Here are all of the results from this week’s Donegal League and FAI Junior Cup action.
Saturday 12th October
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 1 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
Donegal Town travelled to Rannagh Park on a bright but very blustery day. The away side took the lead with the first attack of the game. The ball was squared to Joe Stitt who tapped in to make it 1-0. Donegal Town had the wind and pushed hard to extend the lead but the Arranmore rearguard held firm until just before the break. Aidan Mc Hugh was played through and finished well passed Frankie Early in the home net. With the wind at their backs Arranmore pulled a goal back early in the second half when Shaun Bonner produced an excellent strike low into the bottom corner. Donegal responded straight away and restored their two-goal lead. Aidan Mc Hugh found space outside the box and his shot found the back of the net courtesy of the wind. Best for Arranmore Cian Boyle. Best for Donegal Town Aidan McHugh. Referee: Thomas Ferry
Oldtown Celtic 1 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
In what was a fiercely contested battle, a draw was probably a fair result for both sides in the end. The game started in a fast tempo with both teams pushing for an early opener. With both teams cancelling each other out for the first 15 minutes, Kildrum eventually took the lead. The ball was crossed in from the left and cut back to Square Mc Nulty to finish from the edge of the 6-yard box. After the goal the game began to open-up with Micheal Doherty firing a free kick over the bar and Kildrum looking dangerous but unable to create anything clear cut. 0- 1 at half time. Oldtown pushed to get the equaliser but the next chance fell to Kildrum when Shane Mc Nulty got on the end of a Colhoun free kick but Michael Gibson produced a great save. Oldtown began to turn the screw and Micheal Doherty was prevented the equaliser from distance when Hepburn in the Kildrum goal produced a magnificent save to tip the ball over the bar. The game went end to end and Oldtown did make it 1-1 when Luke Nelis fired in a free kick from the edge of the area. Both teams were going for it with both having goals ruled offside before Oldtown had a penalty shout turned away before Moe Friel cleared one off the Oldtown line. Oldtown created one last chance when a nice move down the left involving Browne and Doherty resulted in Doherty picking out Sean Cleary but he headed narrowly over. Referee: Dessie McLaughlin
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 2 Strand Rovers
Mariners got their first point of the season with a hard-fought draw at home to Strand Rovers. Strand went two goals up but Mariners fought back with goals from Evan Hewitt and Jonah Serrinha to send the game in at half time 2-2. Both teams fought for the winner but neither could find another goal and the game ended 2-2.
St. Catherines Reserves 2 v 2 Glencar Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 6 Drumbar United F.C.
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 3 Glenea United Reserves
Castlefin and Glenea played out a five-goal thriller in Castlefin on Saturday. In difficult conditions Castlefin dominated and finally opened the scoring through Niall O’ Reilly. Glenea responded immediately when Christopher Barrett scored. Glenea went ahead early in the second half when Calvin Murray finished from 12 yards after a break away. The hosts pushed for an equaliser and in the dying minutes got their reward when a James Tinney bullet header went into the net from a corner. However, there was time for one more chance, straight from kick off, Glenea got a corner of their own and Luke Mc Carry bundled the ball into the net to secure a victory for the visitors.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Former Drumoghill player Terence Shiels returned to The Moss and got the only goal as Kilmacrennan Celtic left with all 3 points. His second half strike settled a tight contest in a game when both defences were on top with Shane Duffy and Matthew Nee catching the eye for both sides. Drumoghill though will feel that they the chances to win the game with Christy Smith and Michael Devine both going close. The first goal was always going to be crucial though and it was the visitors that grabbed it on the hour thanks to Shiels’ strike that gave Lockhart no chance in goals for Drumoghill.
