The following are all the reports, results and fixtures for the Donegal League for the past weekend.
Reports
Saturday 30th October 2021
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Milford United Reserves 1 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
Milford were slow starters and found themselves one down in the first minute. Glenea’s forward somehow found himself free inside the box to make it 1-0. Milford created numerous chances to equalise before the break but couldn’t break down a stubborn Glenea defence. Milford didn’t learn their lesson and were caught napping again from the restart with Glenea making it 2-0. Milford battled on and got one back after good work from Ciaran Blaney, he found Lee Burke to make it 2-1. Team effort from both teams in very difficult conditions.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 5 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
Castlefinn secured all three points against Ballybofey at Park View on Saturday. The first 15 minutes of the game was evenly matched with both teams trying to get a grip of the game. Ballybofey had the first good chance of the game in the 25th minute when Adam Dunnion broke a shot past the keeper but was denied by a goal-line clearance from Ryan O’ Hagan. Castlefin pressed forward and had good efforts from Gallagher and Mc Kinney but the Ballybofey keeper Daniel Crawford saved well. The home side took the lead in the 35th minute when Barry Tourish scored direct from a corner. Five minutes later Tourish scored again, this time from a free 25 yards out which flew into the corner of the net. Just before the break it was three after a great piece of play saw Dean Quinn score. In the 2nd half the home side kept pressing forward and in the 60th minute Jordan Mc Kinney scored from a free from the edge of the box. Mc Kinney made it five to the home side in the 65th minute when a good ball from Travis Lafferty to Quinn who crossed to Mc Kinney who shot home. Team Performances. Referee: Leo Devenney
Copany Rovers 1 v 4 St. Catherines Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 4 Ramelton Mariners
Mariners started off on the front foot for the first ten minutes. Just as Cranford started to get a foothold in the game a ball over the top and unfortunate injury to one of the Cranford defenders allowed Mariners to take the lead. This was soon followed by a second goal for the Ramelton men. After about 30 minutes a Dom Potter shot from about 25 yards brought it back to 2-1 but this didn’t last long as Mariners got third and fourth goals in quick succession to lead 4-1 at the break. A few changes at half time meant Cranford were more solid in the second half. With about 20 minutes left Dylan McBride beat two men on the left wing and fired into the corner to make it 4-2. There were a few half chances to follow but no goals as the game finished 4-2.
Drumbar F.C. 1 v 1 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
In perfect conditions for football it was Drumbar who took a first half lead through Robbie Murphy on 30 minutes. Gweedore had a chance to equalise early in the second-half, from the spot, but Drumbar goalkeeper Andrew Monahan was equal to the Gweedore effort from 12 yards. In an end to end second half, Gweedore managed to pull one back to make it 1-1 midway through the half. Both sides had their chances to nick a win on the day. A very entertaining game of football where a share of the points was a fair outcome.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3 v 4 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Drumoghill started well and created numerous chances early on. They found themselves behind however after Swilly headed home from a set piece. Drumoghill continued to press and were awarded a Penalty midway through the first half when Shea Mc Daid was fouled in the box, he converted it himself.
Drumoghill were well on top at this stage and had strong appeals for a second penalty waved away before Karol Mc Ginley struck from the edge of the box to give them a deserved lead at half-time.
Swilly equalised early in the second half straight from a corner and took the lead minutes later after a defensive mix-up. Swilly headed home from another corner midway through the second half and although Shea Mc Daid scored late on for Drumoghill Swilly held on to secure the victory.
Ulster Junior Shield
Arranmore United 1 v 1 Rasheny F.C.
(Arranmore won on Penalties 5-4)
Arranmore United welcomed Rasheney FC all the way from Inishowen for the First-Round game of the Ulster Shield. As the whistle went for kick off the heavens opened and became a very wet and windy day.
Most the game was played at ground level with short passing. In the 20th minute a delightful pass from Ruan “Chim” Reynolds landed perfectly for Glenn O’ Donnell to hit a half volley from outside the box straight into the top corner. In the 37th minute, after a charging run from the Rasheney number 10, he made his way past the Islander’s defence to square a across goal for his team-mate to slot it into the home net. The weather got worse as the 2nd half began. Most the game was played in the middle of the park with very few chances really materialising for either team. The game finished at 1-1 and went to extra time. Thankfully the rain subsided for ET and the wind lessened. Rasheney seemed to be dominating the game at this stage but the Islanders showed their resilience and managed to hold out for the penalty shoot- out.
