Donegal Junior League 50th Anniversary Season
2021/2022
Results
Saturday 16th October 2021
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 3-1 Donegal Town Reserves
It was Cappry who had the first chance of the game when Leo Gallagher headed over from a Ryan McGee corner.
Cappry took the lead in the 35th minute when Luke McGlynn found the bottom corner with a fine effort. Cappry doubled their lead early in the 2nd half when Luke McGlynn’s free kick found the net.
Cappry kept pressing and Kyle O’Meara made it 3-0 mid-way through the 2nd half. Luke McGlynn had an effort from 30 yards go past the post as he looked to complete his hat-trick. Donegal Town were always dangerous at the other end and pulled a goal back with five minutes to go.
Fintown Harps AFC 1-5 Arranmore United
(No report submitted)
Glencar Celtic 4-0 Oldtown Celtic
Glencar Celtic took on Oldtown Celtic in Rathmullan in a Letterkenny derby and it was Glencar who flew out of the traps and found themselves two goals to the good after just 15 minutes thanks to two good goals from Caolan Collier.
Glencar continued to dominate all over the pitch and found a third 10 minutes before halftime through dangerman Pajo Rafferty.
Oldtown started the second half a bit better and created a few half-chances,but it was Glencar again finding the back of the net 15 minutes from the end when man of the match Jordan Ryan slotted home from close range to cap off a fine all round team performance from Glencar Celtic.
Glenea United Reserves 2-2 Strand Rovers
Glenea Reserves and Strand played out a hard-fought draw in a tight game.
Despite playing against the breeze the away side started strongly and took the lead on 12 minutes when the home defence failed to deal with a cross from the right and Eoin Mc Fadden was on hand at the back post to fire the ball home.
Strand continued to press and were denied from extending their lead by two good saves from Oran Craig in the home goals. As the half progressed Glenea started to come more into the game but were unable to create any clear-cut chances.
However, on the stroke of halftime Glenea equalised when Strand failed to deal with a Cathal Mc Geever free kick and Conor Mc Clafferty was on hand to drill home from close range.
In the 2nd half both sides were trying to get on top and it took a fine long-range strike from Shane O’Donnell to regain the lead for Strand. Glenea looked for an equaliser and were rewarded on 78 minutes when Conor Mc Clafferty’s through ball found John Mc Fadden and his shot went in off the post.
Both sides looked for a winner but were unable find one. Glenea were best served by Reece Mc Bride & Calvin Murray, while the evergreen Shane O’Donnell kept Strand ticking over
Keadue Rovers Reserves 6-2 Milford United Reserves
Keadue Reserves had a good win to cement their reasonable start to the season at a wet and breezy Central Park.
The home team were on the front foot from the off and Aidan McHugh and Liam Boyle were causing problems for the Milford defence, with McHugh’s shot forcing a save on ten minutes. Keadue had a penalty awarded on sixteen minutes but the keeper guessed right to thwart Michael Greene.
The home side didn’t have long to wait and on eighteen minutes Damien Hanlon was quickest to react in the box, tapping home from close range. Two minutes later a Eugene Byrne cross found Liam Boyle on the far post and he prodded home for 2-0. Minutes later, Jamie McCready’s header over, glancing the bar. Keadue should’ve been further ahead but Milford were suddenly back in it when Jason McConigley converted a penalty after a foul on the edge of the box.
To the home side’s credit, they finished the first half strongly and a corner on forty minutes was headed home by Jack Ward to make it 3-1. At the start of the second halfconditions deteriorated and the game became scrappier as a result. Substitute Jack Doherty was to the fore for Keadue and it was a run down the left wing by Doherty midway through the second half, beating a few players, which led to a fine ball being played to Jamie McCready who sent home a fine effort.
