The following are all the reports and results from the weekend’s games in the Donegal League.
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Ramelton Mariners 5 v 2 Swilly Rovers Reserves
The Mariners got their first win of the season against Swilly Rovers in Rathmullan. Early goals from Shay Callan Mc Fadden in the first half had the mariners off to a good start before conceding twice either side of a Fionn Robinson goal. Evan Hewitt added two more to put a well contested game to bed at 5-2.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 3 Glenea United Reserves
Dunlewey welcomed local rivals Glenea United to Glentornan Park for this tightly contested affair. It was the hosts who started the brighter of the two sides and they took the lead on 10 minutes when some good work on the left side resulted in the ball dropping at the feet of Joseph Devenney who slotted the into the bottom corner. This goal kick-started Glenea and they began putting pressure on the Dunlewey backline and got a goal back when Darren Mc Geever latched onto a good ball into the box from a Glenea free-kick to power home a header. The game was tight for the remainder of the half with a couple of half chances for both sides but it was the visitors who took their chance to go 2-1 up five minutes before half time when they capitalised on a loose ball that came back off the post. 2-1 to Glenea at half time. The second half was another tightly contested 45 minutes of football. Dunlewey pushed to try to get back into the game but Glenea went 3-1 up when Sean Geaney tucked home from a Glenea counter attack. Patrick Mc Geady pulled a goal back for Dunlewey with 5 minutes to go but they couldn’t find an equaliser. Glenea held on to take the three points.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1v 1Fintown Harps AFC
The Letterkenny Community Centre was the venue for this keenly fought encounter with table toppers Kilmacrennan looking to continue their recent good run but they were made to work hard for their point against a well organised and resilient Fintown team. The home team started brightly with winger Danny Hall testing keeper Jordan O’ Donnell early on and Steve Mc Daid firing over from close range in the opening 15 minutes. However, it was the visitors who scored first when a long free kick caught the Kilmacrennan defence flat-footed and veteran Aaron Thompson nipped in to knock the ball over the keeper for the opening goal. Kilmacrennan went close on a couple of occasions before the break but it was the Fintown men that held the lead at half time. After the break the home team began the brighter, forcing the Harps to defend deep with Terence Shields, Shane Mc Devitt, Ryan Mc Fadden and Mikey Mc Donnell all going close. With only two minutes of time to play the home team finally found the equaliser, a brilliant turn and cross from Shields found full back Owen Browne at the back post and he headed to the net for a deserved goal. Indeed, there was almost a winner for the home team minutes later when Mc Fadden found himself free in the box but shot wide with just the keeper to beat. A good honest encounter with Eddie Doherty, Owen Browne and Steve Mc Daid working hard for the home team while Fintown were best served by their midfield duo of the two Keelans, Mc Gill and Mc Monagle. Referee: Paddy Mc Cauley.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Milford United Reserves 2 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
A well fought contest in Moyle View Park where the local derby between Milford United and Cranford United took place. The game was an even contest with both keepers being tested in the early stages of the first half. Milford United broke the deadlock 30 minutes when a weak shot from Conor Mc Hugh found the feet of Connor Meakin who laid it on for Ciaran Blaney to tuck away. Cranford came back 10 minutes later through their number 10 who beat the offside trap and slotted into the bottom corner. The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first. With 20 minutes left the visiting keeper dropped a shot from Conor Mc Hugh and Adam Hosford was most alert to finish it off. Milford defended well and dug deep to hold on to get the result in a well-deserved win. Man of the match and as Adam Hosford.
Ulster Junior Shield
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 2 Carrowmena F.C.
(No Report Submitted)
Fanad United Reserves 0 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Oldtown Celtic made their second trip to Fanad this season and went away with a 3-0 victory in this Ulster Junior Shield match. The opening stages were cagey with not much in the way of clear chances. This however changed in the 15th minute when Oldtown opened the scoring. Following a corner the ball fell to Ger Patton who’s shot produced a fine save from Fanad keeper Aodh Mc Bride. From the resulting corner a Fanad player was adjudged to have committed a foul and a penalty was awarded, Kevin Mc Grath stepped up to slot the ball home. Fanad were still in the game and just before half time Charlie Mc Ateer sent a free kick from 25 yards just over the bar. Oldtown were on top in the second half and doubled their lead just before the hour mark. When they were awarded a free 25 yards out, Anthony Brown fired into the bottom corner. Fanad kept going and following a good move, Charlie Mc Ateer shot over from the edge of the box. With 20 minutes remaining, Ciaran Gibson saw his well hit shot go just over the Fanad crossbar. In the last minute Oldtown got their third goal when Kevin Mc Grath found space in the box and slotted the ball home.
