Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Voodoo Venue Cup and Brian McCormick Cup action.
Voodoo Venue Cup
REPORTS
Arranmore United 1 v 4 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
A youthful Gweedore side visited Rannagh Park on a fine Summer’s day. The away side started brightly and took the lead after 5 minutes. The ball fell to Darragh Mc Gee who scored with a long-range strike. Arranmore’s captain Phil Boyle equalised shortly after, his left footed strike found the bottom corner. Darragh Mc Gee put Gweedore ahead again on the half hour mark and they went into the break 2-1 ahead. Gweedore’s fitness kicked in during the second half and they pulled away from Arranmore. Cronan Mc Fadden put Gweedore further ahead with 60 minutes gone when he converted a well worked move. Substitute Oisin Gallagher sealed the win for Gweedore late on. Team performance from an impressive Gweedore side. Paul Early best for Arranmore. Referee: Sean Ferry
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 1 Lagan Harps Reserves
Castlefin advanced to the next round of the Voodoo Venue Cup after an extra time win over Lagan Harps. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Lagan took the lead when Damien Mc Fadden prodded home just before half time. Castlefin piled on the pressure and finally got their reward when Travis Lafferty poked home a rebound from the penalty spot. In the 100th minute Lafferty found the winner when he broke down the left and slotted home.
Copany Rovers 3 v 0 Cappry Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town Reserves 5 v 6 Erne Wanderers (AET)
(No Report Submitted)
Drumbar F.C. 2 v 0 St. Catherines Reserves
Drumbar United kicked off their season with a solid win. Both teams had a shaky start in the opening ten minutes but Drumbar soon found their rhythm and began to put pressure on the Saints’ defence. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when striker Andrew Monahan opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, assisted by defender Kevin Martin. The first half ended with Drumbar leading 1-0. In the second half, St Catherine’s came out strong, pressing hard to find an equaliser. However, Drumbar’s defence remained resolute, weathering the storm. As the match progressed, a superb combination between Odhran Meehan and Eoghan Gallagher on the left flank set up Monahan once again. He fired home to secure his brace and give Drumbar a comfortable lead. Drumbar managed to hold out for the remainder of the match, successfully seeing out the 90 minutes and securing their place in the next round of the Voodoo Venue Cup. Congratulations to the team on a great performance in beautiful conditions.
Drumkeen United Reserves 2 v 4 Ballybofey United Reserves
The Sun was shining at St Patrick’s Park as Drumkeen welcomed near neighbours Ballybofey for the opening game of the 24/25 Season in the Voodoo Venue Cup. The Visitors dominated the opening period of this game as Drumkeen got off to a terrible start and found themselves 3 goals behind after 15 minutes. Cain Thomson opened the scoring for the visitors when he headed home a corner from close range. Shane Carlin added a second with a great finish from outside the box and Mark Griffin added a third and before they knew it the home team had the proverbial mountain to climb. Despite the early setback Drumkeen gradually grew into the game but they were struggling to create goalscoring opportunities. They did get a bit of a Lifeline when they were awarded a penalty around the half hour mark for a foul on Lee Guthrie. Guthrie himself stepped up to calmly slot the penalty home to reduce the deficit and give his team something to build on for the remaining hour of the match. Drumkeen nearly pulled another goal back but Toye saw his great long-range effort just clip the crossbar. If that one would have gone in the picture would have been much brighter for the home team. Drumkeen undid a lot of their good work early in the second half as they fell further behind as Shane Carlin got his second goal of the game. Drumkeen responded well though and pulled another goal back almost immediately as Lee Guthrie got his second after a great ball through the middle from Ryan James set him up. The two nearly combined again shortly after that but Lee Guthrie couldn’t get a touch on a great ball into the box from James. Drumkeen continued to press for another and if they could have managed another who knows what may have happened in the last 10 minutes. But the clock was against them and Ballybofey held firm to claim the victory. This game was played in a good sporting manner on a perfect day for Football. Referee: Leo Devenney.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 8 Bonagee United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Dunlewey Celtic 3 v 2 Keadue Rovers Reserves