A few more subs for Keadue gave them fresh legs and on seventy minutes Jack Doherty struck a fine goal, dinking past the outrunning keeper. Two minutes after, in the middle of a purple patch for Keadue, Liam Boyle hit another really good goal to make it 6-1. Again Milford showed good battling qualities and pulled one back a few minutes from time when Aidan McCafferty steered a tricky header beyond the home keeper, before the referee blew time on what was a good win for a youthful Keadue outfit.
A good team effort from Milford, while for Keadue, Liam Boyle, Jamie McCready and Michael Greene played very well.Referee : Trevor Hay.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4-2 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Kilmacrennan took an early lead when Edwin Doherty capitalised on a mix-up in the Kildrum back-line.
The lead was short lived when Mc Brearty scored from a quick free-kick. Kilmacrennan almost fired back immediately but Mc Carron saved well however they did take a one goal lead into the break when Doherty got his second following another error at the back for the Tiger’s. Kildrum came out a different team after the break, Devine scrambled in from a corner.
Kildrum got two late goals when Mc Brearty got his second free-kick of the game and then sealed the victory with a late fourth when he fought his way past the defender and slammed home.
Old Orchard Saturday DivisionTwo
Dunlewey Celtic 2-1 Drumoghill F.C.Reserves
Damp conditions at Glentornan park where both sides looked to keep their unbeaten starts going.
Dunlewey started well and attacked from the off. They were making dangerous runs with Joseph Devenney and Ryan Coll terrorising the Drumoghill backline. Those dangerous runs paid off when Ryan Coll was taken down by the keeper to win the home side a penalty. Brendan McGeady stepped up to take the spot kick but dragged it wide.
Dunlewey kept their pressure on and after 15 minutes took the lead when Joseph Devenney struck from a corner kick delivered from Brendan McGeady.Dunlewey kept the pressure on and doubled their lead when Ryan Coll bundled the ball home from close range. Dunlewey kept the pressure on looking for a third, but Drumoghill pulled one back when they struck on the break to bring the sides in at half time with Dunlewey leading 2-1.
The second half started with Dunlewey still pushing and creating a few chances but they could not get the third goal. Dunlewey were awarded another penalty when a Drumoghill defender was deemed to have handled the ball. Chris Cannon stepped up this time but was thwarted by the Drumoghill keeper.
Drumoghill pressed hard for an equaliser but Dunlewey held out to keep the three points at home and put them top of the league and keep their unbeaten run going.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 3-0 Cranford United Reserves
Both teams had a confident start to this game played at An Screaban.
Gweedore started to gain the upper hand and took the lead on 20 minutes with Colin Ferry scoring from a Cathal DeBurca assist. Cranford tried to claw back the difference but the home side added to their tally in the 35th minute from a good team effort, with Cathal De Burca finishing the move.
Cranford pushed hard in the second half to get back into the game but couldn’t break through a well organised home defence. Gweedore had a lot of possession and played some very entertaining football. The game was killed off when Colin Ferry picked out Caolan Laux who scored the third goal of the game. Best for Gweedore were Cathal De Burca, Dean O’Donnell and Danny Diver.
Ramelton Mariners 2-1 Copany Rovers
Copany started the game better and had the ball in the Mariners’ nettwice early on but the referee deemed both attempts offside.
The first real chance of the game came on the half hour mark with Mariner goalkeeper Dane Dunsworth producing a great save. Then it was the turn of Copany goalkeeper Gary Ward with three top class saves including the first penalty of the day from Mariners’ captain David Fisher on the stroke of halftime.
The game’s opening goal came on 54minutes when Glen Haran’s cross-come-shot deceived Dunsworth to nestle in the far corner.The Mariners dominated from here with the introduction of Brandon Wilkie and Shane Fisher bringing some life to the Mariners’ forward line. Wilkie was fouled and Mariners were awarded a penalty.
Ricky Fisher stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home for the equaliser.The Mariners kept pushing and should have taken the lead through Kyle Burke, who headed over from four yards,and a Brandon Wilkie effort for close range which sailed over. The game seemed destined for a draw but great work again from Shane Fisher and Wilkie produced another penalty for the Mariners on 93 minutes. This time David Fisher made no mistake and slotted home for the winner.
