Mc Dermott header gives Cockhill Celtic vital victory.

A Malachy Mc Dermott far post header from Gerry Gill’s corner in the 83rd minute gave defending champions Cockhill Celtic victory to in this vital Top of the Table clash with title rivals Letterkenny Rovers in terrible conditions at the Charlie O Donnell Sports Grounds and keeps them on track for another league title.                                                                                                                                                       COCKHILL CELTIC   1   V    0    LETTERKENNY ROVERS                                                                    This was a game of very few goal scoring chances played throughout in very wet and windy conditions. To their credit both teams attempted to play good passing football and interestingly both played better against the elements.                         Cockhill Celtic had the advantage in the opening half but the visitors were better with the ball without ever really testing home keeper Lee Mc Carron, the best effort came from a Darren Mc Elwaine shot which drifted just wide after a super long pass by Ryan Mc Connell had sent Luke Nelis away on the left side.        Six minutes into the second-half the young Rovers midfield was caught on the wrong side of Daniel Martin Doherty and his clumsy challenge resulted in Referee Garvin Taggert pointing to the penalty spot.                                                Up stepped Gerry Gill but his well struck effort was brilliantly saved by Rory Kelly diving to his right. Neither team were able to break down two resolute defences and as the game entered the final ten minutes a draw seemed even more likely.  However it’s never over till it’s over and from another Gill set piece, this time a corner came the winning goal.  Gill’s effort curled towards the far post and from a bunch of bodies big Malachy Mc Dermott got his head to the ball and it somehow got across the goal line for a most important score.          Rovers complained loudly that the big Cockhill midfield had used his hands illegally on their defender David Shovelin but referee Garvin Taggert disagreed and awarded the goal.                                                                                            CHARLES  COLLINS reports from the Charlie O Donnell Sports Grounds.                                                                                                This result widens the gap between these two to seven points and although Rovers had a game in hand they are now depending on others.                         Fanad Utd’s 4-0 win over Derry City Res keeps them in touch but they have played two more games than Gavin Cullen’s team.                                            COCKHILL  CELTIC ; Lee Mc Carron, Kieran Mc Laughlin, Jason Breslin, Peter Doherty , Oisin Mc Colgan , Ryan Varma , Daniel Martin Doherty ( Liam o Donnell  75mins ) , Malachy Mc Dermott ( Daniel Doherty 85mins ),  Laurence  Toland , Gerry Gill , Ronan Doherty .                                                                                 LETTERKENNY ROVERS ;  Rory Kelly , David Shovelin, Luke Nelis ( Gabhann Grant 60 mins ) , Ryan Gildea ( Christopher Dillon 50mins ) , Ryan Mc Connell , Ryan Lonegan , Kevin Mc Grath , Chris Flanagan , Darren Mc Elwaine ( Steve Okakpu- Emeke 75mins ) , Christy Conaghan , Cillian Morrison.                                  Referee ; Garvin Taggert.