Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League fixtures.
Saturday 30th November
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Drumbar F.C. 1 v 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 0 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
In a tight first half with both teams having chances it was Donegal Town who found the opening with thirty minutes played, a great strike. Kildrum battled hard to the break but couldn’t find a way through. The second-half started with Donegal having a strong wind to their backs and applying pressure, forcing Kildrum’s keeper to make several saves to keep it at 0-1. Kildrum rallied with ten minutes to go, hitting the post. But they just couldn’t find a way through.
Oldtown Celtic 7 v 2 Ramelton Mariners
Oldtown welcomed Ramelton Mariners to the Community Centre in what was a keenly contested game. Ramelton took the lead three minutes in when Evan Hewitt slotted home after being played in by Luke Friel. Oldtown responded quickly and levelled with Sean Cleary flicking home from a low corner. Gerard Patton volleyed the home side in front before Cleary went on a mazy run down the right and his low cross was turned in by Kevin Mc Grath. Micheal Doherty was unlucky not to add to the lead when his long-range effort hit the bar. Ramelton almost pulled a goal back when Luke Friel’s corner was cleared off the line. 3-1 at the break. Gerard Patton headed Oldtown’s fourth early in the second-half before Hewitt added his and Ramelton’s second to pull them back into the game. Mc Grath and Cleary both added to Oldtown’s tally before the goal of the game was scored by Krissi Mc Laughlin who went on a run from his own half and his 25-yard strike found the top corner. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Swilly Rovers Reserves 0 v 2 Arranmore United
(No Report Submitted)
Glencar Celtic 2 v 1 Strand Rovers
Under the lights in Ballyare, Glencar got off to the perfect start when Tarlach O’Boyle was first to react to the keeper’s save and slot it into the net. The second-half started with both teams evenly matched but Glencar went two goals in front when Peter Doherty was fouled in the box and Ronan Frain slotted the penalty past the Strand goalkeeper. Strand got a lifeline in the 68th minute when Conor Green was pulled back in the box and Ethan Mc Cafferty sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-1 and put some pressure on Glencar. Strand pushed and pushed but couldn’t get an equaliser and the game ended 2-1
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 5 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 2 v 3 Erne Wanderers
Drumoghill went down to a much more determined Erne Wanderers side in a 5-goal thriller at The Moss. Erne started the game faster and took the lead through Damian Weber on 18 minutes. Weber got in front of Lee Duncan and finished well into the roof of the net. It was a lead that they would hold on to until half-time, although they did have chances to extend their lead. Their dominance continued after the break and they were 2-0 up after Adam Mc Glone was allowed to bring the ball down and turn in the box and fire home. Erne were unlucky not to be further ahead but they clinched the points on 79 minutes after a breakaway goal. Erne then hit the bar twice before Drumoghill got two late goals through Eunan Kelly to set up a frantic finale but Erne held on for a deserved win.
Fintown Harps AFC 3 v 1 Dunlewey Celtic
In windy conditions at Pairc Acla, Fintown and Dunlewey went at each other with Fintown having most of the position but they couldn’t make the breakthrough. It took until the 26th minute before Fintown took the lead with big Dermot Gallier finding the back of the Dunlewey net with a great strike. Dunlewey, in the 33rd minute, equalised from a corner when O’ Donnell got up high and headed past Leon Thompson in the Fintown net to make it all square at the break. The second-half started brightly for Fintown and on 57 minutes Logan Quinn slotted home from a Joe Shanky corner to put Harps back in front. On 78 minutes Harps won a free just outside the box, the caption John Molloy took charge of the free and he hit a great shot around the wall to find the right-hand corner to put Fintown in command of the game. Dunlewey battled hard until the end but Fintown kept things tight and didn’t let them in and it finished with a deserved home win.