Both teams put in great battling performances with Dunsworth in the Mariners’ goal and Ward in the Copany goal best for both teams while a special mention to Mariner sub, Shay McFadden, who really had an impact in the heart of the Mariners’ defence.
St. Catherines Reserves 5-2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1-2 Drumbar F.C.
This was a well contestedmatch played in Whitestrand with Drumbar coming out on top.
The game was very even in the first half and Swilly broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when a Steven Bryant free kick was saved by the keeper but Shaun Bryant was there convert the rebound. Drumbar bounced straight back with an equaliser in the 43rd minute.
For the second half Swilly came out sharp and were unlucky not to take the lead on a few occasions, after that Drumbar came back into the game.
Drumbar grabbed the winner with ten minutes to go when a ball was played over the top and their number 12 lobbed the ball into the net.
Sunday 17th October 2021
Brian Mc Cormick Cup Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 2-1 Drumkeen United
The first chance of the game came on fourteen minutes when an Eamon Cannon strike for the home side went wide of the post from twenty yards.
The visitor’s first chance fell to Rory Craig on twenty minutes but his strike from the edge of the box went over the bar. A Ryan Mc Gavigan cross into the box saw an Eamon Cannon strike from fifteen yards cleared off the line. Two minutes later a Drumkeen corner kick into the box from Niall Howley fell to Sean Doherty but his strike from ten yards went wide of the post.
The home side opened the scoring on thirty-three minutes when Lee Mc Monagle won the ball inside the Drumkeen half he broke clear to hammer home from inside the box. Six minutes later the visitors levelled the match when a Bonagee defender lost the ball inside the box and Shane Lafferty fired home from ten yards. The home side took the lead on forty-three minutes when an Aaron Wasson through ball found Lee Mc Monagle and he rounded the keeper and shot home from ten yards.
On fifty minutes a Ryan Mc Gavigan corner into the box fell to Coady Brogan but his strike from ten yards was cleared off the line. Three minutes later a Michael Guthrie strike for the visitors from the edge of the box went just past the post. The visitors had a great chance to level the match on seventy-six minutes when a corner kick into the box fell to Rory Craig but his strike from six yards was cleared off the line.
Both teams had half chances but nothing to bother either keeper. Team efforts by both side. Referee:Mick Lagan.
Cappry Rovers 0-0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Cappry goalkeeper Benny Gallen made a series of superb saves late in the game as Cappry held on for a point against title rivals Kilmacrennan Celtic.
Gallen denied Ridha Abdullan, Paul Bradley and Chris Flanagan in the last 15 minutes. Gallen got down in the 75th minute to prevent Abdullan, who was only on a matter of minutes, from opening the scoring after he got on the end of Liam McBride’s cross.
The home ‘keeper saved superbly from Bradley moments later. Bradley got a pocket of space around the penalty box, but Gallen was equal to his effort. A hand from Gallen proved telling as he had to flick around the target as a free from Flanagan was in danger of creeping inside the back post.James Doherty, Kilmacrennan’s player-manager flashed a header just wide after he wriggled free in the Cappry area to get onto the end of Terence Shields’ corner early in the second half.
Kevin Kelly and Shields were thwarted by Benny Gallen, while Cappry’s Alan Gethins arrowed narrowly over the top after taking an excellent first touch to control Dean O’Donnell’s cross.Twenty minutes from the end, Paddy McNulty headed over when he was picked out by Luke McGlynn as Cappry looked to carve out an opening.Cappry began well and Shane Graham touched onto the post from Benny McLaughlin in the 8th minute.
Kevin Kelly curled a Kilmacrennan free wide of the target, but Cappry player-boss McNulty was closest to the opener after half-an-hour. McNulty headed onto the crossbar after Aaron Kelly nodded a Benny McLaughlin corner back across the goal face.
