DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Ramelton Mariners 2 Fintown Harps AFC 4
Fintown Harps maintained their push for the Old Orchard Inn Division 1 title with a hard earned victory over the Mariners in monsoon like conditions at Rabs Park. Fintown took the lead in the 10th minute through Aaron Thompson and doubled their lead on 34 minutes through the same player. Fintown were well on top at the half-way mark.
Mariners came out for the 2nd half with all guns blazing and halved the deficit on 54 minutes with a neat finish from Packie Durning after a through ball from Diggy Buchanan. The Mariners pressed for an equaliser but were caught on the break and Daragh Gallagher finished well on 70 minutes. Again Mariners upped their game and got back into the game in the 80th minute when again Packie Durning scored, this time from the penalty spot after Peter Brannigan had been fouled in the area. With time running out it was Fintown who scored again 2 minutes into injury time, again from Daragh Gallagher. A sporting contest Referee: Barry Hunter.
Glencar Celtic 3 Glenea United Reserves 0
In wet and windy conditions Glencar started very brightly and they kept the ball very well but didn’t really trouble the Glenea goal for the majority of the half. However they did break the deadlock on the 35th minute. Great work from Chris Malseed in the middle of the park played in Mickey Molloy who fed Garvan Grieve who held his composure to finish well. Glenea came out of the traps determined in the second half and could have found themselves ahead hitting the woodwork twice. Glencar weathered the storm and went two up on the hour mark when Martin Brogan’s free kick was turned in by Michael Molloy. Glenea pushed hard again, this time hitting the post. But with Glenea looking to salvage something from the game and time running out Glencar nicked a third with a tidy finish from Paddy Collins from 30 yards who took full advantage of the keeper being out of position. Two good team performances. Referee: Ed Moore.
Erne Wanderers 3 Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2
Erne Wanderers hosted Castlefin Celtic on Saturday in dreadful conditions in the last league game of the year at the Lakeside Centre. They came out on top in a five goal thriller to keep in touch with the league leaders thanks to a screamer from an inform David Dolan. The home team burst out of the traps and took the lead after just 12seconds when the Celtic keeper came rushing out to clear a through ball. He miscued and cleared straight to David Dorrian in the centre of the pitch 25 yards out and he hit a left foot shot along the ground into an empty net. The second goal came on 15 minutes when Dorrian won possession in midfield and then fed Russell who played a great pass to Micheal Mc Neely who collected it 25 yards out, steadied himself and let fly into the bottom corner. Erne’s backline had to be on top of their game to keep tabs on JP Mailey and were doing solid job. Erne were dominating possession and created a few more chances but were wasteful either in front of goal or with the final pass. Castlefin got a break in the 38th minute when the ball broke to Mailey and he burst through and rounded the keeper to half the deficit. The second half started with Wanderers in possession again but it was proving difficult to control their passing with the wind at their back. With the ball holding up for Mailey now against the wind he was always a threat in behind and he broke free on 65 minutes and laid the ball off to Ronan Tourish who slotted home into the far corner. Castlefin were on top for a period after this but Erne weathered the storm. They got the winner with 10 minutes left on the clock when McNeely swung over a great cross and it was half cleared to the edge of the box where David Dolan met it on the half volley and blasted it in off the underside of the crossbar. A strike worthy of winning any match. Castlefin never really looked like getting a leveller. A solid team performance from the home team with the midfield of Russell and Dorrian getting through a mountain of work and Dolan on the wing a constant threat. JP Mailey was the main man for the visitors. Referee: Brian O’ Kane
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
SUNDAY
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Glenea United 0 Milford United 0
In cold condition Glenea continued their unbeaten run in the league but neither side was able to find a goal to win the game. Playing with the wind it was the away side that started brightest and on 15 minutes PJ Hagan found himself free in the box but pulled his shot wide. As the half progressed Glenea came more into the game and on 30 minutes a Sean Maguire through ball put Sean McBride away but his ball across to Ryan McFadden was cut out by the Milford defence. Minutes later Kevin Mulhern broke through the middle and got onto Padraig McGee’s pass and lifted the ball over the keeper only to see it fall the wrong side of the post. In the 2nd half Glenea dominated the possession but were finding it hard to create any clear cut chances with Ryan McFadden going close from a narrow angle and then Donal Coll saw his effort deflected onto the post. Milford were finding it hard to create any goal chances and their only effort was from a free-kick which was saved. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Lifford Celtic 2 Curragh Athletic 0
Lifford gathered a much needed three points against a determined Curragh side. The weather or pitch conditions didn’t favour either side but Lifford settled quickest as Johnny Robb calmly finished at the second attempt following a through ball from Kevin Mc Brearty around the twenty minute mark. Lifford went further ahead on the half hour when Alan Gethins finished following good build up play from Ross Porter down the right flank. The second half began with the Curragh pushing more men forward but the Lifford rearguard of Mark McNulty and David O’ Herlihy stood strong. As full time approached Ronnie Carlin got through on the Lifford goal, from a Neil Lloyd pass, but Lee White was equal to the task in the Lifford net. Solid team performances from both teams.