Wonderful conditions in Glentornan Park for the opening fixture of the Voodoo Venue Cup 2024/2025. This game got off to a flying start with Dunlewey opening the scoring after 2 minutes when Joseph Devenney slotted the ball home neatly into the bottom corner from a quick Dunlewey attack. Keadue, with the wind to their backs, tried to get back into the game but Dunlewey’s defence was strong, with Sean O’Donnell and Sean Gallagher having great performances in the centre of defence throughout the day. Dunlewey doubled their lead on 20 minutes when Lorcan Gallagher got in on the scoring, finishing well past the Keadue keeper. Keadue pulled a goal back after 35 minutes when they managed to break through the Dunlewey backline and put pressure on the hosts for the rest of the first half. 2-1 the score at the halfway stage. Dunlewey started the second half with the wind in their favour and used this to their advantage. Keadue began to play shorter sharper football in the second half but Dunlewey’s organisation kept them in the lead for most the second half. Keadue then equalised through some neat football and a good finish to pull the sides level. Both sides had a couple of chances to win it in normal time, the best of which probably went Keadue’s way, but between Dunlewey’s defence and Daniel Roarty between the posts they couldn’t get the winner. 2-2 the final score after normal time. Into extra time and the depleted Dunlewey side were feeling the pressure but kept a solid shape not allowing Keadue to break them down and the ball broke in midfield and was sent wide to Joseph Devenney who made a mazy run through the Keadue side, crossed the ball to Lorcan Gallagher who finished with a fine strike. 3-2 to Dunlewey after the first half of extra time. Keadue pushed and pushed in the second half of extra time to get back into the game but it wasn’t to be their day today and the hosts advanced to the next stage of the Voodoo Venue Cup with a 3-2 victory. Referee: Seami Ferry
Glencar Celtic 0 v 1 Fanad United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United Reserves 0 v 8 Strand Rovers
In very fine conditions for football, Glenea got their competitive season underway with this Voodoo Venue Cup encounter against a very strong Strand outfit. The away side started strongly and took the lead on 15 minutes when the home defence failed to deal with across and Ethan Mc Caffrey’s effort the edge of the box found the top corner. The home side tried hard to get back into the game but were finding it tough against James Mc Cole’s well marshalled defence. Strand extended their lead on 35 minutes when Ciaran Mc Daid’s cross was turned in by Aron Ward. Strand added 3 goals in the last 10 minutes of the 1st half through strikes from Aron Ward, Damian Mc Gowan and David Mc Carron. In the 2nd half Strand extended their lead on 48 minutes when Aron got his 2nd goal from close range. Glenea kept trying to get something out of the game, but were punished again on 55 minutes wen Ciaran Mc Daid forced the ball home after a corner. Strand completed the scoring on 65 minutes when Karl Magee scored from the edge of the box. A team effort from Glenea while James McCole and Aron Ward impressed for Strand. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
Gweedore United Reserves 1 v 3 Cranford United Reserves
It was fantastic weather for the game in Gweedore on Saturday afternoon. Cranford won the toss and had a strong breeze behind them in the first half. They took full advantage with 2 goals from Shane Coll in the 16th and 48th minutes respectively to go in at half time 2 nil up. Gweedore came out after the half time break and played much better football and got their reward from a set piece in which Francis Gallagher finished off in the 65th minute. Late on in the game with 15 minutes to go Gweedore were turning the screw but conceded on the break in the 84th minute with a very good finish from Tiarnan Mc Bride to make 1-3 to the visitors at full time. Michael Mulhern, Abdul Obabire and Shaun Doherty played well for the home side on the day, with Shane Coll excelling for the visitors. Referee: Mick Langan.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Oldtown Celtic 5 v 0 Milford United Reserves
