
Cappry u12 B welcomed Bonagee to riverside this evening. Another hard-fought battle by the girls with some great performances by both teams. There were some excellent shots by both sides, and it ended with a 0 -0 draw. Thanks to Bonagee for a very entertaining game and to Daniel Carlin for refereeing.
Ballyraine Celtic 1 – 0 Gweedore United B
Drumbar United B 0 – 0 Finn Valley B
Under 14
Group 1
Bonagee United 1 – 0 Milford United
Bonagee welcomed Milford United to Dry Arch Park to start off phase two of the u14 Donegal Women’s League and it was the home side who set the tempo with Ava Harkin and Lillygrace Harvey testing Megan McGinley in the Milford net. Bonagee continued to press but the Milford defence was hard to break down. As the game went on Milford grew into the game with Darcy Nash doing well for Milford. The game opened up more in the second half with Cari Callaghan McElwaine and Shannon Sibbald doing well to keep the Milford attack out. Bonagee’s pressure paid off on the fiftieth minute mark when Isla Larkin got on the end of an Ellen Temple cross inside the box. Bonagee had chances through Kate Gillespie and Tara McDaid but Megan McGinley refused to be beaten again. That’s how the game finished with Isla Larkin impressing in the middle for Bonagee and Megan McGinley with a player of the match performance in the Milford goal.
Letterkenny Rovers 1 – 5 Mulroy Academy
In the first game of the top tier in the U14 League Mulroy defeated Letterkenny Rovers 5-1. Rovers had to call up four u12 players Andrianna, Mary, Aoise and Mary along with Savanna for the starting lineup. Mulroy were strong in midfield however Amy Moore and Clara Peoples worked hard to make Mulroy play around us rather than through the middle. With this it resulted in conceding corners, with Mulroy taking full advantage score from 3 corners in the first half. The first Erin Logue bounce on a loose ball after a Aisling Duffy Corner. From an Amy McAteer corner, Aisling Duffy hit the back of the net with a love strike from the edge of the box, Aisling got her second shortly after from another corner goal mouth scramble. Rovers had a good attacking spell in the last 10 mins before half time with Savanna Keys and Ellie May Wilkin combining well, but between Erin Logue and Chloe McLoughlin the cleared the danger, Aisling McGinley sent Amy Moore through on goal, Amy stayed strong and got strike into the back of the net. Aisling McGinley controlled the Rovers defense reading the through balls perfectly all evening. 3-1 to Mulroy at half time. Another corner for Mulroy Aoibhlinn Callaghan toe poked the ball into the Rovers’ net in a goal mouth scramble. The final goal of the night was for Etain’s Sheridan when Cara Gibsons played a through ball. A fine team performance by Mulroy Academy with Amy Moore and Aisling McGinley standing out for Rovers.
St Catherine’s 4 – 2 Glenea United
Finn Valley 4 – 0 Gweedore Celtic
Group 2
Ballyraine 2 – 1 Lagan Harps
Ballyraine got off to a winning start in the second phase of the league against Lagan Harps at Orchard Grove. Lagan took the lead on 21 minutes with a well worked goal. Treghan Doherty scored after a great one-two opened up the Ballyraine defence. Grace McGlynn took matters into her own hands and scored with a good shot from 20 metres out on the 27th Minute to equalise for the home side. Ballyraine dominated for large parts of the second half with Eadoian Kennedy coming close on several occasions but Lagan were always very dangerous on the break. The winning goal came on the 54th minute when Grace McGlynn found space for herself to rifle in another shot from distance. Both sides had chances later in the game, but the points went to the Letterkenny side. Well done to Caolan McGarrigle on his first match as referee. He controlled the match very well and hopefully he’ll go on to have a long career in the game.
Drumbar United 1 – 2 Keadue Rovers
Convoy Arsenal 2 – 3 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Probably the unluckiest final scoreline so far this season for Convoy Arsenal U14 girls who took on Kilmacrennan. Convoy had five first team players missing, between holidays or injuries. Kilmac went ahead early in the game by two goals which meant the Convoy ladies needed to get their heads in the game. Grace Mc Bride who plays an integral part of their game and was carrying an injury for a number of weeks now and she wanted to try things out but unfortunately had to come off the pitch 15 minutes in. This left a mountain to climb for the home team. All girls dug so deep and gave the 100% asked of them. Convoy brought the game to 2-1 when Amelia Bonner got her foot on a pass in from Jenna Doherty. Not too much later, and a beautiful ball played up from the midfield line by birthday girl Leah Doonan found Jenna who converted to another goal. This brought the scores level going in at half time. The second half was a very well contested battle with immense fighting for possession, a few scuffles here and there but in the very last minute of the game Kilmac went ahead with a superbly taken corner. Goalie Rihea Parke pulled off some incredible saves throughout the entire game and goes away deflated feeling the ball was taken from her hands. Well done to both teams for a super game and we wish Grace Mc Bride and Amy Doonan a very speedy recovery. A massive thank you to the 3 U12 players who helped us out tonight.