Watson Hire Division One
Cappry Rovers 1 Drumoghill F.C. 1
Cappry started the game brightly and pressed hard for the opening goal. They came close in the 10th minute when Darren O’Leary hit the post with a stunning free kick from 35 yards. In the 14th minute they took the lead through Gavin Reilly who’s long throw-in ended up in the net. The home side should have added to their tally before half time with Brendan Mc Laughlin going close on a couple of occasions. Drumoghill started the second half better and pressed for an equaliser. They got level in the 60th minute when Michael Doherty crossed for Liam O’Donnell to head home from inside the six yard box. Cappry responded well and pressed for a second goal. In the 70th minute the home team had a good shout for a penalty turned when Brendan Mc Laughlin was pushed by the Drumoghill keeper as he went round him. In the 74th minute Kevin Mc Glynn rounded the keeper and squared the ball to Brian Lafferty who had his effort cleared off the line by Brian Coll. Drumoghill went close through a Michael Doherty shot in the 82nd minute. In the 91st minute Alan Patton went close but saw his shot go just over the bar. A good team performance from Cappry. Best for Drumoghill were Damien Crossan and Brian Coll.
Referee: Paddy Duffy.
Eany Celtic 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4
Kerrykeel went away from Eany Park with full points despite being pushed hard by the home side. Johnny Friel went close on 10 minutes when he headed over the bar. Eany had a good chance five minutes later when Paul Mc Groarty shot just wide of the post . Mc Groarty was the provider when he put Barry Rose through to get Eany on the score sheet on the half hour . Eany held firm until just before half time when Kerrykeel scored twice in a three minute spell. The first was scored by Fergal Friel and Johnny Friel got the second. Eany started the second half well but despite all the effort couldn’t find the net. Kerrykeel were awarded a penalty against the run of play and despite a double save by Eany Keeper Cathal Gallagher, Johnny Friel scored to put the visitors 1-3 up. Kevin Loughrey scored the 4th goal for Kerrykeel with the last kick of the game. Good performances from both sides. Referee: Victor Rainey
CT Ball Division Two
Convoy Arsenal v Copany Rovers
Match referee Marty Quinn abandoned this game in the first half due to a player receiving an injury.
Whitestrand United 3 Ballybofey United 1
On a cold fresh day Whitestrand United took on Ballybofey United at Whitestrand Park. The match started with both teams evenly matched and not many chances coming to either. As the match wore on Whitestrand began to exert themselves more upon the game and a great chance went begging when Calvin McGowan latched onto a knockdown from Paul lynch but fired over the bar. Whitestrand had another chance when good build up led to Paul lynch having a shot but he skewed it wide. The first goal came on the half hour mark when Joe Blaney raced onto a pass from Paul Lynch and skipped past a defender before firing past the goalkeeper. It was a well deserved goal and a second nearly came for the home side when a spectacular overhead kick from Patrick Mc Groddy went wide of the post. They were made to rue that miss when a goalmouth scramble led to PH Bonar scoring the equaliser and the teams went in at half time all square.
The second half started similar to the first with both teams trying to exert their dominance over the game. There weren’t many chances for either team in the earlier part of the half but the key moment came with about 20 minutes to go when Paul Lynch headed an excellent goal. It really was a crucial goal for the team and the icing on the cake came when Michael Sweeney broke through and finished superbly past the Ballybofey keeper. Ballybofey did push towards the end to attempt to get back into the game but Whitestrand held firm and earned what could turn out to be a priceless win. Best for the Strand were Paul Lynch and Joe Blaney.
Deele Harps 2 Dunlewy Celtic 1
Deele entertained Dunlewey on a wintry afternoon at The Athletic Grounds. The home side were dominant in the early exchanges but couldn’t force the breakthrough. Dunlewey threatened through the middle as the half progressed. In the 30th minute a superb move started by young James McNulty as he exchanged a one – two with Aidy Gallagher and then slid a perfect pass into Brian Breslin who finished well. In fairness to Dunlewey they kept going and were dangerous from set pieces. The second half was a scrappy affair with the pitch restricting any chance of good football but Deele extended their lead in the 60th minute when the impressive Brian Breslin once again terrorised the Dunlewey full back as he raced through from the wing and showed great composure to find Shane Gallagher who finished well from 6 yards. Dunlewey kept going and found a way back into the game when Christopher Cannon scored direct from a 20 yard free kick. In the end the game petered out with Deele claiming a valuable three points ahead of the Christmas break. Two decent team performances. Referee James Malseed.