Oldtown ran out comfortable winners against Milford Reserves in the end but were made work hard by a resilient Milford Side. Oldtown started brightly on the front foot but spurned numerous chances before Tommy Mc Laughlin tested Milford keeper Jordan with a stinging effort. Oldtown were piling on the pressure and got the breakthrough when Mc Laughlin headed home a Micheal Doherty cross. 1 – 0 at the break. Oldtown pushed hard for the 2nd and Sean Cleary came off the bench to score an acrobatic effort after Drew Connolly kept the ball in play at the back post. Gio Peoples added the 3rd on his return to the club when he started and finished a fine passing move. Tommy Mc Laughlin added his second and Oldtown’s 4th when he tapped in Drew Connolly’s rebounded effort. John Mc Fadden added a late 5th when Paul Mc Laughlin’s fine cross field ball found Mc Fadden in space and he made no mistake. Referee: Gerald Devine
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 1 Swilly Rovers Reserves
The season began with a well fought Ramelton Derby at the Flagpole Field in Rathmullan. Mariners started well but it was Swilly who got the first goal after a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with. Luke Friel scored shortly after to square the game for the halftime break. The second half was played at a good pace and it was Jonah Serrinha’s pass that sent Brandon Wilkie through on goal to put the Mariners ahead. A very physical second half resulted in several yellow cards and one red card for Swilly. The Mariners used the extra man to their advantage and saw the game out despite some late pressure from Swilly.
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Ballybofey United 1 v 2 St. Catherines
(No Report Submitted)
Cappry Rovers 2 v 0 Drumkeen United
Cappry welcomed Drumkeen to the Finn Valley Centre for the opening round of the Brian Mc Cormick Cup. Cappry started brighter Seaghan Mc Cormick coming closest with a shot from outside the box. Cappry broke the deadlock at the midway point, a clever Conor Mc Daid pass found Aaron Kelly who coolly finished into the bottom corner. Drumkeen had several half-chances before the break. Dabhan Doherty came closest for the visitors when his header was saved by Joe Boyle. Cappry controlled the second half and doubled their lead when Daire Quigley’s cross was met by a powerful Calum Long header. Cappry ran out comfortable winners 2-0. Team performance from both teams.
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 4 Lagan Harps
A new look Convoy team that included 5 under 18s and some new faces just came up short against a good Lagan team with some new faces themselves. In the 15th minute Lagan took the lead through Oisin Harkin with a good strike. In the 23rd minute Lagan got their 2nd from a Kyle Martin header. The 40th minute saw Convoys first meaningful attack when Jamie O’ Donnell put in a sweet cross but Jamie Spratt just couldn’t get his head on it. The 41st minute saw a good save from Josh Gildea make sure he kept it 2-0 at halftime. In the 59th minute an over the top ball from James Wilson for Jamie O’ Donnell to latch on to and finish past the Lagan keeper. In the 69th minute Lagan made it 3-1 with a nice finish from the edge of the box from Conor Crossan. On 75 minutes a mix-up in the Convoy box meant a tap in from Kyle Martin. On the 90th minute Anthony Bogle’s cross was met by James Wison to head home to make 4-2. A good battling performance from both teams. Referee: Leo Devenney
Curragh Athletic 0 v 3 Letterbarrow Celtic
Curragh welcomed Letterbarrow in the first game of the Brian Mc Cormick Cup. The game started with Curragh holding onto possession for large periods but they were unable to make any clear-cut chances. Letterbarrow took the lead when Christy Mc Laughlin converted from the spot on 26 minutes. Christian Ward made it 2-0 after rounding the Curragh keeper on 35 minutes. The second half started like the first with Curragh dominating possession and Letterbarrow looking dangerous on the break. Letterbarrow got their third on 72 minutes when Darragh Burke headed home brilliantly after a Christian Ward cross. Team performances from both sides. Referee: Raymond Gallagher
Dunkineely Celtic 0 v 9 Donegal Town
Both teams started well after a delayed kick-off at Darney Park but it was Donegal Town who took the lead after 10 minutes. The lead was doubled a few minutes later when a shot from 50 yards found the back of the Dunkineely net. Dunkineely found themselves behind by 3 after conceding a penalty after the half hour. Dunkineely’s woes continued, having gone 4 behind to an own goal shortly after the water break only to concede another from the boot of Christopher Boyle a few minutes later. Donegal Town took a five-goal lead into half time and dominated the 2nd half adding 4 more goals for a well-deserved win.