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
In windy conditions for football, it was the home side playing with the breeze that started brightly and looked to open the scoring. However, it was the away side that took the lead on 15 when Peter Sweeney picked up the ball in the midfield and his through ball released Odhran O’Connor and he slipped the ball past Shaun Mc Clafferty. Glenea pushed hard to get back into the game and came close to equalising through efforts from Michael Mc Hugh, Chris Barrett and Sean Geeney. Cappry extended their lead on 38 minutes, the home defence failed to deal with a corner and Conor Aitken flicked the ball home from close range. Glenea pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time when good interplay released Tarlach Coll and he slipped the ball past the away keeper. In the second-half, despite playing against the stiff breeze, it was the home side that dominated the play, looking for an equaliser and despite creating a number of chances they failed to convert them. Glenea were awarded a penalty on 65 minutes when Ciaran Mc Geady was fouled in the box but unfortunately Ciaran was unable to convert the resulting spot-kick. The home side continued to press for the equaliser but were leaving themselves open to the counter-attack and on 85 minutes Cappry almost extended their lead on the break but failed to convert the chance. Glenea eventually equalised on 89 minutes when the away side failed to deal with a cross and Ciaran Mc Geady was on hand to bundle the ball home from close range. Best for Glenea were Daniel Mulhern and Tarlach Coll while Peter Sweeney and Oisin Mc Glinchey were best for Cappry. Referee: Mick Lagan
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 4 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Letterkenny Rovers produced a commanding performance with a 4-1 victory over Kilmacrennan Celtic. Early goals, solid defence and clinical finishing secured all three points for the home side in this Saturday First Division clash. Rovers got off to a strong start, taking the lead in the 9th minute when James Barlow Gallagher rose highest in the box to nod home from a long throw. Rovers doubled their advantage in the 20th minute after Conor O’ Donnell’s shot led to a handball in the Kilmacrennan box. O’Donnell stepped up to calmly slot home the resulting penalty, putting Rovers in control. Kilmacrennan struggled to break down a resolute Rovers’ defence but managed to pull one back just before half-time. Mark Patterson’s dangerous run on the right led to a cross and Owen Browne finished with precision to give the visitors hope heading into the break. The second half saw Rovers regain their composure and dominance. In the 56th minute, Adam Murphy delivered a quality cross and Kealan Dunleavy rose to head home Rovers’ third goal. Ten minutes later, Jordan Nugent added a moment of brilliance. After a Gareth Temple throw-in, Nugent flicked the ball forward with his first touch and calmly finished past the outrushing keeper to make it 4-1. Kilmacrennan continued to push but found the Rovers’ defence, led by James Barlow Gallagher, unyielding. The visitors had several half-chances, with Edwin Doherty and Shane Mc Devitt both coming close, but they were unable to find the net. Rovers maintained their composure in the closing stages and could have added a fifth, with chances falling to Kealan Dunleavy and Gareth Temple, but the hosts will be content with a convincing win.
Referee: Leo Devenney
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Ballybofey United Reserves 1 v 3 Milford United Reserves
It was a tightly contested battle in the first half-hour with neither team creating any clear-cut chances. Ballybofey came closest after Karlos Reuka struck a low driven shot from the edge of the box but it whistled past the post and went wide. Milford took the lead just before the break when a good ball was played down the right-hand side and was whipped in to their striker who finished well with his head. Milford started the second half well, doubling their lead early on. A ball fell to their striker on the edge of the box and he finished well into the bottom corner giving Joe O’ Donnell no chance in the Ballybofey goals. Ballybofey had a good chance to pull one back after substitute Johnny Bell played through Conor Murphy but his effort was well saved by the Milford keeper. Ballybofey had another good chance after a lovely ball was whipped in by Ronan Mc Hugh which again found Murphy but his shot was well blocked by the defender and went behind for a corner. Ballybofey eventually pulled one back after Adam Dunnion headed home from a Colin Kearns corner. Milford had a chance to regain their two-goal lead but Joe O’ Donnell made a good save to deny their winger from five yards. Milford got another goal after a quick free kick was fired into the box and their man was quickest to react and slotted it into the net.
Cranford United Reserves 0 v 2 Copany Rovers
Copany left Cranford Park with all three points after prevailing in the second half. It was goalless at half time as both sides couldn’t take their chances. Copany scored two goals in the second half to ensure the win.
