Saturday 1st October 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 2 v 2 Donegal Town Reserves
The rain stayed off but the strong wind was a major factor of this match at Rannagh Park on Saturday. Donegal Town Reserves got a tenth minute lead when, wind assisted, the ball flew into the top corner from all of forty yards. Glenn O’ Donnell had the Islanders back on level terms within a few minutes but the visitors went in ahead at half time after scoring just before the break. The Arranmore equaliser, somewhat fortuitously, arrived early in the second half as the ball took a wicked deflection off a defender to give the home side a share of the opening-day spoils. Two good team performances with Ruan Reynolds and Martin Proctor showing well for Arranmore United. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.
Copany Rovers 1 v 1 Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United Reserves 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
In fine conditions Glenea Reserves got their league programme underway with a well-earned victory over Cappry. Despite playing with the aid of the strong breeze, the home side were finding it difficult to create any clear-cut chances and it was the away side that came close to opening the scoring but were denied by two good saves from Oran Craig.
As the half progressed Glenea began to start looking more dangerous and almost took the lead on 35 minutes when Cathal Mc Geever saw his free kick come back off the bar, Ciaran Coll was unable to force home the rebound. A few minutes later Conor Coyle saw his effort well saved by the Cappry keeper and Calvin Murray was unable to slide the rebound home.
In the 2nd half Cappry started strongly and took the lead on 50 minutes when, after good build up play, the ball was laid back to Ryan McGee and his effort from the edge of the box found the corner of the net. But the home side responded immediately when some good passing released Michael Mc Hugh down the right and his cross was only cleared to Cathal Mc Geever who drilled the ball home.
On 55 minutes Michael Mc Hugh got free again and his cross found Calvin Murray but he headed wide. Glenea took the lead on 60 minutes when Michael Mc Hugh slipped the ball through to Calvin Murray who slipped the ball past the keeper. Cappry pushed hard for an equaliser but were unable to create any clear chances.
Glenea extended their lead on 72 minutes when the Cappry defence failed to deal with a long clearance and Ciaran Coll got free and lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net. Glenea got their 4th goal on 83 minutes when Ciaran Coll picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and curled the ball into the far corner.
Cappry completed the scoring on 85 minutes when Kyle Ruttledge scored with a shot from the edge of the box. Best for Glenea were Conor Coyle and Remy Moran while Josh Mc Menamin and Martin Mbulli impressed for Cappry. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Keadue Rovers Reserves 3 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Keadue Rovers Reserves and Oldtown Celtic played out an entertaining opening day draw at Central Park in rough conditions with breeze and showers aplenty. After a fairly even opening period Keadue took the lead on ten minutes though a penalty from Jordan Doogan.
The visitors however hit a purple patch midway through the 1st half and got two goals in quick succession to make it 2-1 in their favour at half time. A few Keadue substitutions made a difference on the hour mark and one of those Aidan Yank Boyle made it 3-2. They completed their comeback ten minutes from the final whistle when a free kick by Michael Greene was headed into the net by Mark Boyle for a deserved draw. Good team performances from both sides in difficult conditions. Referee: Sean Ferry.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4 v 1 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Drumoghill took the lead with a header at the back post by young Davenport. As the second half started Kildrum took control of the game when Brian Coll caught the Drumoghill goalkeeper with a free kick. Kildrum pushed and went 2 -1 up through Dominic Keys. Then a through ball from Caolán Gillen set up Reece Duncan who put the ball in the box for Lee Duncan to put it in his own net. Late on as Kildrum dominated Gareth Colhoun finished the game with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
Strand Rovers 3 v 2 Glencar Celtic
Very windy conditions in Strand Park made it awkward for both sides. A harsh head on conclusion in the first 5 minutes caused injuries to both sides. A few chances fell to Strand but the wind made it difficult for either team to create flowing moves. Strand did take the lead when a chipped ball in behind the Glencar defence found Shane O’ Donnell who knocked it past the keeper.
