DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
Action from the Watson Hire Division One match between Castlefin Celtic and Cappry Rovers in the Donegal Junior League. Pic.: Gary Foy, Leaue PRO
SUNDAY 30-03-2014
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 Lifford Celtic 1
This game was reversed to Greenbrae Park Lifford as both teams went in search of three points at opposite ends of the table. The first half was a fairly even affair with few chances. Marcus McDonald came closest to scoring for Lifford following an Alan Gethins corner. Kilmacrennan started the second half brightest without causing Lee White any major trouble in the Lifford goal. The game finally sparked into life as Ross Porter rattled the Kilmacrennan crossbar on the hour mark. The only goal of the game arrived after a Kevin Mc Brearty run and shot brought a fine save from the Kilmacrennan netminder only for Mark Neeson to finish the rebound to an empty net with 20 minutes left on the clock. For the remainder of the game Kilmacrennan pushed for an equaliser with Lifford countering, Alan Gethins had the final effort of the match with a fine volley from 20 yards only for the keeper to make a fine save. Battling performances from both teams
Donegal Town 3 Cranford United 2
A late penalty from Conor Mc Monagle resulted in Donegal Town coming out on top in a crucial relegation battle at the foot of the table. Donegal started much the brighter and dominated the first half for long periods. Benny Byrne was a constant thorn in the side of the Cranford defenders and caused lots of problems early on. The opening goal came when Raymond Mc Groary’s free kick eluded everyone and slipped in at the back post midway through the first half. Donegal increased their lead on the hour mark when Benny Byrne brushed aside the Cranford centre half to power the ball home at the near post. Cranford battled hard and got back into it when Philip Buchannan flicked the ball home from a set piece. Buchannan then brought Cranford level with five minutes to go, finishing from twelve yards having earned the penalty himself. Donegal threw everything forward in search of a winner in the late stages and when Benny Byrne was pulled down inside the area Mc Monagle was on hand to clinch a vital three points for the Town. Good team performances from both sides. Referee: Liam Farren
St. Catherines 2 Gweedore Celtic 2
St Catherines played their final home game of the league campaign against Gweedore Celtic on a fine Spring day. The home side started the brighter and on thirty minutes Jason Noctor scored a header at the back post following a deep cross from the left. Both teams battled hard in the midfield area with some hearty tackles and tussles throughout the game.
The second half saw The Saints start the well again and Barry Cannon made it two-nil when his shot from twenty yards found the top corner. Gweedore didn’t lie down and kept the pressure on the home side and on seventy five minutes Damien O’ Sullivan’s header found the net from a cross. The Saints had a claim for a goal waved away on eighty minutes, this spurred on Gweedore and they got the equaliser on eighty five minutes after a lapse of concentration, Damien O’ Sullivan on the mark again. Team performance both sides. Referee: Joe Mc Hugh
Rathmullan Celtic 4 Milford United 2
Rathmullan emerged with a deserved three points from the big local derby with Milford at the Flagpole. The Hoops hit the front thanks to an early goal from Kieran Gorman but this was soon cancelled out when referee Mick Lagan awarded the visitors a penalty.
With a strong home crowd behind them the Hoops rallied in the second period and goals from Eamonn Sheridan, the immense Paddy Sheridan and talisman Dara Patton were enough to secure the win despite sub Peter Doherty’s goal for the Swans. The victory keeps Rathmullan at the top of the Premier Division with just two games left to play with Lifford still hot on their heels following their 1-0 win over Kilmacrennan.