Drumkeen United Reserves 4 v 3 Lagan Harps Reserves
Drumkeen welcomed Lagan Harps to St Patrick’s Park on Saturday Afternoon for this Finn Travel Division Three game. The home team got the win but they had to do it the hard way as they were pushed all the way by the visitors in this seven-goal thriller. Lagan got off to the perfect start when Kyle Martin put them ahead after six minutes. Drumkeen got back on level terms quickly though as Lee Guthrie equalised from the penalty spot. Drumkeen probably had the best of the first half but they found themselves behind at the break as Lagan Harps caught them on the break and Aidan Devir capitalised to put his team ahead just before the break. Drumkeen started the second half well and got back on level terms as Michael Guthrie set up Owen O’ Boyle for the equaliser. Drumkeen continued to press and eventually they broke down the Lagan defence as Lee Guthrie put them ahead after 67 minutes. The visitors didn’t give up and got back on level terms through Callum Lynch on 73 minutes. This game looked like it was heading for a draw but the home team got what would prove to be the winner when Lee Guthrie set up Owen O’ Boyle with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. Drumkeen managed to see out the last few minutes to record what was a hard-earned win against a young Lagan side who never gave up. This was a good entertaining game with plenty of goals and was played in a good sporting manner Referee: Ryan Carlin.
Sunday 1st December
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Gweedore Celtic 1 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Gweedore remain without a win this season and despite playing the final fifteen minutes with ten players they looked like securing all three points when leading by a goal to nil. But Keadue struck for a late equaliser to deny the home team maximum points when substitute Matthew Smith, who was just on the pitch, snatched a forty-third-minute goal.
In a game of very few clear-cut chances the first goal was going to be crucial and when Ciaran Mc Hugh let fly with a shot from twenty yards to beat Paddy Mc Garvey it seemed that the points would be staying in Gweedore. That goal came with thirty minutes remaining and Keadue cranked up the pressure but they found the home team’s defence hard to break down, especially Micheal Mc Kelvey in goals. A twist in the game came in the eightieth minute when Gweedore lost defender Liam Wiggins to a second yellow card. With time almost up Keadue conjured an equaliser when Smith got on the end of a free kick from Forker and scored at the back post. On the balance of play a draw was probably a fair result although Gweedore would be disappointed conceding late on. Darragh Mc Gee was industrious thought for Na Ceiltigh, ably assisted by Fiachra Coyle in the centre of defence. Keadue had good performances from Brennan Mc Kelvey and Proctor.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 1 v 4 Ballybofey United
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United 1 v 4 Gweedore United
It was Derby day in Pairc Joe as Gweedore United made the short trip over the road. The game started slowly with both sides sizing each other up and not wanting to commit too many forward. There were few attempts on goal for either side until the 30th minute when Gweedore’s Ciaran Mc Fadden took advantage of a mix-up in Glenea’s defence and finished well past Shaun Mc Clafferty. Glenea were level shortly after when the in-form Calvin Murray got to the end line and found himself with a shooting opportunity, although the angle was tight he managed to squeeze the ball in at the near post. Gweedore United went ahead again from a set-piece when the unmarked Brian Mc Fadden headed past Mc Clafferty in the 45th minute leaving the visitors 2-1 up at the break. Gweedore United got their third when Ethan Harkin rose highest in the box to head home a corner shortly after the restart. Glenea were awarded a penalty when Ciaran Mc Geady was taken down in the box. Oran Craig got down well to save the spot-kick. From their next attack, Gweedore got their fourth of the afternoon and Glenea were left with a lot to do going into the last 15minutes. As the game drew to a close Glenea continued to push for a goal but with the clock running down it would take a significant amount of injury time to salvage anything.