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
RESULTS
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 4 Fintown Harps AFC
Glencar Celtic 3 v 0 Glenea United Reserves
Erne Wanderers 3 v 2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Orchard F.C. P v P St. Catherines Reserves
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Tullyvinney Rovers P v P Keadue Rovers Reserves
SUNDAY
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Glenea United 0 v 0 Milford United
Lifford Celtic 2 v 0 Curragh Athletic
Watson Hire Division One
Cappry Rovers 1 v 1 Drumoghill F.C.
Eany Celtic 1 v 4 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
CT Ball Division Two
Convoy Arsenal A v A Copany Rovers
Whitestrand United 3 v 1 Ballybofey United
Deele Harps 2 v 1 Dunlewy Celtic
League table for Brian McCormick Sports Premier League
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Points
Rathmullan Celtic 8 6 1 1 20 8 12 19
Glenea United 9 5 1 3 17 6 11 18
St Catherines FC 9 3 2 4 18 23 -5 13
Milford United FC 9 3 3 3 20 14 6 12
Cranford FC 8 3 2 3 14 12 2 12
Gweedore Celtic 9 3 3 3 13 14 -1 12
Lifford Celtic FC 6 3 2 1 7 6 1 10
Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 8 3 4 1 14 18 -4 10
Donegal Town FC 9 2 4 3 17 20 -3 9
Curragh Athletic FC 9 0 9 0 9 28 -19 0
League table for Watson Hire Sunday Division One
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Points
Drumoghill FC 8 6 1 1 20 5 15 19
Kerrykeel 71 FC 8 5 2 1 31 18 13 16
Cappry Rovers 7 4 0 3 19 9 10 15
Dunkineely Celtic FC 8 5 3 0 26 22 4 15
Gweedore United FC 9 4 4 1 20 15 5 13
Castlefin Celtic 8 4 3 1 19 16 3 13
Keadue Rovers FC 9 3 5 1 19 21 -2 10
Bonagee United FC 9 3 5 1 16 18 -2 10
Lagan Harps FC 9 2 5 2 18 29 -11 8
Eany Celtic FC 9 0 8 1 10 45 -35 1
League table for CT Ball Sunday Division Two
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Points
Whitestrand United FC 9 6 2 1 22 7 15 19
Copany Rovers FC 8 5 1 2 14 10 4 17
Deele Harps FC 9 5 3 1 17 10 7 16
Convoy Arsenal FC 8 5 2 1 12 10 2 16
Glenree United FC 9 4 3 2 13 14 -1 14
Dunlewey Celtic 9 3 4 2 18 15 3 11
Raphoe Town 9 3 5 1 14 17 -3 10
Ballybofey United FC 9 3 5 1 15 20 -5 10
Letterbarrow Celtic FC 9 3 5 1 15 21 -6 10
Drumbar FC 9 0 7 2 6 22 -16 2
League table for Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Points
Glencar Celtic 8 7 1 0 26 6 20 21
Erne Wanderers FC 8 6 2 0 21 10 11 18
Fintown Harps AFC 8 5 1 2 19 10 9 17
St Catherines FC 7 4 2 1 14 14 0 13
Castlefin Celtic Res 8 3 4 1 18 22 -4 10
Glenea United 8 3 5 0 14 18 -4 9
Orchard FC 7 2 4 1 11 18 -7 7
Mulroy Celtic 8 1 6 1 8 21 -13 4
Ramelton Mariners FC 8 1 7 0 11 23 -12 3
League table for Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Points
Arranmore United 9 8 1 0 21 6 15 24
Gweedore United FC Res 9 7 2 0 29 16 13 21
Donegal Town FC Res 9 5 1 3 23 17 6 18
Glenree United FC Res 9 4 3 2 25 25 0 14
Keadue Rovers FC 8 4 3 1 27 20 7 13
Tullyvinney Rovers 8 3 3 2 14 15 -1 11
Curragh Athletic FC 9 2 4 3 16 25 -9 9
Cranford FC 9 1 5 3 18 24 -6 6
Milford United FC Res 9 1 6 2 10 27 -17 5
Strand Rovers FC 9 0 7 2 9 17 -8 2
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