Gweedore United 2 – 3 Illistrin
Group 3
Donegal Town A 2 – 0 Donegal Town B
Dunfanaghy Youths – Raphoe Town (Raphoe Town Win)
Glenree 2 – 0 Swilly Rovers
Glenree under 14 girls entertained our Lennon neighbours in a sunny Glenree Park on Friday evening. The first half was evenly matched and both teams came close in breaking the deadlock but both goalkeepers were alert to every attack.
The first goal came on 40mins when Tara Coyle sprung the offside trap and cooly slotted home. Ms Coyle doubled her tally on 50mins when great team play from out of defence linked up several of our girls and Tara chipped the keeper from 10yards. The Ramelton side never gave up and they came close in getting back into the game on a few occasions. Their commitment and eagerness to compete is a credit to their club. Our squad of 18 x strong all contributed to the game in what was a comfortable win in the end up. Our Team captain for the game Suzanne Doherty marshalled her post effortlessly and her teammate Emily Boyce was sterling in defence and attack and is a worthy player of the match.
Under 16
Group 1
Milford United – Ballyraine (Milford United Win)
Drumbar 2 – 1 Illistrin
This was a tightly contested affair with two evenly matched teams going at it hammer and tongs . Both sides came close on several occasions before Drumbar won an indirect free kick which was played back to Shaelagh Brannigan. Shaelagh made no mistake drilling a low finish into the corner to make it 1-0 to the home side. Both sides continued strongly before Drumbar won a free kick on the edge of the area. Sarah Colhoun stepped up and curled her shot past the keeper to make it 2-0 at the break. The second half continued in the same vein with both sides creating chances. Eventually Illistrin worked the ball to Sophie McLaughlin on the right wing. Sophie swung in a dipping shot which deceived the keeper to make it 2-1. Both sides continued to press but Drumbar saw out the game to claim all three points.
Bonagee United 4 – 1 Ballyraine
Bonagee’s Cara Shiels got her side off the mark quick with the help of Maria McLaughlin. Ballyraine’s goalkeeper was tested throughout the first half with a great performance displayed. The first half ended 1-0 to Bonagee. The second half started with Ellen Temple increasing Bonagee’s lead however Ballyraine came back quick with a solid goal leaving the score 2-1. Bonagee’s Emma Kelly got her side’s third goal with Ellen Temple getting her second goal, leaving the final score at 4-1 to Bonagee. A great performance from both teams.
Raphoe Town 1 – 2 Milford United
No joy for the Raphoe girls tonight as an on-form Milford took the win. Milford had a greater hunger tonight with a wide cross from the right sailing in to go one up early in the first half. The Raphoe girls came out in the second half with more composure but were hit on the counter to make it 2 nil. As usual the girls kept going and worked hard and started to create chances in the Milford box. Eventually, they retrieved one back through Alicia McCullagh. Time not on their side now as they battled to find the equaliser. Not to be tonight as an industrious Milford took all three points.
Finn Valley WFC 2 – 2 Gweedore Utd
Finn Valley WFC got back to the second phase of the league campaign on Wednesday 24th with a home game against Gweedore Utd. The Valley girls kicked off playing against the blustery breeze and both teams took a while to find their rhythm of play and 15 min into the contest Valley took the lead through Ella Udoku. From the restart Gweedore came more into the game using the elements to their advantage and with the Valley girls defending deeply for long periods the determined Gweedore girls got their equaliser through L Rodgers. After drawing level, the incentive was with the visitors after a short time took the lead through Rogers again going into the HT break capitalising on a defensive error. Gweedore started the second half with a bit more urgency, but the Valley defence stood firm to the attacking visitors, both defences stood firm and little chances created on goal by either team as the half went on. Valley seemed to step up a gear and the advantage swung in their favour, coming close a few times. Valley, pushing and working hard for the equaliser, got their rewards when the Gweedore keeper failed to hold the Valley effort and Udoku was quickest to react to bundle the ball into the visitor’s goal for the equaliser with little time left final score FVWFC 2 – 2 Gweedore Utd
Group 2
Keadue Rovers 3 – 1 Mulroy Academy
St Catherine’s 3 – 2 Letterkenny Rovers
Cappry Rovers 0 – 4 Lagan Harps