Erne Wanderers 2 v 1 Cappry Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 3 v 4 Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Copany Rovers 4 v 0 Lagan Harps Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 1 v 6 Bonagee United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore United Reserves 1 v 3 Drumkeen United Reserves
Drumkeen United’s second half performance with the aid of the strong wind resulted in them taking all 3 points at the Carrickboyle. The away side almost went ahead on the 2nd minute when Emmet O’Boyle’s was put through by Ryan James and his shot just went narrowly wide. Caoimhin Lynch at the other end hit a shot from just outside the box which tested Tiarnan O’ Boyle who saved well. The visitors went in front in the 21st minute when they were awarded a free kick from 20 yards. Ryan James, with a sublime finish, accurately found the top left hand corner giving Cian Gallagher little or no chance in the Gweedore nets. Both teams began testing the two keepers, in the 27th minute great link up play from the Gweedore’s Taegan Coyle and Francis Gallagher saw another fine save from Tiarnan O’Boyle. The windy conditions were impacting greatly on the game as the two teams began using this to their advantage. Cian Gallagher made two successive saves from a goal mouth scramble which came from a corner by Drumkeen United and he denied Lee Guthrie on 31 minutes. The Carrickboyle men restored parity in the 33rd minute from an excellent corner by Cian O’hEifearnain that picked out Francis Gallagher and he manage to adjust himself to head into the roof of the net in a very congested area. The visitors almost went in front on the 38th minute when another goal mouth scrambled ensued and again Cian Gallagher saved well from Lee Guthrie. The Gweedore men came close themselves to taking the lead in the 42nd minute from another corner by Cian O’hEifearnain which Taegan Coyle headed just over the crossbar. The weather worsened just before the end of the first half as it began to pour from the heavens and carried on for 15 minutes of the second half. Cian Gallagher in the homeside’s goal was called into action again in the 51st minute when he made a close range save from Emmet O’Boyle in the 59th minute. Drumkeen’s Ryan James almost scored another majestic goal when his cross was palmed over the crossbar by Cian Gallagher. The Gweedore men should have gone ahead in the 64th minute when excellent work from Francis Gallagher played in Taegan Coyle who was one on one with Tiarnan O’ Boyle and was presented with three opportunities but was unable to score. The visitors went in front in the 70th minute when Eoghan Kennedy’s corner picked out Lee Guthrie who swivelled and found the bottom corner in a heavily congested Gweedore box. The contest was ended in the 78th minute as the Drumkeen men extended their lead when they were awarded a penalty and Lee Guthrie made it 1-3. Luke Toye was unlucky not to score for the visitors on the 81st minute as his shot from 30 yards out crashed off the crossbar. Cian Gallagher produced another fantastic save for the home side in the 89th minute when he denied Lee Guthrie from scoring a hat trick. For the visitors, Ryan James had an impressive first half in midfield and in the second half Lee Guthrie’s performance was instrumental in Drumkeen United taking all of the points. Cian Gallagher had yet another fantastic game for the Gweedore men and he pulled off a litany of saves. Referee: Diego Rainey
Milford United Reserves 1 v 4 Fanad United Reserves
Fanad United made the short trip to local rivals Milford United for their first encounter of the season. Both teams started well with end to end action. Milford made the first strike on the score sheet when Niall Murray broke up the line and sent a great cross to Adam Hosford who hit the back of the net. Fanad then came alive afterwards and put Milford on the back foot. Adam Carr got through the Milford defence with great skill and crossed the ball to Dylan Mc Gloin to finish well. Ex Milford player Oisin Mc Hugh then lobbed Aidan Mc Cafferty to leave it 2-1 at half time. Both teams came out afresh in the second half with both having good pockets of play. D. Doherty then scored for Fanad. Adam Carr scored on the counter-attack to finishing the game at 4-1.