Gary Whoriskey tried his luck late in the first half, but his shot from the left was of target.
Castlefin Celtic 3-2 Keadue Rovers
Castlefin secured all three points in a tough battle with Keadue.
Castlefin enjoyed most the early possession but found themselves behind in the 20th minute when the visitors counter attacked, David Ward played through Callum who slotted home.
The home team responded well and equalised, Corrie Lee Bogan broke through the middle, shot, and the rebound fell to Emmett White who tapped into the net. In the second half Castlefin scored two early goals, Aaron O’Hagan stabbed into the net after an Emmett White free kick was spilled by the Keeper and Matthew O’ Rourke slotted home after a Stevie Roulston cross.
The hosts had further efforts through Sean Ferry, White and Brian Dooher to increase the lead but couldn’t find the better of the visiting Keeper. Keadue pulled a goal back in the 80th minute after a corner wasn’t properly cleared and the ball was bundled into the net.
Donegal Town 7-0 Convoy Arsenal
Played in the hospital field on a pristine pitch Donegal welcomed Convoy Arsenal.Donegal were quicker out of the blocks and went one ahead throughJoe Mc Intyre.
Ronan Mc Hugh doubled towns’ lead and Joe made it 3-0 to the Town before half time. Convoy to their credit never gave up but were restricted to afew long-range efforts by JP Malley who kept Town keeper Kenny on his toes.
Donegal upped the tempo in the second half and were dominant throughout. Joe Mc Intyre got four goals, Ronan Mc Hugh got two and Curneen expertly converted a goal bound effort from Daniel Mc Hugh who Town welcomed back after a long lay-off through injury.
Excellent performance from Town with Mark Jordan, Matt Mc Kenna and Tom Cutts to the fore. Spirited performance from Mickey Rodgers’ team with keeper Matthew Gallagher excellent.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United 1-0 Gweedore Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. 3-0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Drumoghill FC got their campaign off the perfect start with a deserved win over Kerrykeel ‘71 FC.
Gareth Temple set them on their way when he scored with his first touch in the very first minute before Liam O’Donnell and Conor Temple wrapped up the win with second half goal. Kerrykeel will reflect on the game and feel they could have got something from it.
They had lots of possession and created a few decent chances, the best of which fell to Andrew Friel on 68 minutes when he was sent through on goal by Marty Friel only to be denied by a super save from Ryan Lockhart.
Milford United 1-0 Ballybofey United
Milford United scored with 15 minutes to go to clinch a vital threepoints from a hard-fought encounter at Moyle View Park.
Milford started the brighter with better possession but failed to create chances in the final third of the pitch with a few half chances falling to Ryan Campbell and Liam Donnelly. The 2nd half was hard fought with both teams pushing for a victory.
The winner came on 75 minutes when Darragh Kelly Cullen crossed to find Joey Cullen in the box and on his 2nd attempt his neat back heel found the net. Milford defended their lead as Ballybofey hit the post and forced Caolan McGettigan to make a few stops, but Milford should have went two up when PJ Hagan and Mikey McBride missed from close range and Darren McLaughlin’s headed was touched around the post by the keeper.
Team performance by Ballybofey and Milford players all fought hard with Joey Cullen outstanding. Referee: George Montgomery.
Swilly Rovers 1-2 St. Catherines
The first half saw St. Catherine’s dominate possession.
With free-flowing passing football they went ahead on 15 minutes when Paul Murrin fired home a spectacular strike. It was a much improved Swilly in the second-half.
St. Catherine’s went two up however, after a huge defensive mix-up in the Swilly defence, Ryan Farrell had the simple task of rolling the ball home.
Marty Mc Daid then produced individual brilliance to fire home but all of Swilly’s efforts were in vain. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 0-3 Whitestrand United
No Report Submitted)
Dunkineely Celtic 1-6 Letterbarrow Celtic
The home team opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Adrian Nesbitt brilliantly lobbed the keeper from 18 yards.