Referee: Gerard Devine
Glencar Celtic 2 v 1 Cockhill Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 4 v 2 Erne Wanderers
(No Report Submitted)
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 2 v 1 Rasheney F.C. Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 7 v 1 Ballybofey United Reserves
Letterkenny Rovers put on a dominant display at home to comfortably defeat Ballybofey United and advance in the Ulster Shield. The Rovers’ relentless attack was on full display, while Ballybofey struggled to match their intensity and quality. The match started with Letterkenny Rovers pressing high and creating chances early. In the 13th minute, Gareth Temple fed Jordan Nugent on the left, whose powerful drive forced a save from Ballybofey goalkeeper Daniel Callaghan. Moments later, Jason Doherty struck the upright with a long-range effort. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Adam Murphy dribbled skilfully into the box and slotted a composed finish into the bottom left corner. Rovers continued to dominate, and their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Conor O’Donnell cut in from the right and scored from a tight angle. Five minutes later, Jordan Nugent extended the lead with a well-taken strike inside the box, sending Rovers into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage. The second half began as the first ended, with Letterkenny Rovers on the front foot. In the 50th minute, Jason Doherty’s superb run down the left set up Conor O’Donnell for his second goal, a thunderous finish to make it 4-0. Five minutes later, O’Donnell turned provider, setting up Gareth Temple for an easy tap-in after a neat passage of play. Ballybofey United found a glimmer of hope in the 69th minute when Caolan Marley delivered an excellent cross for Cain Thompson to head home, bringing the score to 5-1. However, Letterkenny quickly extinguished any momentum, dominating possession and creating chances. In the 80th minute, a corner from Conor O’Donnell caused confusion in the Ballybofey box, with James Barlow Gallagher’s effort directed across goal and tapped in by Keelan Dunleavy to restore the four-goal margin. The scoring was rounded off in the 85th minute when Conor O’Donnell struck from 20 yards out to seal his hat-trick and a comfortable 7-1 victory. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Convoy Arsenal 2v 1Cockhill Celtic Youths
(No Report Submitted)
Sunday 17th November
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Keadue Rovers 0 v 1 Kildrum Tigers
In decent conditions for November, the visitors were quicker to settle while not producing any chances. A few Kildrum half-chances started to develop and Mc Garvey had to be alert in the home goals. Kildrum took the lead after twenty-five minutes when, following a shot, which was cleared off the Keadue line, Kildrum were awarded a penalty and up stepped Jonathon Robb to slot home for a well-deserved lead. Keadue did lift their performance in the last fifteen of the first half and Calum Boyle almost got in behind the defence a few times only for some last ditch tackling by Kildrum. That apart, Keadue didn’t create much in the way of chances and they went in at 1-0 to the visitors. The hosts did start the second half better and on fifty-eight minutes Keadue had a chance to level from a penalty that looked a little fortunate. Up stepped Chris Greene but Michael Lynch dived the right way to palm it away to keep things at 1-0 to the visitors. A few Keadue subs gave them fresh impetus and Aaron Mc Cafferty’s long ball found Jordan Saville who’s shot was parried by Lynch. At the other end, Keadue were reduced to 10 men on a second yellow but they battled away gamely. In the last twenty minutes, Kildrum did have numerous chances to increase their lead with Keelan Gillen and Jonathon Robb both going close. In the closing minutes, Peter Mc Gee had a great chance to level a few yards out but shot wide. In the end, a deserved victory for Kildrum who were the more cohesive team with best performances from Jonathon Robb, Tiernan Brown and Michael Lynch. Best for Keadue were Oisin Mc Kelvey, Calum Boyle and Jordan Saville. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
St. Catherines 2 v 1 Gweedore Celtic
Josh Maxwell drove bravely into the box before pulling the ball back along the ground to set-up an easy slot home for Liam Mc Laughlin after only three minutes. With an early goal in favour of the home side expectations were high for the home supports but this never materialised as Catherines squandered chance after chance and some excellent saves from the visiting keeper made this a more difficult encounter than anticipated. Mc Nicholas was using his aerial ability and years of experience at the heart of the Gweedore defence but he could do nothing about the second goal that arrived on 40 minutes. A quick throw-in from the left to the feet of Ryan Cunningham, who had his back to goal when he first took control of the ball, saw him strike a sweet left foot shot past the sprawling away keeper. The second half started with a 2-0 lead for the saints but the mood changed around the ground as Gweedore got a deserved goal on 56 minutes. Coyle swung a high long ball into the home penalty area and the keeper decided early to come and collect through a crowded box but he could only briefly hold on to the ball and fumbled to the feet of Doherty who made no mistake tapping in at the back post for 2 – 1. With Gweedore now on top and threatening an equaliser the home manager brought on some fresh legs and moved Ryan Cunningham from centre forward back into the middle of the park to try and regain some stability. This proved a master stroke as the home side regained control and eventually were strong enough to see the game out with the score remaining at 2-1.