Sunday 13th October
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kildrum Tigers 3 v 0 Rathmullan Celtic
Kildrum Tigers welcomed Rathmullan Celtic to station road for a game played in good conditions. The first half was a largely even affair with the Tigers breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark when Jonny Robb latched onto a through ball and rounded the goalkeeper. Kildrum started the second half stronger and doubled their lead when Franko Mc Brearty scored direct from a corner. Jonny Robb got his second with 15 minutes to go when he lobbed the opposition goalkeeper. Good team performances from both teams.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Ballybofey United 5 v 1 Gweedore United
The home side took an early lead when Shaun Mc Gowan rose highest to head home from a Barrie Mc Ghee corner. It took to the 28th minute for the away side to get a shot on goal, which saw Chris Patton bring off a good save to keep Ballybofey in the lead. Ballybofey then doubled their lead on 38 minutes when Oran Gallen showed great determination to keep the ball in and played it back to Karlos who swung in a great cross for Damien Glackin to head home from close range. Half Time 2-0. Gweedore came close to pulling one back on 58 minutes but Diarmuid O’Donnell was on hand to clear the ball off the line. Ballybofey got their third of the game on 66 minutes when Damien Glackin did great work down the left wing to play in Mark Griffin who crashed the ball home via the Gweedore crossbar. Griffin then turned provider on 77 minutes when he played in Leo Mc Aleer whose effort was brilliantly struck and found the far corner of the net to put the home side four up. Gweedore pulled one back 3 minutes later with a good header inside the box giving Christy no chance. Ballybofey made it 5 on 83 minutes when Conal Carolan won himself a free kick. Daithí Mc Mahon stepped up, 35 yards out and riffled the ball into the top corner of the net giving the keeper absolutely no chance.
Cranford United 7 v 2 Lifford Celtic
Cranford got 3 points on the board after a dominate home display against Lifford. Cranford started strong but had Dean Fleming in goal to thank after 15 minutes when he pulled of a great one on one save. Cranford took the lead after 20 minutes when Danny Mc Bride was released down the left and crossed in to Gary Mc Clafferty who finished well. Cranford doubled the lead 10 minutes later when Danny Mc Bride closed down the keeper and the ball went in. A great move 5 minutes later made it 3-0 after a great Domhnaill Sweeney finish. Lifford pulled one back before half time. Cranford added 2 more goals through Domhnaill Sweeney again and Shane Coll to make it 5-1. Lifford scored on the break to reduce it to three-goal deficit before late goals from Kyle Mc Fadden and Eoghan Kelly finished the scoring.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumoghill F.C. 4 v 1 Drumkeen United
Liam O’Donnell grabbed a hat-trick as the reds claimed their first win of the season with this convincing win over Drumkeen United. With a draw and a defeat in their opening two games, nothing less than a win was needed to get their season back on track and Drumoghill were intent on securing all three points from the first whistle. They raced into a two goal lead inside the first 25 minutes with a double strike from Liam O’ Donnell and never looked like losing control, even though Drumkeen did manage to reduce the arrears through Ebenezer Philips well taken strike on the half hour. With a half time scoreline of 2-1, the next goal was always going to be crucial and the home side did look the more likely thanks to their dominant start to the second half. However, despite their dominance, they could find no way past Luke Russell who saved efforts from Gareth Hamilton, Zak Brolly and Karol Mc Ginley to keep his side in the game. Gareth Hamilton was particularly lively during this period of the game and was creating chance after chance for his team-mates as Drumoghill looked to seize the initiative. However, not even Russell could do anything about Drumoghill’s 3rd goal on 62 minutes when Keelin Bogle rose highest above Mickey Black and Adam Duncan to nod home an inviting free-kick from Karol Mc Ginley. It was a brilliantly whipped free kick from the right-hand side from Mc Ginley that just needed a glance and Bogle was in the right place to divert the ball into the top corner. The game was now over as a contest and Drumoghill controlled the remaining period of the game. O’ Donnell completed his hat-trick on 78 minutes when he beat the offside trap from Patrick Mc Laughlin’s through ball to find the net despite the best efforts of Russell.