Sunday 31st October 2021
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 6 Castlefin Celtic
The visitors got off to an early start after Sean Ferry converted on 5 minutes, taking advantage of a lapse in the Convoy defence. Castlefin doubled their lead on 17 minutes when a great run on the right-hand side and resulting pass from Corrie Lee Bogan was cleanly dispatched, once again by Ferry. Convoy should have pulled one back on the half hour when Mark Griffin had only the keeper to beat after John Moore’s early delivery but the ball went over the crossbar. Ferry completed his hat-trick on 38 minutes when a long defensive clearance from the visitors found the player in acres of space and he slotted home from just outside the box. The second half didn’t bring much relief for the home team and on 58 minutes Corrie Lee Bogan dispatched a penalty when O’Rourke was fouled inside the box. On 75 minutes Corrie Lee added his second and his team’s fifth with a beautiful lob over the keeper after great approach play by Ferry. On 80 minutes Jordan Mc Kinney slotted home after a great cross from the left-hand side by Ferry. Another dismal day for the home team with John Moore their brightest light. The visitors will be delighted with their performance and in particular the brilliant displays of Bogan and Ferry
Drumkeen United 0 v 3 Cappry Rovers
Drumkeen welcomed Cappry Rovers to the newly refurbished St Patrick’s Park on Sunday afternoon. The first half was evenly matched with the visitors probably edging it and they led at half time thanks to a 20-yard strike from Aaron Kelly midway through the first half. Drumkeen’s hopes of getting something from the game disappeared early in the second half when Aaron Kelly added two quick goals to complete his hat-trick and take home the points. A Youthful Drumkeen team battled well throughout but things didn’t go their way on the day. Things got worse for the home team when they lost Michael Guthrie to injury towards the end of the match. Michael had to go to hospital and we wish him a Speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon. This was a good sporting game played on a sunny Sunday in Drumkeen.
Kildrum Tigers 0 v 0 Donegal Town
A share of the spoils at Station Road but both teams had their chances to come away with all three points.
Kildrum having the better of the play in the opening half created numerous chances but failed to take the lead. Their best chance came just 10 minutes before the break when Kevin Mc Hugh raced through on goal but was taken out by keeper Gavin Mulreany, a spot kick was awarded. Mc Hugh stepped up but it was the away keeper who made the all-important save to keep the scores level at the break.
Kildrum started crafting chances again in the second half but couldn’t find a way passed the impressive Mulreaney. Momentum swung as Gavin Mc Gee received his second yellow reducing Kildrum to 10 men and the away side made it count pushing the home side back and asking a real question creating chances on their own. However, neither side could capitalise when on top and it’s a point a piece at Station Road.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 v 1 Glenea United
The game started slowly with neither team able to create any chances in front of goal. John Mc Fadden was lively down the right-hand side for the away team and on 40 minutes he slipped through Sean Mc Bride who finished well. Kilmacrennan levelled immediately at the start of the second half when Kevin Kelly released Michael Mc Laughlin who slotted home from 8 yards. Enda Mc Cormick was introduced on 55 minutes and had a couple of good efforts from long range but Joe Coll in the Glenea goal was equal to them. Kilmacrennan pressed for the winner but couldn’t break down the Glenea defence
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Ballybofey United 2 v 5 Fanad United
It has been many years since Ballybofey United hosted Fanad United so it was a warm welcome for the Arthur Lynch led outfit at Dreenan on Sunday afternoon. Karlos Reukl gave the home side the lead on five minutes but Edward Riley got Fanad back on level terms on fifteen. Riley then put his side into the lead after thirty minutes and they held their advantage until the break. Five minutes into the second-half Fanad went further ahead when they scored from a set piece, Martin Mc Elhinney the man on target. On sixty minutes Jude Patton pulled a goal back for Ballybofey but Fanad, with Man of the Match Patrick Moffitt in fine form, soon re-established their two-goal cushion when Patrick Mc Ginley found the net. Mc Elhinney added a fifth with only minutes remaining.
