Letterkenny Rovers moved out on their own at the top of the Donegal Youth League thanks to a big win at Erne Wanderers last night. Here’s a full roundup.
Fanad United Youths 1 Gweedore United Youths 0
Fanad United Youths overcame Gweedore United Youths 1-0 in a tight but entertaining game at Traigh-a-Loch on Wednesday evening.
Fanad created the first chance in the 5th minute when Ronan Sweeney put an excellent ball into the box which was just missed by the onrushing John Friel.
Five minutes later Steven McFadden was unlucky to see his free kick fly just wide of the Fanad post.
Fanad broke up the other end and after a corner was knocked back by Aaron Reid, Ronan Sweeney’s spectacular overhead kick flew just over the bar.
It was end to end stuff and two minutes later, Steven McFadden volleyed just wide.
In the 20th minute Aaron Reid split the Gweedore defence to send John Friel through but his shot went wide of the post. Just before half time Gweedore missed a gilt edged chance to take the lead when sub Eamon Gallagher fired over from close range.
Gweedore were dealt a blow five minutes into the second half when Sean O’Dochartaigh received his second yellow card of the match. In the 50th minute Nathan O’Brien broke through but he shot wide of the Fanad goal. Fanad then missed two chances in quick succession to take the lead.
In the 63rd minute Shaun Kerr was put through but he shot wide when well placed.
Two minutes later Joshua McAteer hit an excellent cross from the left into the box but Ronan Sweeney headed wide. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams playing some decent football.
With 10 minutes to go, Ronan Sweeney seen his shot from close range deflected onto the post by the impressive Roan Turk.
With time running out, Fanad got the breakthrough. John Friel dropped deep and his excellent ball split the Gweedore defence and Ronan Sweeney made no mistake to score from 18 yards.
Gweedore pushed for an equaliser and came very close when sub Ronan Heffernan fired just wide when well placed.
Fanad United Youths: Mark McBride, Liam Sweeney, Liam McGreneghan, Ryan McGinley, Mark Gallagher, Aaron Reid, John Friel, Shaun Kerr, Ronan Sweeney, Darragh Shields, Joshua McAteer.
Gweedore United Youths: Peadar O’Baoil, Sean O’Dochartaigh, Michael Martin, Dylan Dwyer, Roan Turk, Michael Doherty, Nathan O’Brien, Shaun McFadden, Stephen McFadden, Steven McFadden, Kyle Doohan. Subs Used: Eamon Gallagher, Ronan Heffernan
Referee: Liam McLaughlin
Keadue Rovers Youths 4 Drumkeen Utd Youths 0
Keadue Rovers continued their excellent start to the season with this good victory over Drumkeen.
On an ideal night for football it was the home side on the front foot from the start and after seven minutes Aidan McHugh was on the end of some fine work from Dominic Doherty and his half volley flew into the net.
They continued strong for the first twenty minutes forcing numerous free kicks and corners. Orrin Burgess was close again after 20 minutes for Keadue.
Drumkeen had a good spell of possession round the half hour mark but didn’t manage to threaten.
After a good Aidan McHugh run Orrin Burgess had a shot saved and a double save on the rebound was made by keeper Jason McDaid from a double Aidan McHugh effort.
Close to half time there was a delay in play as keeper McDaid had to go off following an unfortunate collision.
When play resumed Keadue were fairly strong and made it 2 on the whistle when Orrin Burgess was on the end of a long range deflected effort.
Into the second half and Drumkeen had a bright start but again were not getting past Keadue’s defence.
Within a five minute spell on the hour the game was finished as a contest when more good work from Dominic Doherty on the left wing set up Mikey McFadden for a far post header.
Two minutes later Doherty tapped home a nice curling effort from the edge of the box.
Drumkeen fought on well despite being out of the contest and made some good crosses and created a decent chance on 80 minutes when firing wide.
Further half chances fell to both Dominic Doherty and Maurice McGee for Keadue who coasted to another good 3 points. Best for Drumkeen were Brandon Kings while best for Keadue were Orrin Burgess, Peadar Boyle and Dominic Doherty.
Referee: Seimi Ferry.
Erne 1 Letterkenny Rovers 10
Letterkenny Rovers made it six from six with a facile win at Erne Wanderers.
Rovers took the lead after just 75 seconds through Nathan Plumb and that set the tone for a blistering start which saw James Kernan net a 12 minute hattrick to make it 4-0 after 15 minutes.
Adam Yisau, Dwyer and Kernan (again) made it 7-0 at halftime before Rovers added goals through Plumb, Caolan McConnell and Kernan (with his 5th) before Erne got a consolation goal from the spot through Nathan Devaney late on.
Referee: John McGlanaghey.
Bonagee 1 Swilly Rovers 0
A tough competitive battle between two strong sides at Goose Green saw Bonagee edge the contest 1-0 and reignite title ambitions after defeat at Keadue last time out a fortnight ago.
The win also puts a dent in Swilys title hopes as they went inot the night joint top of the table.
Winning goal for Bonagee came from Darragh KIrk 15 seconds into the second half while they also had chances to extend their lead while Swilly battled hard but could not find a leveller.
Referee: Patrick Martin
