Here are all of the match reports and results from this week’s Donegal Women’s League and cup games.
Senior League
Letterkenny Rovers 0-1 Bonagee United
With the Senior league drawing to a close, a entertaining game was held between these sides, as both teams were solid defensively and created good chances. The only goal came from Nataile McFadden after Zara Shortt set up with a pass. Ciara McGarvey was just wide of the post a few minutes later, and the final chance fell to Sarah Robinson who was just wide of the Bonagee net.
Under 12
Highland Bakery Cup / Port Bingo Shield Semi Finals
Cappry Rovers A 3 – 0 Donegal Town A
The U12 girls played in the Cup semi-final tonight against familiar opposition Donegal Town. As always when these side’s meet it is a difficult challenge for the Cappry girls. A well worked corner was scored by Sinead McMenamin early in the game. Cappry battled away but Donegal were very good in defence. Donegal did break and get through on goal but Ellie Campbell was ready and saved. In the second half both team’s played some lovely football with both sides cancelling each other out. On 48th minute a nice passing move was hammered home by Alison Imbuli to make it 2 – 0. 3 minutes later Abbi Lyons scored with a great shot. The final score was 3 – 0 to Cappry Rovers. Cappry are through to Cup final now so well done girls
Mulroy Academy 0 – 4 Finn Valley A
Rosebowl/Plate Semi Finals
Group 2
Ballyraine Harps 2 – 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Gweedore Utd 2 – 0 Keadue Rovers
A game played in perfect conditions Keadue started the brightest against a strong Gweedore team. A cross early on by Keadue to the back post lead to their best chance but the striker just put it wide. In the second half Gweedore started to impress and a great run and cross by Erin Ferry led to the opening goal with a great finish by Aine Mangan it was nothing more than the home side deserve. On the 50 minute a great free kick by Lucy Doohan was saved brilliantly by Keadue’s keeper but Darcie Boyd was there to finish well. Keadue tried to get back into the game but the United defence stood strong to come away with the win. Great team performance by both sides.
Group 2
Glenree 4 – 0 Illistrin
The rearranged last game in the league series between Illistrin and Glenree was played in sunny conditions in Glenree on Tuesday night. Glenree opened the scoring from Erin Caldwell with a great pass by Eilis. The girls were playing really well with the midfield on top. Mia made it 2 nil with a run down the left and finished past the Illistrin goalkeeper. On 22 minutes Erin Caldwell scored with a fine first-time effort. Illistrin were always dangerous on the break but Leah, Aoife and Eliie were proving difficult to get past. The second half was an even affair and the Illistrin goalkeeper made a string of fine saves. Illistrin also had efforts that went narrowly wide of the Glenree goal. Eilis completed the scoring late on and the final score was Glenree United 4 Illistrin FC 0. This was a very sporting game and we wish Illistrin the best of luck as they go into the finals series. Thanks to referee Sinead Hagan who kept the game flowing. All 16 girls tonight played great and we now look forward to the finals. The girls topped their section and now play Convoy Arsenal next Monday night in a semi-final in Convoy.
Raphoe Town 0 – 1 Dunfanaghy Youths
In the final game of the section Dunfanaghy visited Drumineny in what turn out to be one of the most competitve matches of the season. The visitors started brightly with Black and McGinley putting the Raphoe defence of Emily Donnelly Molly Tinney and Ciara McCrory under pressure. Raphoe eventually got into the game with Caldwell sisters combining well but the Dunfanaghy defence was equal to the task. With Raphoe on top both Evana Roulstone and Clodadh Gallagher went close. Just before half time saw the only goal of the game when Raphoe failed to deal with a corner and Emily Black took advantage to fire home. The Dunfanaghy girls came out strong in the second half with Raphoe Introducing Ellen McCann Fearne Quinn and Ellen O’Kane try and break through. Emily Craig in the Raphoe goal was on form to deny Black and McGinley from adding to the lead but the save of the match went to Roisin Browne when she denied a certain goal from a powerful strike from Catherine Caldwell. Raphoe then hit the post from the resulting goal mouth scramble but as the clock ticked down it was not to be for the Raphoe Girls and Dunfangahy stood firm. Thanks for Ref Eunan Brolly and good luck to Dunfanghy in their Semi Final.