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 2 Rathmullan Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers edged a thrilling contest under the new lights at Leckview Park, overcoming a determined Rathmullan Celtic side 3-2 in a tightly fought Sunday Premier Division clash. The match got off to a lively start with Caolan Mc Connell almost giving Rovers the lead in the opening minute, his low drive skimming narrowly wide. Rathmullan responded in the 7th minute with Kevin Doran firing just wide after creating space on the left. Rathmullan struck first in the 12th minute when Ridha Abdullah found the net after Shane O’Gara saved two prior attempts, giving the visitors a perfect start. Rovers reacted swiftly, levelling just two minutes later when Padraic Gilsenan’s pinpoint cross from the right found Luke Parke who converted with ease. Rovers applied consistent pressure, with Parke and Nathan Plumb both forcing saves from Rathmullan keeper Killian Hagan, while Achul Eldad came close for the visitors with a strike from distance. The first half ended evenly though Rovers edged the balance of play. The second half began with Rovers in control. Despite early efforts from Mc Connell and Plumb, it was Rathmullan who regained the lead in the 57th minute. A dangerous free kick led to Achul Eldad’s clinical finish, putting the visitors 2-1 up. Determined to turn the tide, Rovers ramped up the pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Joel Bradley Walsh’s curling cross was met by Mc Connell, who slotted it home to make it 2-2. Just three minutes later, Rovers completed the comeback. Joel Gorman’s perfectly weighted cross found Padraic Gilsenan, whose header gave the hosts a 3-2 lead. Rathmullan remained dangerous on the counter with Jay Curran coming close on multiple occasions. Curran’s chip in the 74th minute was headed back across goal but cleared off the line by a resolute Rovers’ defence. Rovers nearly added a fourth late on when a Joel Gorman free kick forced a save, with Gareth Doherty’s follow-up also denied by Hagan. Despite Rathmullan’s late push, Rovers held firm to claim the victory. Referee: Liam McLaughlin
Bonagee United 1 v 0 Fanad United
Jamie Harris struck the only goal of the game as Bonagee United defeated defending Donegal League champions Fanad United. Harris pounced after 16 minutes to secure a super three points for Packie Mailey’s team. Arthur Lynch’s Fanad had started brightly with Bonagee goalkeeper Andrew Nicholls having to intervene early on. Nicholls had to save from Eoin Logue and Edward O’Reilly, while Patrick Carr nodded not far wide. Against the run of play, Bonagee opened the scoring when Harris steered home after Aidan Mc Laughlin flicked on a Shay Maloney cross. Maloney rifled wide moments later with Bonagee energised. Before half-time, Ricky Guntrip and Maloney both had chances but couldn’t find a second way past Mark Mc Conigley, the Fanad goalkeeper. Seamus Friel and O’Reilly went close as Fanad sought a means of getting back into the game. Mc Conigley earned his corn again with good saves from David Boakye and Harris. Late in the afternoon, Harris shot wide, but Bonagee held on for the victory.
Swilly Rovers 1 v 6 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Swilly Rovers will rue three gilt edged chances at the start of the game. They went ahead on 12 minutes when Ian Ward converted in style following a Mickey Kerr cross. Kilmacrennan equalised on 44 minutes from a Matthew Mc Laughlin penalty. Two superb chipped efforts by Chris Dillon had Kilmacrennan in control with further goals from Shane Mc Namee and Stephen Black completing the scoring. Swilly tired in the second half after an excellent first half in which the chances missed came back to haunt them. There was a great crowd in attendance willing on the home team which was surely appreciated by the Swilly Rovers’ players. Referee: Gerard Devine
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Donegal Town 3 v 0 Cappry Rovers
A good 3-0 home win against Cappry Rovers. Joe Leape put the boys in front mid-way through the first half when Mc Hugh laid the ball off for Leape to fire low and hard to the bottom corner. Cappry had a chance to level matters when they were awarded a penalty but Faulkner in the “Town” nets made a fantastic save to keep it 1-0 at the break. A very dominant second half performance was soon rewarded when Gorrell got on the end of a corner to make it 2 0. Faulkner made an absolute top class save when Kelly’s long range strike seemed destined for the top corner to keep his clean sheet intact. The points were sealed when Leape got his second of the game after brilliant work by Campbell down the left.