Fanad United 0 v 1 Bonagee United
A goal in the second minute was all that separated Fanad United and Bonagee United at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday. It was an entertaining game without many clear chances for either side. The only goal of the game came after the first attack by Bonagee. When a free kick into the box was flicked on, the ball fell to veteran Michael Funston 18 yards out who took a touch before firing into the bottom corner. Fanad missing several players were well in the game after that. On the half hour mark Peter Carr done very well down the right, his cutback to the edge of the box fell to Adam Carr who’s well hit shot took a slight deflection and shaved the top of the crossbar. 5 minutes later a Daibhid Lynch free fell to Paddy McGinley who controlled the ball before firing just over the Bonagee bar. The second half followed in a similar pattern with both sides enjoying spells of possession without creating any clear chances. On 75 minutes sub Aaron Wasson set up Gareth Harkin but his shot failed to test Mark Mc Conigley in the Fanad nets. With time running out, Fanad piled on the pressure but the Bonagee backline held firm. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Gweedore United 0 v 1 Glenea United
This game played in glorious conditions in Gweedore started at a high pace with early chances at both ends. Ciaran Mc Fadden saw his chance deflected wide in the 1st minute for the home side. 6 minutes later Mc Fadden found himself in one on one with Shaun Mc Clafferty in the Glenea nets and the keeper saved well. In the 10th minute Seamus Doogan’s shot for the visitors was well saved by Cian Gallagher. There were decent chances throughout the half at both ends however the sides went in 0-0 at half time. In the second half the home side started the stronger with Peadar O’ Baoill missing from close range and Callum Ferriter rattling the Glenea crossbar in the 67th minute from 25 yards. Glenea had good chances fall to Callum Murray and Kevin Mulhern but Cian Gallagher did well on each occasion. Ciaran Coll got the winning goal of the game in the 86th minute when he scored from close range. Ciaran Mc Fadden had a great shot well saved by Mc Clafferty in the Glenea nets in the 88th minute and it’s Glenea who progress to the next round. A good entertaining game in front of a good turnout. Mark Mc Fadden for Gweedore was man of the match on the day, and we all wish Mark and his fiancé Alannah the very best as they head off down under this week. Referee: Allister Gourley
Keadue Rovers 0 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Kilmacrennan advanced to the next round of the Brian Mc Cormick Cup at the expense of last year’s finalists Keadue at Central Park on Sunday. In a high tempo game, with not that many chances, it was the visitor’s extra sharpness up front that made the difference. Playing with a stiff breeze in the first half, Keadue had most possession early on but didn’t trouble the visitors back line for the opening twenty minutes, with Kilmacrennan shooting over just shortly after. On twenty-four minutes from a Mark Forker free kick, there was a deflection and the ball hit the far post. The home team began to press and a few minutes later Oisin Mc Kelvey found space and shot just over from 20 yards. Keadue did keep up a good tempo after that with a few more set pieces but nothing clear cut as both sides headed for the dressing room at 0-0. At the start of the second half, a good start from Keadue where shots came in from Peter McGee and Oisin Mc Kelvey which were blocked and Paul Yank Boyle had the rebound shot saved. After that Kilmacrennan lifted the tempo and the architect of this was front man Shane Mc Namee who went on a few mazy runs, one of which ended with an effort coming off the post. The visitors were deservedly ahead shortly after that when good play in the midfield from Gerard Mc Granaghan led to the ball being played up top and good movement between Caolan Curran and Shane Mc Namee led to a through ball which was dispatched to the bottom corner from Caolan Curran. On sixty-six minutes, from a corner, Martin Ferry went close to levelling when his header was cleared off the line. Keadue struggled to get much possession and were reliant on knock downs up top but again a very disciplined Kilmacrennan defence could deal with much of it. In the last 5 minutes of the game, the home team threw everything at it and with more men pushed up top chances fell to Paul Yank Boyle whose shot was blocked, then a shot from Brian Proctor was also blocked while the best chance fell to Aidan Brennan whose shot just went inches over the bar. Kilmacrennan held on for a tight win and had the man of the match in Shane Mc Namee and had Caolan Curran, James Doherty and Eoin Mc Gettigan in goals doing well, while for Keadue, Martin Ferry, Oisin Mc Kelvey and Brendan Mc Cafferty did well. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0 v 3 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Available)
Kildrum Tigers 4 v 1 Drumoghill F.C.