Gweedore United held on and claimed all three points. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin
Lagan Harps 7 v 0 Cranford United
Lagan turned in a strong performance against a struggling Cranford side. They opened the scoring on five minutes when Kyle Martin crossed for Faolan Gibson to knock home. Cranford went close when Mark Margey saved a Shane Coll header from a corner. Lagan increased the lead on twenty-seven minutes. Ciaran Quinn headed a corner against the bar before Faolan Gibson made sure. It was 3-0 on thirty-three minutes when Faolan Gibson set up Conur Crossan. Cranford replied when Seamus Carr had a header saved by Mark Margey. Whatever chance Cranford had was quashed when Lagan scored at the start of the second half. Iarlaith Duffy crossed for Kyle Martin to volley home. Kyle Martin then crossed for Codey Brogan to make it five on sixty minutes. Cranford then had a chance when Shane Coll found Cathair Sweeney with a great diagonal ball but he fired wide. Chris Carr was also just too high with a free. Lagan increased the lead on seventy-four minutes when Kyle Martin received a long ball from Rory Mc Crossan. He lobbed the advancing keeper before scoring from a narrow angle. Dylan Doogan then struck a post as Lagan continued to press. Kyle Martin then found Niall Mc Crossan for number seven. Conor Bonner completed the scoring when his shot found the back of the net. Referee: Thomas Ferry.
Lifford Celtic 2 v 4 Donegal Town
Lifford began the game working hard and started to win the midfield battle. However, Donegal Town grabbed the lead with a nice finish. Lifford got back on level terms via a Shay Lindsay penalty. Lifford went on the front foot and after a backpass was intercepted Ethan Mc Hugh slotted home. After a fracas both teams were reduced to ten men. As the game wore on Donegal Town grabbed two quick-fire goals to dent Lifford’s hopes of a second victory. Donegal found the net another two times near the end to run out winners.
Milford United 6 v 0 Castlefin Celtic
Milford put in their best performance of the season with a blistering opening 45 minutes to overcome the visitors with three first half goals which could have been more only for a few missed chances and great goal keeping by Mark Gordan. First up Corey lee Mc Conigley was taken down in the box and the Kyle Black penalty was saved and rebounded to him which was again saved by Gordan before coming off the head of Micheal Durning for an own goal. Great opportunities fell to Cathal Mc Gettigan, Mc Conigley, the impressive Killian Mc Bride and Kyle Black before Milford got their second. Mc Bride got his first as his run was found by a through ball from Conor Mc Hugh and he cooly slipped the ball past the our-rushing keeper. Before the break, Conor Mc Hugh scored following a goal mouth scramble after a corner. Killian Mc Bride made it four on 55 minutes when he slotted home from 8 yards after good build up play by his team mates. Mc Bride completed his hat-trick on 65 minutes when a corner from Mc Gettigan ricocheted off the keeper and off Mc Bride to make it 5-0. Despite a period of 15 minutes in the second half Milford were always in control and Finn Coll completed the scoring on 75 minutes with a neat finishing from ten yards. Great team performance by Milford on the day. Referee: Matthew Hull.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 1 v 5 Drumoghill F.C.
Both teams started well battling hard to gain control of the game. Curragh began to gain control but Richie Moore grabbed one for Drumoghill against the run of play on 28 minutes. Gareth Hamilton made it 2-0 on 41 minutes when he fired home after a save from the Curragh keeper. Curragh responded straight away with Caolan Duffy sending Shea Mc Menamin through to make it 2-1 on 42 minutes. Bernard Lafferty had an opportunity to equalise on 44 minutes but he saw his effort go over the bar. Liam O’ Donnell headed home from a corner on 48 minutes. O’ Donnell got his second once again from a header on 54 minutes. He completed his hat-trick with another header at the back post on 57 minutes. Curragh continued to work hard and created several chances but the Drumoghill keeper saved well from efforts by Shelton and Conor Galvin. Liam O’ Donnell was best for Drumoghill. Team performance from Curragh. Referee: Paddy Mc Nulty
Deele Harps 2 v 5 Convoy Arsenal