Group 3
Drumkeen United – Gweedore United B (Drumkeen win)
Under 14
Group 1
Letterkenny Rovers 4 – 1 Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers got their first win of the second series when they met Gweedore Cetlic, and a fitting setting on the new grass pitch on Leckview. Aisling McGinley set Savanna Keys clear on the second minute for the first goal. Aisling McGinley hit a cracking shot on 15 mins giving the Gweedore Celtic not chance. Aoise Diver wrapped up the scoring on the stroke of half time. Gweedore Celtic reorganised in the second half and created more chances as Rovers began to drift out of shape. Good defending by Laila Devenney, Kayla Lynch and Afrah Muddassir kept Gweedore at bay until the 60min when Nia Richardson pulled one back for Gweedore. Amy Moore created the space and perfect pass on 67 mins for Aisling McGinley who rounded the keeper and slot the last goal of the game. Well done to both teams and Referee Paddy Doherty.
St Catherine’s 0 – 1 Finn Valley
Bonagee United 3 – 0 Glenea United
Bonagee came out on top in a tight contest at Dry Arch park against Glenea United. Bonagee got off to a great start when Lauryn Harkin won the ball high up the pitch, played Ellen Temple through who dispatched the ball past the Glenea keeper. Five minutes later Ellen Temple got onto a long ball from Kate Gillespie and slotted home to make it two nil. Glenea started to grow into the game with Shauna Doohan coming close on a few occasions but she was denied by Khloe Kennedy in the Bonagee net. Just before halftime Ava Harkin made a great run from deep and then squared the ball to Emma Kelly who finished high into the net. The second half started with Glenea pressing for a goal back with Luc Doohan looking to breach the Bonagee defence but was denied by Cari Callaghan-McElwaine. Down the other end Ava Harkin and Kate Gillespie had chances but saw their efforts saved by Aoife Meehan. A great game from both teams which was well refereed by Caolan McGarrigle.
Group 2
Lagan Harps 1 – 4 Drumbar Utd
A strong second half performance by Drumbar saw them take the points. The first half was evenly contested with Drumbar taking an early lead. Megan Gallagher scored with a shot from wide on the left. Lagan battled back with Amy Lateef, Emily McMahon and Abi Nesbitt going close. Jodie Rodgers made a few strong runs from the back as Lagan pressed. Lagan equalised when a good through ball from Molly McGee sent Abi Nesbitt through to score. Drumbar forced Ella Sharkey into some good saves as the half wore on. Drumbar had more possession in the second half and two goals from Enma Mc Nulty swung the game in their favour. Drumbar u12 player Aoife Gallagher was just denied a goal by a last-ditch tackle. Lagan battled away with Sinead Mc Loughlin superb in midfield. She went close before Drumbar got a late goal to seal the points. Both teams were missing some regulars and Lahan started with three u12’s and brought two more on. The team put in a great effort throughout. Drumbar were well organised and were deserving winners. The game was well refereed by Daniel Doherty.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 – 1 Lagan Harps
This was a really evenly balanced game throughout. Lagan got off to a flier with Amy Lateef scoring in the first minute after Kilmac failed to deal with a fine shot from the Lagan attack. Kilmacrennan came back into it and Lucy Sweeney equalised after nine minutes. She was rewarded with an excellently taken goal following a Katelyn Fay throw-in. Clodagh Kavanagh snuffed out a lot of Kilmac attacks at full back for Lagan. Both sets of midfielders worked hard and cancelled each other’s attacks out. There were no clearcut chances for either side after that. Cate Cameron took some excellent frees for Kilmac in the second half but both defences were solid and keepers Ciara Cullen and Cara Mc Gettigan dealt with everything that came at them. Sinead Mc Loughlin and Amy Lateef had a good battle in midfield with Kilmac’s Rachel Hegarty and Grainne Friel as both teams battled for openings. A draw was a fair result in a game well refereed by Sinead Hagan. A fair result in the end. Thanks to Sinead Hagan for marshalling the game excellently in the middle.
Ballyraine 2 – 2 Keadue Rovers
Ballyraine ended their losing streak with a well-deserved draw at home to Keadue Rovers. Keadue started stronger without troubling Aine McDaid in the Ballyraine goal. They were rewarded for their pressure with a penalty on 20 minutes after a handball by a Ballyraine defender but Aine McDaid pulled off a stunning save to deny Keadue. Rovers did make the breakthrough five minutes later when a deflected shot from Rebecca Reestand looped over the helpless Ballyraine keeper.