Glencar didn’t have to wait for an equaliser as poor communication between Strand’s keeper Dean Timoney and centre half James Mc Cole left the goals open for Pajo Rafferty to score. Glencar then went ahead, again courtesy of some slack defensive play. With the wind at their backs the Strand equalised after Matej Haluška was fouled in the box leaving Matthew O’ Donnell to score from the spot. It looked set to end in a until a pass from Matthew O’ Donnell found Brendan Glackin with some space inside the box to finish the game 3-2 to Strand Rovers.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United 5 v 5 Cranford United Reserves
It was a windy day in Drumbar for the first game of the league season. Cranford took the lead early on with some good play on the wing and the ball was played into their striker who had time to slot home. Drumbar started to play some good football and were awarded a corner which was flicked on and Gary Spenser tapped home to make it 1-1.
Only a minute after Cranford regained the lead from a cross into the box which was headed home. Drumbar had a lot of chances in the first half but half-time came and Drumbar were 2-1 down. In the second-half Drumbar got an equaliser from another corner, Vinny Breslin was on hand to head home from close range. Drumbar were getting on top at this point and scored a further two goals from Rion Carr and a debut goal from Senan Quinn to put Drumbar 4-2 up. Cranford came back strong and scored a good goal from just outside the box and were then awarded a penalty after a hand ball.
They scored it and the game was level at 4-4 with five minutes to play. Drumbar thought they had won the game after a 35-yard screamer from Senan Quinn put them 5-4 up but with just a minute left Cranford got a free and they launched the ball into the box where a defender smashed a header home to end the encounter in a 5-5 draw.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 3 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Kilmacrennan defeated Castlefin at a wind-swept Community Centre. Kilmacrennan started the brighter against the wind and their possession was rewarded half-way through the first half as Oisin Harkin remained composed to round the keeper and slot home.
Philip Buchanan then continued his rich vein of goal-scoring form with a fine finish just before half time. Castlefin looked a different team at the start of the second half and their pressure told when Daithí Gordon capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 2-1.
Both sides had more chances as the half progressed. Persistent work from Niall O’ Raegen saw him dispossess the Castlefin defence leading to a Ryan Mc Fadden goal with only minutes remaining ensuring the points went to the home team. Good team performances from both sides. Referee: Zach Mc Laughlin.
Milford United Reserves 4 v 3 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners 3 v 4 Ballybofey United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
This was the first ever competitive meeting of these two clubs. Fintown took the lead very early when they took advantage of some sloppy Swilly play at the back and Stephen Boyle finished well. Swilly bounced back and after some good play the ball was whipped in out wide and was finished by Shaun Bryant.
Fintown took the lead again after a bad ball was played back to the Swilly centre back and Stephen Boyle was first to react and put the ball in the top corner. Both teams had a few chances towards the end of the half but the score remained the 1-2. The second half started and was end to end for the first 10 minutes.
The game started to open up when both team brought on fresh legs. Swilly were on the front foot for a long period of the 2nd half and had plenty of chances to grab an equaliser. Ryan Moore had a chance cleared off the line and Christopher Mc Laughlin had his header well saved by the Fintown keeper.
Boyle made it three for himself and Fintown after Swilly were pushing up for an equaliser and got dispossessed. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin
Ulster Junior Shield
Curragh Athletic L v L Cockhill Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Glengad F.C. Reserves 2 v 3 Lagan Harps
Lagan progressed to the second round after a hard-fought encounter. Lagan took the lead after ten minutes when Damien Nelis headed in a Josh Hay cross.
Glengad equalised when Jamie Mc Devitt was sent clear and he finished well. Lagan regained the lead at the start of the second half when Josh Hay headed home a corner. The outstanding Josh Hay then had a shot pushed onto the bar as Lagan pushed.
Glengad too continued to threaten but Taylor Cassidy and Emmett Tourish defended well. Josh Hay got Lagan’s third with a good run and finish before PJ Mc Daid pulled one back for Glengad right at the end. Lagan survived a nervy closing six minutes of injury time to progress.