Watson Hire Division One
Gweedore United 3 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0
This game played in glorious conditions in Carrickboyle saw the home side claim the three points thanks to an excellent team performance and a hat-trick from Ciaran Mc Fadden. The game began with both sides going at each other however the home side broke the deadlock in the 5th minute when Ciaran Mc Fadden, who got the ball on the halfway, rounded two defenders and finished well past Mark Mc Conigley. Both sides gave very little away until the 28th minute when Kerrykeel were awarded a penalty. The resulting spot kick taken by Niall Doherty was excellently saved by Liam Mc Fadden who was excellent on the day. The game remained 1-0 until half time. In the second half the visitors started the brightest and went in search of their equaliser with good chances falling to Mark Friel and Colin Mc Conigley however Mc Fadden in the United nets saved well on each occasion. The home side had their own chances through Michael Connolly and Darren Ferry. The home side extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Darren Ferry’s excellent pass found Ciaran Mc Fadden who slotted past the oncoming Mc Conigley to make it 2-0. Kerrykeel were unlucky on a number of occasions when Mark “Sparky” Friel and Paddy Mc Granaghan could have pulled one back but it just wasn’t their day. United ensured the points in the 77th minute when Francis Gallagher did well on the right wing and his excellent cross was well finished by Ciaran Mc Fadden to get his hatrick and United’s third on the day. Good team performances by both sides on the day with the home side edging the match helped by their in-form striker Ciaran Mc Fadden. Referee: Paddy Melaugh
Castlefin Celtic 3 Cappry Rovers 3
With both teams looking for all three points this was always going to be an entertaining game. After five minutes JP Malley chipped the visiting keeper after been set up by Damien Mc Anenny. Castlefin doubled the lead through Matthew O’ Rourke with an excellent strike from outside the box straight into the roof of the net. Castlefin created numerous other chances but were unable to extend their advantage. Cappry started to get into the game before half time as Aaron Kelly caused some trouble of the Castlefin defence with his dangerous crosses into the box. Cappry pulled one back straight after the restart as Darren O’Leary made no mistake from the penalty spot after a hand ball in the home box. Cappry did most of the pressing in the second half they found an equaliser on 60th minute when Kevin Mc Glynn found himself free at the back post to tap the ball into the net. Castlefin regained the lead on 65 minutes when PJ McMenamin found Matthew O’Rourke and O’Rourke then found Malley in the box and he made no mistake from close range. With five minutes remaining Cappry found another equaliser as a corner caused a scramble in a packed Castlefin box and Stephen McDermott made it three each. Both teams could have took all three points in the closing stages but had to settle with a share of the points. Referee: Marty Quinn. Best for Castlefin: Kieran Brennan. Best for Cappry: Kevin Mc Glynn.
CT Ball Division Two
Raphoe Town 3 Ballybofey United 0
Raphoe welcomed Ballybofey to the Deele College grounds on what was a fine day for football. This was a game the town had to win to keep their play-off hopes alive. Raphoe started well and played some fine passing football but were just lacking in the final third. The two Bogles were getting forward at every opportunity and kept the Ballybofey defenders on their toes. The breakthrough came just before half time when some great play from Jamie Gallagher on the wing took him around the defender and he found Stephen Craig who finished well. Raphoe kept the pressure on in the second half and had some great chances to get a second through Gallagher, Craig and Mc Brearty but credit to a very young Ballybofey team who kept going and had a few half chances through Kelly and Gregg. Raphoe got their second from the penalty spot when Paddy Gallagher scored. Paddy got the third when he scored from 30 yards. Good result for Raphoe with a fine team performance. Good team effort from a young Ballybofey outfit. Referee: Kevin Logue
Convoy Arsenal 1 Drumbar F.C. 0
It was a sunny spring Sunday afternoon and Convoy started off the brightest at Orchard Park. They maintained possession well but the final ball proved difficult on many occasions. On 25 minutes Ryan Carlin managed to get a shot off but found Drumbar’s keeper in fine form.
Drumbar settled after this and the game was an even cagey affair for the remainder of the half. Convoy started the second half with an offensive attitude and Carlin was denied once again when the keeper came out on top of their one on one battle. Their persistence however was rewarded on 70 minutes when James Kee knocked down to Jason Toner who in turn teed it up for a terrific strike from John A. Kee which rifled into the roof of the net from 18yards. Following this Convoy pushed on in search of a second but Drumbar held firm. Overall an important three points for Convoy. Best for Drumbar: Darragh Doogan. Best for Convoy: Team Effort. Referee: Paddy Martin
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Glenea United Reserves 4 St. Catherines Reserves 0
Glenea Reserves continued their unbeaten run with this well earned victory over St. Catherines. The home side started well and took the lead on 5 minutes when Dean Gallagher headed home a corner. Glenea quickly extended their lead when Padraig McGee converted from the penalty spot after a handball. The home side continued to dominate the game and their pressure finally paid off after 35 minutes when Eamonn McHugh got onto a through ball, beat last defender and fired home for the 3rd goal. In the 2nd half St. Catherines tried hard to get back into the game and came close to pulling a goal back only to be let down by some wayward finishing. As the half progressed the home side started to get on top again and on 65 minutes got their 4th goal when Eamonn McHugh was on hand to slot the ball home after it broke to him in the box. Glenea had a couple of chances to increase their lead but were denied by some good goalkeeping from the visiting keeper. Best for Glenea were Michael Mc Clafferty and Eamonn McHugh, while it was a team effort from St. Catherines. Referee: Martin Coll.