In the second half Ballyraine dominated the chances and grabbed an equaliser when Eadaoin Kennedy tapped in from close range after good work from the tireless Finlay Doherty. Grace McGlynn then rattled the crossbar from distance. Keadue broke away and scored against the run of play through Eve McLaughin, ending a good team move. The Ballyraine girls’ heads didn’t drop though, and Aoife Kenna moved into midfield in an effort to salvage something from the match. Their hard work was rewarded when Kenna swept home from a Grace McGlynn corner in the final minute of the match. A draw was a fair result in the end. Thanks to Marty McGarrigle for refereeing.
Convoy Arsenal 1 – 0 Illistrin
A good turn out tonight for the U14 girls who took on Illistrin FC at home in Orchard Park. Thankfully the rain stayed off to allow the team and supporters to enjoy the game. Both teams came out of the blocks looking to get the first goal. It was an equal game going in at the break with the scoreline sitting at 0-0. A sluggish start for the Convoy girls in the second half however they did get a few shots on target with the Illistrin keeper Tayla pulling off some great saves. Convoy’s back line of Leah Doonan, Cliodhna Gildea and Aimee Mc Nulty worked hard to prevent Illistrin getting on the score sheet allowing our keeper Rihea to keep a clean sheet. Amy Doonan worked tirelessly in centre midfield getting balls coming from both directions and played a nice ball through to Jenna Doherty to get the home team the lead. The Convoy squad made lots of changes allowing every girl to get plenty of game time and the result ended 1-0 to Convoy. Thank you to Illistrin for a great game and well done to all the girls.
Drumbar United – Gweedore United (Drumbar Win)
Drumbar Utd hosted Gweedore Utd in an exciting home League match at Coolshannon, Inver. The game kicked off with Drumbar dominating the early stages. Emma McNulty opened the scoring, putting Drumbar ahead within the first 12 minutes. Shortly after, Emie McNulty doubled their lead, giving the home side a strong start. As the first half drew to a close, Megan Gallagher added a third goal, firing home from close range to send Drumbar into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. In the second half, Drumbar continued their impressive form. Emma McNulty and Megan Gallagher each added goals to their tallies. Elsie Browne also made a significant impact, scoring two well-taken goals to further extend Drumbar’s lead. The match concluded with a commanding victory for Drumbar Utd, as they secured a convincing win heading into the final two league games of the season. Both teams deserve credit for their efforts in a hard-fought match.
Group 3
Raphoe Town 1 – 4 Glenree
No joy last night for the Raphoe U14 girls as Glenree take the points with goals from Tara Coyle and Aimee Bassett.
The visitors had started with great enthusiasm and had scored three by the halfway mark. Two quick succession goals and then a corner taken by Glenree’s Aimee Bassestt glided straight in over the Raphoe keeper. Lylah got a touch on it but couldn’t control. The Raphoe girls started to settle and started to play, creating loads of chances through Lily Rose Doherty. The Raphoe girls kept playing and combined well with Eva Kelly ,Emily Maxwell and Cara O Connell all creating chances.
Eventually Raphoe were rewarded by their passing football and Lily Rose Doherty initial shot dropped by the Glenree keeper was slotted home by Lily Rose to gain one back. Glenree got their fourth goal against the run of play early in the second half yet it was the Raphoe girls who pressed and created chances in the last 15 mins but couldn’t get the final success. Well done to these young ladies as they never give up and work continuously to the end. Great learning from this game for the Raphoe girls as well developing the ability to control the ball under pressure.
Donegal Town A 1 – 2 Cappry Rovers
Donegal Town B 1 – 1 Dunfanaghy Youths
Under 16
Group1
Ballyraine 1 – 5 Drumbar United
Champions Drumbar United came to visit Ballyraine at Orchard Grove and were given a guard of honour as they entered the pitch. It was a good-natured game and both teams were evenly matched in the first half. Drumbar had slightly more possession but neither keeper was troubled. Ballyraine had to work very hard to match Drumbar. In the second half it was Ballyraine who took a shock lead against the champions when Feile Marley put pressure on the Drumbar defence which led to Emer Cassidy leaping onto a loose ball and scoring from 20 yards. This seemed to spur Drumbar on and midfileder Sarah Colhoun took control of the game like a captain should. Hannah McGowan scored shortly after Ballyraine had taken the lead. Drumbar doubled their lead when a speculative shot from Emie McNulty found its way past Alisha Montgomery in the Ballyraine goals. Ballyraine tried to keep their heads up, but Drumbar were too strong and showed why they’re champions. Captains Sarah Colhoun was immense and she was rewarded with a goal on the hour mark. Further goals from McNulty and olhoun put the game out of Ballyraine’s reach. Good luck to both sides in their cup semi-finals.