Gweedore Celtic 3 v 0 Swilly Rovers
Gweedore Celtic got their second victory of the season against Swilly who had to play much of the game with ten players after their keeper was sent off in the twentieth minute for a tackle on Odhran Mac Niallais. Despite that set back it was Swilly who dominated possession for much of the half with Tyler Durning involved in much of their play. Gweedore managed to eventually break the deadlock when Mac Niallais chipped the stand in keeper from thirty yards having been put through by Padraig Gallagher in the sixtieth minute. Pauric Winters doubled their lead ten minutes later when he rounded the keeper for a well taken individual goal. Gweedore kept the pressure on and Jamie Doherty scored direct from a free kick with five minutes remaining. Odhran Mac Niallais and Colin Mc Nichols were best for home team and all of the Swilly team tried hard despite their numerical disadvantage
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 3 v 2 Milford United
Derby day in Kerrykeel as the ‘71 entertained neighbours Milford United. This was the first league game between these two sides in well over 20 years and it was a great advertisement for local soccer. Milford started the better and Joey Cullen put them ahead on 6 minutes when he headed home from close range. The ‘71 equalised 4 minutes later when Seami Nanny crossed for Paddy Carr to head home at the back post. The tackles were flying in with both teams going at it and against the run of play Milford went in front again when Ryan Campbell found space in the Kerrykeel box and slotted home. Kerrykeel came out in the second half with intent with Darren Mc Elwaine causing all sorts of trouble for the Milford defence. On 60 minutes Mc Elwaine played in Seami Nanny who’s shot was handled in the box by Campbell. Referee Paddy Martin pointed to the spot and sent Campbell off for a second yellow. Paddy Carr stepped up to put Mc Gettigan the wrong way and level the game once again. Three minutes later Mc Elwaine again drew a free and up stepped captain Marty Mc Ateer to fire into the top corner with an unbelievable free kick from 30 yards. To be fair Milford kept plugging away despite having only 10 men with Joey Cullen hitting the crossbar. Kerrykeel held out for the bragging rights and the three points. Best for Kerrykeel ‘71: Darren Mc Elwaine was excellent on his ‘71 debut with Marty Mc Ateer. Best for Milford: Pauric Curly and Joey Cullen. Referee: Paddy Martin
Raphoe Town 2 v 0 Drumoghill F.C.
Raphoe Town continued their great home form on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought local derby win over neighbours Drumoghill at Drumineney. The visitors had started the brighter and hit the bar with a free kick, but Raphoe started to grow into the game and took the lead on 30 minutes through a long range free kick from Scott Devenney. The home team doubled their lead 10 minutes later through a superb header from Keelin Bogle and were well on their way to victory by half time. The game changed when Raphoe were reduced to ten men 10 minutes into the 2nd half for a 2nd booking and Drumoghill threw everything into getting back into the game. They could find no way through however as a combination of superb defending and sheer determination saw Raphoe hold on for victory.
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 1 Cranford United
A pulsating league encounter between Rathmullan Celtic and Cranford United was dramatically decided in a ten-minute finale which saw a late Danny Mc Bride overhead kick for the visitors cancel out a wonder strike from Hoops’ player manager Eamonn Sheridan. Eamonn Sheridan’s Hoops side welcomed Andy Mc Fadden’s Cranford United to the Seaside for a game that had optimal Autumnal conditions more akin to a summer Sunday with only the ice cream van missing for a packed Flagpole Field faithful. Both managers are best mates off the field and it was certainly Sheridan who had the bragging rights for literally the entire game as his Hoops’ side dominated all the possession and attacks masterminded by the stand out player of the match, Kevin Doran. All attacks came through Doran and the forward dynamo was unlucky with a strike on 25 minutes which went wide of the Cranford post. Hoops’ midfielder Eoin Sheridan made a welcomed return from injury and he was denied in the box by a fine save from Jason Hegarty on 37 minutes, who incidentally gave a masterclass in goal keeping all afternoon. The second half saw Hoops produce a litany of attacks on Hegarty’s goal with Hoops midfielder Ronan Morris denied by the shot stopper on 46 minutes followed by another excellent save on 50 minutes to deny David Edwards in the box following another exquisite Doran pass. On the hour mark Kieran Gorman saw his header go inches wide from a Doran cross as the Hoops piled on the pressure. Into the final 20 minutes and it was Doran, yet again, creating the chances with an excellent cross to Morris but his header went over Hegarty’s crossbar. As the Hoops sensed an opener, Eamonn Sheridan and Dara Patton were introduced for the final quarter and immediately the experienced stars made an impact. On 72 minutes Patton whipped in a free kick from the left wing with the talismanic forward Sheridan on hand to rifle a strike into the top left corner of Hegarty’s goal for a much-deserved goal. Literally from the Cranford centre a quick intervention from Doran put Sheridan through and the in-form striker pinged his shot low into the bottom corner but referee Diego Rainey ruled for offside which seemed harsh with the Cranford defence slow in getting out. The Hoops pressed for the second and striker Jay Curran saw his great strike well saved from Hegarty on 83 minutes as the tension built up for the finale.