Orchard F.C. 4 Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1
Orchard started this game well and took the lead after 15 minutes when Chucky Sweeney stole the ball from the defender and raced in on goal and finished well from six yards. Orchard doubled their lead two minutes later. A great through ball from “Red” found Niall Bonner who finished the move off well. Castlefin pushed hard and had a few chances before half time but a well marshalled defence kept them out. Orchard started the second half in the same fashion as the first. Chucky Sweeney should have made it three only the keeper saved well. The game’s third goal came on 65 minutes when Niall Bonner hit a good volley from 12 yards and the keeper got a hand on it but couldn’t keep it out. Castlefin pulled a goal back shortly after this when there was a mix up in the Orchard defence and the Castlefin striker got in and finished from three yards. Orchard got their fourth on 85 minutes. A good ball from “Eddy” found Luke Friel who raced through and finished well from 5 yards. Best for Orchard were Andrew Doherty and Niall Bonner. God team effort by Castlefin.
Mulroy Celtic 1 Glencar Celtic 2
Two teams at different ends of the table played out a very entertaining encounter. Glencar fresh of an eight one victory last week picked up where they left off and pinned the home side back from the first whistle. They took the lead when the clinical Pajo Rafferty broke clear after a mistake in the home defence and cooly slotted home. They had a chance to double their lead ten minutes later when they won a penalty, Rafferty stepped up and brought an excellent save from Jerome Doherty in the Mulroy goal. Mulroy threatened on occasions and were unlucky not to equalise when a free kick found a spare man but the header drifted wide. With half time approaching Glencar made it two nil when a shot from the edge of the box sneaked into the bottom corner, Shane Hilly with the goal. Mulroy took to the field for the second half with a brisk breeze at their back and put Glencar under pressure. They pulled a goal back from a free kick twenty five yards out, Eamon Sweeney with a superb curling effort into the top corner. The home side with their tails up had chances to draw level, the best dropping to Paul Martin one on one but his shot flashed wide. At times the away side showed why they’re are closing in on the title with passing that was a joy to watch creating chances in the process. Good team performance from home side, Sully and Ray Quinn impressed for Glencar.
Fintown Harps AFC 1 Erne Wanderers 5
Amid cold conditions it was Erne Wanderers who opened the scoring when David Dolan scored in the first minute. In the 15th minute Erne’s Michael Ward furthered their lead when he made no mistake in front of the goal. Michael Ward then scored from a rebound of a free kick with 5 minutes left in the first half. Fintown tried hard to get a score on the board but all to no avail.
The second half started better for the Harps when Shan Mc Millian took on the Ballyshannon defence and slotted into the back of the net. Micheal Ward then put two further goals into the Fintown net in the space of 10 minutes. The game finished 5-1 to Erne Wanderers. Team performance by both. Referee: Martin Mc Elhinney
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Arranmore United 2 Glenree United Reserves 2
A draw was a fair result from this match on the Island. The first half ended scoreless as Glenree defended into a stiff breeze and dealt well with Arranmore’s best efforts. Glenree started the second half in blistering fashion when Damien Nelis finished brilliantly from 20 yards on 48 minutes. The lead was short lived however as the home side struck back on 52 minutes when Ruan Reynolds knocked home from 4 yards following good work from Declan Proctor, Arranmore took the lead on 56minutes when Benny Mc Garvey struck an unstoppable free kick from 30yards into the top corner, The home side had chances to finish the game off but did not take them. Glenree made them pay for this and deservedly got an equaliser on 80 minutes when John Mc Clafferty powered home a header from a corner. Both sides pushed hard for the winner but it finished all square. Fair result all round. Good team performances. Referee: Marty Quinn.