Illistrin 1 – 3 Milford United
Milford came out victorious in a very tight and competitive game. An OG and goals from Brooke Everson and Erin Nelis were enough to win the game for Milford. Illistrin goal from Sophie Temple.
Bonagee United 1 – 4 Gweedore United
Th sun came out on Wednesday evening at Dry Arch Park for the meeting of U16 Bonagee Utd v Gweedore Utd. The Gweedore girls started strong with two goal attempts just off the mark. However, it wasn’t long before Gweedore’s efforts were rewarded with Lily Rodgers finding the back of the net in the first five minutes. Bonagee’s Maria McLaughlin and Ashling Mugan were very close to evening the sides but were denied by Gweedore’s goalkeeper Elianne McFadden. Bonagee’s Ellen Temple and Cari Callaghan came down the line strong, but the sides remained 1-0. Gweedore’s Lily Rodgers nearly got her aside ahead again, but Bonagee’s Ruth Hopkins kept the scoreline at 1-0 at the end of the first half. Goals came quick in the second half with Gweedore’s Neasa Diver and Emma McCool both scoring. Bonagee’s keeper Ruth Hopkins made two great saves to deny Gweedore increasing their score however Lily Rodgers found her second goal of the evening leaving the sides 4-0. Bonagee’s Ellen Temple and Ava Harkin found fantastic momentum, just missing their forceful attempts to put the Letterkenny girls on the scoreboard. Bonagee were not finished yet, Susanna Carr netted a fantastic goal in the last five minutes of the match, leaving the score, Bonagee 1 Gweedore 4.
Raphoe Town 3 – 2 Finn Valley
A superb last-minute goal from Nakita Frizzell proved to be the difference for Raphoe Town’s U16 girls as they overcame Finn Valley in a brilliant encounter in Drumineney on Wednesday night to secure runners-up spot in the U16 League.
It looked for all the world as if the points would be shared in this cracking game that had little to separate two teams who played their hearts out from the first whistle to the last. Finn Valley had taken the initiative early on when Ella Udoku raced through to break the deadlock, but it wasn’t long before Raphoe were back on level terms. Tory McCarron, Hannah Goudie and Molly McGroarty were all involved in a fine passing move that saw Clíodhna Kelly race clear of the Valley defence and steer the ball home to level the game. Raphoe upped the tempo after that, with Daisy Leeper holding the ball up superbly for the hard-working Cara Eaton in midfield who was linking up well with Erin O’Donnell and proving to be a constant threat down the left wing. Ten minutes later Hannah Goudie’s super through ball set Clíodhna Kelly away again and she made no mistake with a brilliant finish to the roof of the net to claim her second goal of the night. But the visitors bounced back, Rachel Harron netting a fine goal for their equaliser as both teams battled to gain the upper hand. Valley goalkeeper Eliza-Jane Magee was cool under pressure on several occasions as they played their way out from the back, while at the other end Raphoe full-backs Holly Tinney and Tory McCarron worked hard to cut out several Valley attacks while goalkeeper Kelsey Parke was equal to several Finn Valley efforts on goal. Alicia McCullagh and Cassie Tinney brought new energy to the Raphoe side as they sought to up the tempo, but Valley captain Bronagh Gallen organised her team brilliantly and they matched the home side every step of the way. Lively winger Brooke Johnston showed some brilliant skills and one-touch link-up play as she sought to help Raphoe gain a way past the visitors and she had an enthralling battle with Valley’s Mia McMullin in the second half, both girls turning in excellent displays. Both teams had half-chances to go ahead and Lucy Kelly and May Hastings made some timely tackles and interceptions for Raphoe as the game headed towards what looked like a draw, but the home side had a final sting in the tail. With less than a minute on the clock, Alicia Domanska’s sublime through ball sent Nakita Frizzell away, and after racing clear of the last defender, she clipped the ball past the goalkeeper to score with a beautiful finish worthy of winning any game. It was a tough blow for a Valley side who had fought so hard throughout and both teams deserve immense credit for providing such great entertainment and a cracking game of football.
Well done to our girls who finished off a great league season as runners-up and who now play Milford in the Cup/Shield semi-finals next week.
Group 2
Keadue Rovers 4 – 0 St Catherine’s