Raphoe Town 2 v 2 Letterbarrow Celtic
Raphoe started the brighter and got rewarded when Oran Kelly’s cross found Ryan Gildea to slot home into the bottom corner from just inside the box in the 24th minute and it finished 1-0 at the break. Raphoe struck again early in the second half when Oran Kelly played a through ball to Bobby O’ Loughlin who shot past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and the looked like it was over. However, the away side battled back and after a free kick found the net it was game on. With relentless pressure Letterbarrow finally got their equaliser in the last minute and the game finished 2-2
Convoy Arsenal 1 v 0 Whitestrand United
(No Report Submitted)
Curragh Athletic 9 v 2 Dunkineely Celtic
Curragh took the lead through Shae Mc Menamin on 3 minutes after Gavin Browne got in behind the Dunkineely defence and pulled it back. Curragh doubled their lead on 5 minutes when Gavin Browne headed home at the back post from a John Anthony Chambers cross. Shae Mc Menamin got his second when he volleyed home from a corner on 24 minutes. Dunkineely fought back and got a goal of their own when Aaron Byrne capitalised on a mix-up in the Curragh defence on 33 minutes. Caolan Duffy finished well to leave Curragh 4-1 up at the break. Dunkineely made it 4-2 on 46 minutes when Chris Cunningham converted from the spot. Robert Mc Shane extended the Curragh lead with a superb finish on 56 minutes. Oisin Marley was on hand to finish well from outside the box on 65 minutes. Shea Mc Menamin completed his hat trick on 71 minutes with a great free kick from the edge of the box. Bernard Lafferty got himself on the scoresheet on 81 minutes when he finished from outside the box. Shelton finished the scoring for Curragh on 85 minutes. Shae Mc Menamin was best for Curragh and a team performance from Dunkineely Celtic.
Deele Harps 0 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Deele suffered a home defeat on a cold day at Marty Duffy Park. Kerrykeel started brightest and went close early on. Deele grew into the game and started to threaten on the wings with Corey Lindsay looking sharp. The away side took the lead on 36 minutes when Brandon Mc Clafferty tapped home from close range. The second half was an even affair with the defences on top, Deele’s well marshalled by Stephen Devine and Corey Mc Gettigan. As Deele pushed for the equaliser, Kerrykeel punished them on the break and Calum Mc Ateer rifled home. Team performances. Referee: Ryan Carlin
FAI Junior Cup
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 1 Milford United
Kilmacrennan progressed to next round of FAI Junior Cup after a good win over Milford on Friday night at Letterkenny Community Centre. On 25 minute Kilmacrennan took lead after great ball in behind the Milford defence from Matthew Mc Laughlin was fired across goal from Cathal Mc Daid and Paul Bradley calmly finished from close range. Kilmacrennan dominated rest of the first half and missed few good chances to double the lead. Milford had few chances at the start of the 2nd half and Liam Mc Bride in Kilmacrennan goals had to make few great saves to keep score at 1-0. On 65 minutes Sam Harvey scored from inside box after great work from Chris Dillon and Shane Mc Namee. Milford got a goal back on 75 minutes from Corey Lee Mc Conigley. Milford pushed hard in the last 10 minutes but Mc Bride in goals was equal to all Milford could throw at him and he pulled off some great saves to earn Kilmacrennan a place in the next round. Best for Kilmacrennan were Chris Dillon and Shane Mc Namee. Team effort for Milford. Referee: Gerard Devine
Letterkenny Rovers 5 v 1 Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers secured a convincing 5-1 win over Gweedore Celtic in the second round of the FAI Junior Cup under the lights at Leckview Park. Rovers first real chance came after 7 minutes when Aidy Delap cut in from the right wing, finding Gareth Doherty, whose curling effort forced a fine save from Gweedore’s keeper. Just moments later, BJ Banda had the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside. Gweedore responded quickly, with Colm O’ Dochartaigh striking narrowly wide. However, Rovers took control in the 16th minute. Goalkeeper Mark Anthony Mc Ginley launched a long ball from a Gweedore corner, allowing BJ Banda to outpace the defence, round the keeper, and slot in the opener. Two minutes later, Banda was at it again, hitting the crossbar with a lobbed effort, but Nathan Plumb was on hand to tap in the rebound, doubling Rovers lead. Gweedore continued to create chances, particularly