Curragh Athletic Reserves 1 Gweedore United Reserves 2
Curragh started well and should have opened the scoring when a Bernard Lafferty corner was nearly converted by Shea Hannigan. Gary Heaney kept constant pressure on the Gweedore backline but the defence stood strong. Martin Doohan scored a 30th minute penalty for Gweedore to give them the lead. They went further in front when Shaun Paul Mc Mahon scored in the 55th minute for Gweedore. Curragh started to press more and were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute. Justin Mc bride cooly converted the spot kick. Curragh then had good chances fall to Shane Elliott and Gary Heaney only for the keeper to save well. Best for Curragh was Shaun Maxwell. Team effort from Gweedore. Referee: Andrew Mullin.
Donegal Town Reserves 1 Tullyvinney Rovers 0
Donegal Town welcomed Tullyvinney Rovers to the Hospital Field on Saturday. This was a very keenly contested match. Donegal had chances through a glancing header from Ted Bustard and shots from Joe Mc Intyre and James Feighney but found the Tullyvinney keeper in excellent form. Tullyvinney to their credit put Donegal under sustained pressure until half time and had shots from Renato. Donegal net minder James Mc Daid was in sparkling form making three vital saves. Donegal kept the pressure on in the second half and their hard work paid off when James Feighney beat the off side trap and he finished cooly under the body of the Tullyvinney keeper. Donegal pressed on from this and Chris Hegarty went on a surging run and found himself one and one against the Tullyvinney keeper who made an excellent save. Donegal welcomed back Daniel Mc Hugh after a lengthy lay off. Best for Donegal were Chris Hegarty, Joe Mc Intyre, James Feighney and Daniel Mc Hugh. Team performance from Tullyvinney.
Milford United Reserves 2 Keadue Rovers Reserves 1
Milford came out on top in a closely contested match at Moyle View. Milford had the better of the opening twenty minutes but we’re unable to test the keeper with some great defending from Keadue. Milford took the lead on thirty minutes through Ciran Blaney after good work by JJ Fleming. The second half began at a frantic pace with Keadue pushing forward and Milford trying to hit them on the break. Keadue got a deserved equaliser on sixty minutes when they scored from a free header from a corner. The game was end to end for the last 20 minutes with the winner coming in the eighty fifth minute when Brendan McGinley got on the end of a Johnny Sweeney corner. Good game of football from both sides.
RESULTS
SATURDAY
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Glenea United Reserves 4 v 0 St. Catherines Reserves
Orchard F.C. 4 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Mulroy Celtic 1 v 2 Glencar Celtic
Fintown Harps AFC 1 v 5 Erne Wanderers
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Arranmore United 2 v 2 Glenree United Reserves
Curragh Athletic Reserves 1 v 2 Gweedore United Reserves
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 0 Tullyvinney Rovers
Milford United Reserves 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves
SUNDAY 30-03-2014
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 v 1 Lifford Celtic
Donegal Town 3 v 2 Cranford United
St. Catherines 2 v 2 Gweedore Celtic
Rathmullan Celtic 4 v 2 Milford United
Watson Hire Division One
Gweedore United 3 v 0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Castlefin Celtic 3 v 3 Cappry Rovers
CT Ball Division Two
Raphoe Town 3 v 0 Ballybofey United
Convoy Arsenal 1 v 0 Drumbar F.C.
WEDNESDAY 02-04-2014 K.O. 6.45 p.m.
Watson Hire Division One
Cappry Rovers v Bonagee United
SATURDAY 05-04-2014 K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated)
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
Fintown Harps AFC v Mulroy Celtic
Castlefin Celtic Reserves v Ramelton Mariners
St. Catherines Reserves v Glencar Celtic
Orchard F.C. v Erne Wanderers
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Curragh Athletic Reserves v Arranmore United (K.O. 1p.m.)
Tullyvinney Rovers v Glenree United Reserves
Cranford United Reserves v Gweedore United Reserves
SUNDAY 06-04-2014 K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated)
Ulster Junior Cup
Clonmany Shamrocks v Gweedore Celtic
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Lifford Celtic v St. Catherines
Kilmacrennan Celtic v Rathmullan Celtic
Watson Hire Division One
Keadue Rovers v Drumoghill F.C.
Cappry Rovers v Dunkineely Celtic
CT Ball Division Two
Raphoe Town v Deele Harps
WEDNESDAY 09-04-2014 K.O. 6.45 p.m.
Watson Hire Division One
Cappry Rovers v Castlefin Celtic
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Milford United Reserves v Glenree United Reserves
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