Ballybofey United 1 v 1 Lagan Harps
Lagan started well and nearly took the lead but their winger’s effort bounced back off the crossbar. Lagan kept the pressure on and were rewarded after a good low driven ball from their winger found a man free in the box and he fired it into the back of the net giving them the lead. Ballybofey started to come into the game and had a few chances. Ballybofey had their best chance of the first half just before half time from a free kick just outside the area, Mc Mahon’s effort hit the bar and went over. Lagan nearly doubled their lead just before half time after a mistake from Ballybofey but again their effort struck the bar. Ballybofey were a different team in the second half and created a lot of chances. They equalised ten minutes in after a good ball from Aaron Mc Auley found Barrie Mc Ghee through on goal, his initial effort was well saved by the keeper but the ball fell back to him and he cleverly lobbed it into the back of the net. Ballybofey had a great chance to take the lead when Barrie slipped through Damien Glackin who squared it to the back post but Lagan defended well and cleared their lines. It was back and forth for the last half hour and the two teams played out a very entertaining match for the spectators.
Castlefin Celtic 9 v 0 Lifford Celtic
Castlefin ran out convincing winners over Lifford. Six first half goals had the hosts out of sight. Dean Kelly struck four, Jude Patton and Gavin Sweeney completed the first half scoring. A Patton penalty plus Stevie Roulston and Jordan Mc Kinney strikes completed the scoring for the hosts on a comfortable afternoon.
Cranford United 2v 3Glenea United
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore United 5 v 2 Milford United
The home side produced a superb performance in the second half to claim all three points on a bitterly cold day at the Carrickboyle ground. The visitors started the brightest, and in the 2nd minute Corey Lee Mc Conigley’s shot from close range was saved by Cian Gallagher. It was Gweedore United that drew first blood, Ethan Harkin almost put them ahead, when his headed effort was cleared off the line on seven minutes. However, the ball fell to his team mate Darren Ferry, who found the net from just outside the penalty box. The visitors went in search of an equaliser and enjoyed a good spell. On twenty-four minutes Caolan Carr’s effort from outside the box cannoned off the post. Another good effort from Mark Wilson was saved by Cian Gallagher. Persistence from Milford United paid off on 27 minutes, and a great cross by Niall Murray picked out Corey Lee Mc Conigley, he headed across the box for Joey Cullen to score the equaliser. The Gweedore men responded quickly and a fantastic strike from Brian Mc Fadden from outside the box found the bottom of the Milford net on the 29th minute. A slick move from the home side almost made it 3-1, good link up from Seighean O’Baoil and Cathal Gillespie played in Ciaran Mc Fadden, his shot went agonisingly wide. Both teams went in search of further goals, it was the visitors who looked more likely to equalise. Niall Murray produced another excellent cross on 40th minute to pick out Joey Cullen, and his headed effort was cleared off the line from Ethan Harkin. The equaliser should have arrived in the 43rd minute when Corey Lee Mc Conigley’s headed effort came off the post. At 2-1 the game was delicately poised at halftime. Gweedore United extended their lead in the 53rd minute as an excellent passage of play from Darren Ferry, Seighean O’Baoil and Cathal Gillespie was capped off by an exquisite finish from Steven Mc Fadden from just outside the visitor’s box. The Gweedore men should have added to their tally in the 55th minute, and Brian Mc Fadden was unlucky not have scored his second after a great cross from Michael Mulhern. Another excellent through ball by Steven McFadden in 74th minute found Ciaran Mc Fadden free and he was inches from getting Gweedore United’s 4th. However, on the 79th minute, the home side secured all three points. Steven Mc Fadden sublimely picked out the unmarked Niall Friel and he finished with some aplomb. Things went bad to worse for the visitors on 83 minutes when the Gweedore men were awarded a penalty after Lorcan Friel’s challenge on Ciaran Mc Fadden. Ethan Harkin stepped up to convert from the spot. The Milford men reduced the deficit on the 85th minute after Cian Gallagher saved from Mark Wilson and Corey Lee Mc Conigley scored from the rebound. Gweedore United produced an excellent team performance, impressive performances by Steven McFadden, Ethan Harkin, Darren Ferry, Cathal Gillespie, Seighean O’Baoil, Niall Friel. Milford United’s Niall Murray, Cora Lee Mc Conigley and Joey Cullen also had a fantastic game for them. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 3 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Dunkineely were the visitors to a damp St Patrick’s Park on Sunday Afternoon for this Donegal Physiotherapy Division Two game. In the opening twenty minutes both teams had a equal amount of possession without any real goal chances being created. Dunkineely then had a good chance when Adrian Nesbitt forced a good save from Drumkeen keeper Luke Russell. The young keeper was back in the thick of the action a couple of minutes later when he conceded a penalty. Adrian Nesbitt stepped up to hit the penalty but unfortunately for him and much to the relief of young Russell and Drumkeen he saw his effort hit the crossbar. In hindsight that penalty miss in the 22nd minute was probably the turning point in this game as it may have been a totally different game if it had been scored. Having survived the penalty scare Drumkeen responded well and both Connor Bonner and Niall Howley had chances to put them ahead. They did eventually get on the scoresheet with a good strike from Adam Duncan about five minutes before half-time. Having battled well in the first half and probably unfortunate to be behind at the break Dunkineely got the second half off to the worst possible start. Drumkeen were quick out of the blocks and two Conor Bonner goals had them three ahead just 10 minutes in to the half. Indeed, Bonner could have had an early second half hat-trick but he missed what was probably the easiest of his three chances. This was a big setback for the visitors who were now facing a real uphill struggle to get back in this game. Drumkeen tried hard to add to their tally but a combination of good defending and some wayward finishing meant that despite the early promise of second half goals the final whistle arrived without any more being scored. This game was played in a good Sporting Manner. Referee: Matthew Hull.
Raphoe Town 0 v 2 Curragh Athletic
(No Report Submitted)
Ulster Junior Shield
Carndonagh F.C. 3 v 5 Drumoghill F.C.
(No Report Available)
Cockhill Celtic 2 v 3 Strand Rovers
(No Report Available)
Culdaff F.C. 7 v 0 Gweedore United Reserves
(No Report Available)
Deele Harps 4 v 2 Redcastle F.C.
Deele welcomed Inishowen outfit Redcastle to Marty Duffy Park for this Ulster Shield tie. The home side were quick out of the blocks with Scott Macbeth finishing a nice move with a tidy finish on 8 minutes. Two minutes later, Ryan Kilpatrick was fouled in the box and Jordy Duffy made no mistake from the spot. A shell shocked Redcastle conceded again on 21 minutes when Declan Lafferty rifled home from long range. On 26 minutes, the game looked over as a contest when the persistent Scott Macbeth scored at the second attempt with a fine individual goal. Redcastle grabbed a lifeline on the stroke of half time when Lennon Mc Laughlin fired home from the edge of the box following a corner. To their credit Redcastle came out in the second half and made a proper game of it. While the away side held most of the possession, there were no real cut chances until the 70th minute when Pronny Fearns scrambled the ball over the line following a corner. Team performances. Referee: Patrick Martin
Illies Celtic L v L Whitestrand United
Quigley Point Swifts L v L Arranmore United
Quigleys Point Swifts L v l Bonagee United Reserves
RESULTS
Saturday 16th November
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Ramelton Mariners 5v 2Swilly Rovers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 3 Glenea United Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1v 1Fintown Harps AFC
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Milford United Reserves 2 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
Ulster Junior Shield
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 2 Carrowmena F.C.
Fanad United Reserves 0 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Glencar Celtic 2 v 1 Cockhill Celtic Reserves
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 4 v 2 Erne Wanderers
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 2 v 1 Rasheney F.C. Reserves
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 7 v 1 Ballybofey United Reserves
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 1 Cockhill Celtic Youths
Sunday 17th November
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Keadue Rovers 0 v 1 Kildrum Tigers
St. Catherines 2 v 1 Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 2 Rathmullan Celtic
Bonagee United 1 v 0 Fanad United
Swilly Rovers 1 v 6 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Donegal Town 3 v 0 Cappry Rovers
Ballybofey United 1v 1Lagan Harps
Castlefin Celtic 9 v 0 Lifford Celtic
Cranford United 2v 3Glenea United
Gweedore United 5 v 2 Milford United
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 3 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Raphoe Town 0 v 2 Curragh Athletic
Ulster Junior Shield
Carndonagh F.C. v Drumoghill F.C.
Cockhill Celtic v Strand Rovers
Culdaff F.C. v Gweedore United Reserves
Deele Harps 4 v 2 Redcastle F.C.
Illies Celtic v Whitestrand United
Quigley Point Swifts v Arranmore United
Quigleys Point Swifts v Bonagee United Reserves