through Dochartaigh on the right wing, but they couldn’t convert, with McGinley handling any shots that came his way. Rovers thought they had a third in the 30th minute when Nathan Plumb crossed for Joel Bradley Walsh, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The second half saw Rovers continue their dominance, with Henry Welles coming close from a Joel Bradley throw. Gweedore’s Michael Mc Kelvey made several important saves and the visitors pulled one back when Colin Mc Nicholas broke through the middle and finished calmly. Rovers responded quickly, with BJ Banda smashing in a goal from a tight angle after being set up by Gareth Doherty. In the 77th minute, Joel Bradley Walsh delivered a cross from the left for Nathan Plumb, who sent it back into the box for Caolan Mc Connell to finish neatly. The final nail in the coffin came in the 85th minute when a Luke Parke corner caused chaos in the Gweedore defence resulting in an own goal to make it 5-1. Despite a late chance for Gweedore, the home side remained dominant, securing a well-earned victory. Referee: Seamus Ferry
Fanad United 1 v 0 Keadue Rovers
Fanad United progressed to the 3rd round of the FAI Junior Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over fellow Donegal League Premier Division side Keadue Rovers on Sunday. It was overall a tight game with chances at a premium. Keadue however will feel that they should have been ahead at half time having created the clearest chances. Their first chance of note arrived in the 20th minute. When Aidan Brennan collected the ball down the right, he cut inside and his well hit shot produced a fine save from Fanad keeper Mark Mc Conigley. They continued to push and in the 35th minute a Paul Boyle shot following a corner unluckily hit his own player and went wide. On 40 minutes Keadue were awarded a free -kick 25 yards out but Oisin Mc Kelvey’s shot whistled just wide of the post. Fanad played with the breeze in the second half and certainly came more in the game. There was a tight battle in midfield throughout the game but was played in generally good spirits. The breakthrough for Fanad came with 20 minutes to go. Eddie O’Reilly chased down a goal kick and when he got passed his marker he was upended and a penalty was awarded. Eoin Logue stepped up and cooly sent the Keadue keeper the wrong way. In the final 20 minutes Keadue did pile on the pressure, however the Fanad back line well marshalled by Patrick Moffitt and James Gallagher held out. Referee: Alister Gourley
Swilly Rovers 1 v 2 Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report Submitted)
Lagan Harps 1 v 3 Aileach F.C.
Goals from the Mc Monagle brothers saw Aileach overcome Lagan in a well contested game. Aileach played some good football early on with Lagan defending well. Darren Gallagher hit the crossbar for Aileach with an effort from out wide. Lagan had a couple of half chances through Niall Mc Crossan and Kyle Martin but the half finished scoreless. Darren Mc Monagle forced Bryan da Costa into a great save at the start of the second half. His brother Shane put away a cross to give Aileach the lead on forty-seven minutes. Lagan responded minutes later when Ciaran Quinn converted a Conur Crossan cross. Aileach dominated possession but Lagan hung in there and still posed a threat. Aileach got the vital second when Tommy Mc Monagle headed in from close range. Lagan went close when Kyle Martin shot just over. Aileach sealed the win when Darren Mc Monagle seized on a backpass to finish at the second attempt. A good team effort from Lagan against a very good Aileach side.
Donegal Town 1 v 2 Cockhill Celtic
Cockhill started the brighter and quickly raced in to a two-goal lead. The first with a well taken header from a cross from the right. This jolted Town into action and they replied with Oisin Gorrell finding the net after a goalmouth scramble on the 25th minute. Two minutes later Joe Campbell forced a good save from the Cockhill keeper. The second half was a tighter affair with chances at a premium. Cockhill’s number ten shot wide from the edge of the area after 65 minutes. Joe Leape almost put the finishing touch on a Joe Campbell cross on 70. On 75 desperate last ditch defending from Town prevented Cockhill from tapping into an empty net. Mulreaney then saved well from Cockhill’s number 3 on 81 minutes. Ronan Mc Hugh put the ball over the bar on 87 from a Killian Faulkner cross. Oisin Gorrell cleared brilliantly off the line late on as Town pressed for an equaliser that didn’t materialize. Gorrell, Slevin and Monaghan were the best players for Town.