Kildrum saw themselves safely through to the semi-final of the Area Shield with three first half goals to make sure the tie was all but over at the break. Callum Gillen opened the scoring before Breslin and Charlie Shovlin added before half time. Both sides had chances throughout the game, Kildrum added a fourth through Gillen before Drumoghill pulled one back in the dying moments.
Lifford Celtic 0 v 6 Castlefin Celtic
Lifford Celtic faced a tough start to the new season with defeat against local rivals Castlefin Celtic at Greenbrae. Despite a spirited effort from the home side, Castlefin proved too strong on the day.
Milford United 0 v 1 Rathmullan Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Raphoe Town 5 v 4 Deele Harps
Raphoe got their new season off to a brilliant start with a hard-fought 5-4 win against Deele Harps in a cracking game at Drumineney, coming from 2-0 down and later 3-1 down to fight back and steal the win with a last-minute goal. There was little between the teams for the opening 20 minutes but an injury to Sean Friel who was having a terrific game for Raphoe, unsettled the home side and Deele raced into a 2-0 lead and looked to be comfortably in control. However, just before the break Ryan Mc Neill who had a super game at the heart of the Raphoe midfield scored with a fine shot to the bottom corner and the teams went in at the break with just a goal between them. There were just seconds on the clock in the second half when Deele stuck again to make it 3-1, but this young Raphoe team never gives up and play terrific football and they were far from finished. Playing some slick, fast football, Raphoe carved the Deele defence open time and again and Bobby O’Loughlin raced through to score to make it 3-2 early in the second half. They were back on level terms minutes later, this time it was Ryan Kildea who raced clear to score with a sublime chip over the advancing keeper. Deele pressed hard but Jak Gallagher was superb in the heart of the Raphoe defence, while Daniel Moore making his first appearance for the senior team really grew into the game and had a terrific second half. Raphoe continued to play fast attacking football and that paid off with ten minutes to go when substitute Matthew Mc Cann scored a wonder goal on his debut for the senior team with his first touch, rifling the ball to the top corner to give Raphoe the lead. To their credit Deele fought back again and with just a few minutes left on the clock they scored from a corner and looked like they would force the game to extra-time. However, Raphoe came once more and with a minute left to play, Bobby O’Loughlin fired high into the roof of the net from the edge of the box to seal a dramatic win for this young side. Well done to both teams for giving us real entertainment and a huge thank you to Conor Mc Granaghan of the Diamond Bar for sponsoring the match ball. Best wishes as well for a speedy recovery to Sean Friel.
Swilly Rovers 6 v 0 Whitestrand United
An excellent start for new Swilly Rovers manager Damien Friel with an emphatic victory before a large crowd at Swilly Park. Swilly came out in a determined mood and were three up in ten minutes. Michael Kerr with a fine low drive, Daniel Mc Ateer with a cool finish and Thomas Mullen firing home in style had the boys in red in full control. Mullen with a superb free and a close-range effort completed his Swilly debut with a three-goal return. Ciaran Kelly with a superb header across goal set up Jordan Mc Daid to complete the scoring. Referee: Seamie Ferry