The game turned in the fiveminutes before the interval when Letterbarrow scored three times- twogreat strikes from James McGroary and a penalty Gerard McBrearty.
The away team dominated in the second half and added three more goals.
Gallant team effort from the home side with hat-trick hero James McGroary and Gerard McBrearty outstanding for Letterbarrow. Referee: Tony Mc Namee.
Lagan Harps 2-1 Glenree United
Lagan picked up another three points against a Glenree side that never gave up.
Lagan started well and created plenty of chances with Josh Hay, Bernard Mc Menamin and Bryan Kelly all going close. Glenree responded with Liam Mc Bride shooting across goal and just wide. Lagan finally opened the scoring on thirty-two minutes when Damien Nelis set up Eric Roberts to fire home.
Bernard Mc Menamin was inches away from increasing the lead minutes later. Glenree put Lagan under pressure early in the second half but couldn’t break through. Ross Hamlyn then hit the crossbar as Lagan responded. Lagan increased their led on sixty-five minutes when Damien Nelis was fouled in the area. Ross Hamlyn converted the penalty.
Glenree threw players forward and got a goal back on seventy-five minutes when Kristian Markic raced through and finished well. They almost equalised when Colm Brennan rose highest but headed narrowly wide. Ryan Kildea then set up Josh Kildea but he shot into the side netting. Lagan had further chances but there were no further goals. For Lagan Damien Nelis and Travis Crawford were best while Martin Mc Bride and Colm Brennan did well for Glenree. Referee: Sean Ferry.
Letterkenny Rovers 5-2 Gweedore United
Teenager Nathan Plumb bagged four goals as ten-man Letterkenny Rovers made it three wins from three after this high scoring encounter with Gweedore United.
Both sides exchanged early chances as Gweedore’s Frank McGee had a shot cleared off the line by David O’Donnell while at the other end O’Donnell blazed one over the bar from close range.The deadlock was broken on 26 minutes when Patrick Gahir sliced opened the visitors defence with a precise pass which sent Nathan Plumb clear and he tucked his effort into the bottom corner of the net.
However, the game threatened to swing in Gweedore’s favour just after the half hour mark when Rovers’ defender Conor Lynch fouled Stephen McFadden inside the box and a penalty was awarded with Lynch red carded. McFadden made it 1-1 from the spot.
Rovers regained the lead with a Plumb header just before half-time from Caolan McConnell’s in-swinging corner.Plumb competed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, rounding goalkeeper Matthew Harkin to make it 3-1 before adding a fourth goal on 66 minutes after being played through by Leon Doherty.
There was a late flurry of action in the closing minutes. Shane O’Baoil broke the offside trap to reduce the deficit to 4-2, Caolan McConnell then missed a penalty for Rovers in the 89th minute before David O’Donnell scored in stoppage time and Darren Mc Geever pegged one back with the last kick of the game. Referee: Semi Ferry.
FAI Junior Cup
Carndonagh F.C. 2-4 Kildrum Tigers
(No report submitted)
Glengad United 2-0 Fanad United
(No report submitted)
Next weeks fixtures:
Saturday 23rd October 2021 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore UnitedvCappry Rovers Reserves
Donegal Town ReservesvKildrum Tigers Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic ReservesvKeadue Rovers Reserves
Oldtown CelticvFintown Harps AFC
Strand RoversvGlencar Celtic
Old Orchard Saturday DivisionTwo
Cranford United ReservesvSwilly Rovers Reserves
Sunday 17th October 2021K.O. 1p.m.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Swilly RoversvDrumoghill F.C.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh AthleticvLagan Harps
Deele HarpsvGlenree United
Ulster Junior Cup K.O. 1.30 p.m.
Castlefin CelticvIllies Celtic
Donegal TownvAileach F.C.
Keadue RoversvKildrum Tigers
Raphoe TownVFanad United