With literally their only attack of the game Cranford earned a free kick on the edge of the area on 86 minutes. With a cleverly taken chip into the area, the Hoops failed to clear the ball and Mc Bride was on hand to score with guile and class with a cheeky overhead kick to literally steal a point and leave the Hoops shell shocked. The Hoops can take so much from this performance with Kevin Doran outstanding throughout, while Cranford shot stopper Jason Hegarty was excellent in goals and their playmaker Danny Mc Bride breaking Seaside hearts with that fine dramatic late equaliser. Referee: Diego Rainey.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Glenree United 2 v 5 Letterbarrow Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Whitestrand United 4 v 2 Dunkineely Celtic
Dunkineely made the long trip to Mc Garvey Park to face Whitestrand United on Sunday. Whitestrand started the game very well and took the lead on 6 minutes when Aaron Curran broke through and played in Jordan Nugent who slotted home. The second goal quickly followed when Nugent scored again. Dunkineely got one back when they scored a fantastic chip from a tight angle. Jordan Nugent then completed his hat-trick when he turned the defender very quickly and slotted past the keeper. It was a superb goal to complete the hat-trick. Dunkineely scored a second from a through ball, another good finish. Nugent capped a superb individual display when he scored a fourth when he chipped the keeper. He almost had a fifth when he crashed a fantastic shot off the inside of the post. It was in the end a good performance and Whitestrand have their second win of the season.
Deele Harps 0 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Deele entertained Letterkenny Rovers at Deele College on Sunday with the home side starting well, Adi Gallagher and Marty Owens both forcing saves from Bryan Da Costa in the opening three minutes. Jordy Duffy fired straight at the Letterkenny keeper on 15 minutes after good work from Adi Gallagher. Then, on 30 minutes, Sean Mc Gowan struck from 20 yards but the keeper saved comfortably. Anthony Mc Cullagh crossed for Shane Gallagher who headed just wide on 36 minutes. Letterkenny finally got a shot on target on 44 minutes with a direct free kick saved well by David Arthur. From the restart, Letterkenny went close when Nathan Plumb fired narrowly wide from a tight angle. On 50 minutes, great footwork from Leon Doherty left him through on goal but he blazed high and wide. The away side were awarded a penalty on 59 minutes but Darragh Morrison fired wide of the right post. Nathan Plumb headed wide from a corner on 62 minutes when it looked easier to score. Deele then went close as Shane Gallagher rattled the bar with a volley on 67 minutes from an Adi Gallagher Cross. Rovers’ David O’ Donnell headed over when well placed on 79 minutes as both teams pushed for an opener. Letterkenny took the lead on 85 minutes when Leon Doherty’s shot was saved but David O’ Donnell slotted home what proved to be the winning goal. Team performances.