Deele welcomed neighbours Convoy to Marty Duffy Park for this League Two encounter. The opening exchanges were even with Convoy enjoying most of the possession. The away side took the lead when a spectacular effort from Jamie O’ Donnell hit the top corner from 30 yards. The away side extended their lead on 35 minutes when JP Malley tapped home from close range. The game looked over as a contest on 38 minutes when Anthony Bogle lobbed the Deele keeper. But Deele came back into the game when Declan Lafferty rifled home a free kick from 20 yards. Deele then had a penalty saved on 44 minutes which would have brought the home side right back into contention. The second half started with Deele pushing to get back in the game and Shane Gallagher had a glorious chance to reduce the deficit, but his first-time effort went narrowly wide of the post. It was game on again on 65 minutes when Scott Macbeth rifled home from ten yards. As Deele pushed for the equaliser, Convoy caught them out when Darren Harvey tapped home from close range following some schoolboy defending. Convoy wrapped up the win on 82 minutes when JP Malley capitalised on a poor back pass. Team Performances. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Dunkineely Celtic 0 v 7 Letterbarrow Celtic
(No Report Available)
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4 v 1 Drumkeen United
The ‘71 made it six from six and continued their good start to the league with a hard-fought win over a well-organised Drumkeen side. Conor Bonner had Drumkeen in front on 20 minutes a lead they deserved with Kerrykeel sluggish. He headed home a brilliant Freddie cross. Kerrykeel’s response was quick and captain Mark Friel drew them level on 30 minutes with a great finish inside the box. At the start of the second-half Bonner hit the post for Drumkeen. Kerrykeel went in front on 60 minutes, Kevin Loughrey heading home from a brilliant Bernard Mc Gettigan cross. Shaun Kerr was also involved starting the attack with a brilliant angled ball. Mark Friel made the points safe on 85 minutes when he finished well after great work from Calum Mc Ateer. Marty Mc Ateer made it four in injury time with a brilliant free kick. Drumkeen played some good football today and were best served by Conor Bonner and Kieran Mc Laughlin. Best for ’71 were Michael Mc Devitt, Mark Friel and Shaun Friel. Referee: Semie Ferry.
Whitestrand United 3 v 1 Raphoe Town
Whitestrand United took on Raphoe Town looking to continue their recent undefeated streak. Whitestrand opened the scoring when Cormac Dunleavy broke down the left and released Michael Sweeney who made it 1-0 with a close finish. Whitestrand looked to add to their lead with two big chances which they failed to take. Raphoe who were playing good football equalised when Kieron Logue scored before half time. Whitestrand would have been disappointed to go in level. The second half started evenly with both teams having chances and Whitestrand took the lead when Ciaran Sweeney scored after a goalmouth scramble. Whitestrand sealed the result with a fine breakaway goal when Michael Sweeney crossed for Cormac Dunleavy to score and the game ended 3-1. Best for Whitestrand were John Heraty, Cormac Dunleavy and Emmet Kelly.
FAI Junior Cup
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 0 Peake Villa F.C.
Letterkenny Rovers delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Peake Villa, advancing to the 5th round of the FAI Junior Cup. A combination of early goals, a resilient defence, and relentless pressure ensured the hosts progress at Leckview Park. The game began with a fast tempo as both sides tested each other early. Peake Villa’s Keith Cahill looked dangerous, creating two early opportunities that were well dealt with by Rovers’ goalkeeper Shane O’ Gara. However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. BJ Banda linked up with Gareth Doherty who played a dangerous ball into the box for Lee Mc Monagle to calmly slot past Peake Villa’s keeper Evan Comerford, making it 1-0. Rovers continued to control the tempo and just before halftime Banda doubled the lead. A pinpoint ball from Chris Malseed sent Banda through on goal and the striker showcased his composure with a clinical finish to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute. Peake Villa had a late chance in the half but Cahill’s effort flew high and wide leaving the visitors with an uphill task in the second half. Rovers started the second half with the same intensity, creating numerous chances. Banda remained a constant threat, narrowly missing a couple of opportunities early on. Peake Villa’s best spell came around the 50th minute with Stephen Carroll and Darragh Byrne testing the Rovers’ defence, but they were unable to capitalise on their brief momentum. The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Banda produced a moment of individual brilliance. After a throw-in from Padraic Gilsenan, Banda weaved his way across the pitch, creating space to unleash a low, hard strike into the bottom corner, sealing the result at 3-0. Rovers maintained their dominance, with Mc Monagle rattling the crossbar from distance and Joel Bradley Walsh forcing Comerford to save from a free kick. Despite Peake Villa’s efforts to push forward, Rovers’ defence remained solid and composed, denying the visitors any clear-cut chances. Referee: John Coll. Assistants: Patrick Martin and Gerard Devine.
St. John’s Athletic F.C. 1 v 0 Fanad United
(No Report Available)