Ulster Junior Cup
Bonagee United 5 v 2 Glaslough
Ryan Mc Gavigan came close for the home side on two minutes but his shot from the edge of the box went wide of the post. The visitors then had a good effort on goal from ten yards go over the bar. The home side took the lead on seventeen minutes when a Ryan Mc Gavigan free kick into the box was knocked home from six yards by Duncan Patterson. On twenty minutes a cross into the box by Christopher Trainor for the visitors came off the bar and fell to Christopher Curran who headed wide from three yards. It was two nil on twenty-three minutes when Coady Brogan broke down the right, he cut inside the defender and fired home from twenty-five yards. Two minutes later it was three nil when Ryan Mc Gavigan was sent clear down the left, he saw the keeper off his line and chipped the keeper from thirty yards. It was four nil on twenty-seven minutes when a good through ball from Mc Gavigan found Coady Brogan, he scored from the edge of the box. The visitors had a good effort on goal on forty minutes from Charlie Mc Donald from the edge of the box but he fired over. Terence Mc Donald saw his strike on forty-four minutes just go over the Bonagee bar. The visitors were awarded a penalty on forty-seven minutes and Leon Mc Cabe made no mistake from the spot. The visitors made a couple of substitutions at half time and had a good strike on goal from Leon Mc Cabe on forty-nine minutes and Christopher Curran then shot wide on fifty-three minutes. The home side got their fifth on sixty-five minutes when great work from Evan Mc Groary on the right found Wasson on the byline and his cross into the box was fired home by Coady Brogan from twelve yards. The visitors got their second on eighty minutes when a long ball out of defence fell to Leon Mc Cabe and he shot home from the edge of the box. Team effort by both side. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Ulster Junior Shield
(No Reports Available)
Buncrana Harps 5 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Carndonagh F.C. 1 v 3 Lagan Harps
Carrowmena F.C. 3 v 0 Donegal Town Reserves
Clonmany Shamrocks 2 v 3 a.e.t. Gweedore United
Cockhill Celtic 0 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
Curragh Athletic 1 v 4 Glencar Celtic
Rasheny F.C. 3 v 0 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Redcastle F.C. 4 v 2 Strand Rovers
Results
Saturday 30th October 2021
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Milford United Reserves 1 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 5 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
Copany Rovers 1 v 4 St. Catherines Reserves
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 4 Ramelton Mariners
Drumbar F.C. 1 v 1 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3 v 4 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Ulster Junior Shield
Arranmore United 1 v 1 Rasheny F.C.
(Arranmore won 5-4 on Penalties)
Sunday 31st October 2021
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 6 Castlefin Celtic
Drumkeen United 0 v 3 Cappry Rovers
Kildrum Tigers 0 v 0 Donegal Town
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 v 1 Glenea United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Ballybofey United 2 v 5 Fanad United
Gweedore Celtic 3 v 0 Swilly Rovers
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 3 v 2 Milford United
Raphoe Town 2 v 0 Drumoghill F.C.
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 1 Cranford United
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Glenree United 2 v 5 Letterbarrow Celtic
Whitestrand United 4 v 2 Dunkineely Celtic
Deele Harps 0 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Ulster Junior Cup
Bonagee United 5 v 2 Glaslough
Ulster Junior Shield
Buncrana Harps 5 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Carndonagh F.C. 1 v 3 Lagan Harps
Carrowmena F.C. 3 v 0 Donegal Town Reserves
Clonmany Shamrocks 2 v 3 a.e.t. Gweedore United
Cockhill Celtic 0 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
Curragh Athletic 1 v 4 Glencar Celtic
Rasheny F.C. 3 v 0 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Redcastle F.C. 4 v 2 Strand Rovers
Fixtures
Saturday 6th November 2021 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Fintown Harps AFC v Strand Rovers
Arranmore United v Donegal Town Reserves
Cappry Rovers Reserves v Oldtown Celtic
Glencar Celtic v Milford United Reserves
Glenea United Reserves v Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Keadue Rovers Reserves v Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves v Copany Rovers
Gweedore Celtic Reserves v Drumoghill F.C.
Ramelton Mariners v Drumbar F.C.
St. Catherines Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Swilly Rovers Reserves v Dunlewey Celtic
Sunday 7th November 2021 K.O. 1p.m.
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United v Convoy Arsenal
Cappry Rovers v Keadue Rovers
Castlefin Celtic v Donegal Town
Glenea United v Drumkeen United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United v Ballybofey United
Drumoghill F.C. v St. Catherines
Fanad United v Milford United
Raphoe Town v Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Swilly Rovers v Rathmullan Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps v Whitestrand United
Dunkineely Celtic v Curragh Athletic
Lagan Harps v Letterkenny Rovers
Letterbarrow Celtic v Gweedore United
FAI Junior Cup K.O. 1.30p.m.
Kildrum Tigers v Glengad United