Sunday 2nd October 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 2 v 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic
The home side took the lead in the first minute when a Jordan Gallagher free kick from twenty-five yards flew into the top corner of the net. It should have been two on four minutes when Peter Carr shot wide from five yards from a Wasson cross. The home side got their second on thirteen minutes when a long ball out of defence fell to Aiden Mc Laughing and he shot past the advancing keeper from thirty yards.
Paul Bradley saw his strike for the visitors from twenty yards go wide of the post on twenty minutes. Kevin Kelly saw his strike on thirty minutes for the visitors go just wide from the edge of the box. Carr in the home goal then made a great save from a Chris Dillon shot from ten yards. The visitors started the second half well on top and a strike from Dillon from the edge of the box went just over the bar on forty-seven minutes.
The visitors got their first on the hour mark when a corner from the right into the box was headed home by Chris Dillon from six yards. They levelled the game on seventy-seven minutes when James Doherty broke down the right and his strike from thirty yards found the bottom corner of the net.
Both teams had half chances for the rest of the match with the best falling to Dillon on eighty-four minutes when his shot from ten yards hit the bar. Team efforts by both side. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Cappry Rovers 0 v 3 Kildrum Tigers
Cappry started the game on top and had a few half chances before Kildrum grew into the game and took the lead through a good finish from Jacob. Cappry tried hard to get a goal back but couldn’t get it before half time. Cappry started the second half well and had a few good chances.
Like the first half Kildrum took control of the game and scored twice through Breslin who took his goals well. The first was a counter attack with a great pass from Frankie Mc Brearty. The second was a well-timed pass and he slotted the ball under the Cappry keeper. Team performance from Cappry while Brian Breslin and Chris O’ Donnell stood out for Kildrum.
Castlefin Celtic 5 v 5 Keadue Rovers
A 10-goal thriller ended in the share of the spoils between Castlefin and Keadue. Keadue went ahead within the first minute of the game through an Aidan Mc Hugh penalty. The home side drew level when Jordan Duffy converted a penalty of their own. Keadue regained the lead, a Daniel Ward strike from the edge of the box.
Keadue increased their lead when Aidan Mc Hugh slotted home after a cross from the left. Peter Mc Gee put the visitors further ahead after a frantic start. Castlefin pulled a goal back when Sean Ferry broke through a lobbed the keeper and just before the break Corrie Lee Bogan reduced the deficit further when he slotted home after a driving run.
At the beginning of the second half Emmet White got Castlefin’s fourth to bring the game level. Castlefin got ahead for the first time when Sean Ferry tapped home a rebound but Keadue had the final say when Brian Proctor scored from a free kick.
Fanad United 0 v 0 Glenea United
Fanad United and Glenea United played out a hard fought no score draw at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday.
Glenea settled quicker and in the 10th minute Fanad keeper Mark Mc Conigley produced a quality save to deny Carlos O’ Reilly. Glenea continued to press and on the half hour mark Lee O’Brien saw his shot from close range well saved by Mc Conigley.
Fanad started to come into it in the 2nd half and Eddie O’Reilly shot over the bar on 50 minutes when well placed. Five minutes later Glenea keeper Joe Coll produced an excellent save to deny Dylan Dorrian. Fifteen minutes from time Glenea were reduced to ten men when Shaun Mc Garvey received a 2nd yellow card. The man advantage only lasted five minutes as Fanad defender Declan O’ Donnell also received his 2nd yellow card.
With five minutes left Cathal Mc Geever found space in the Fanad box but was denied by a superb last ditch tackle from Eoin Logue. Fanad came agonisingly close to a winner in injury time but Eddie O’Reilly dragged his shot just wide. Referee: Gerald Devine.
Rathmullan Celtic 0 v 1 St. Catherines
Rathmullan Celtic welcomed their favourite team in the county St Catherine’s to the Seaside hamlet for a hotly contested top flight encounter which was settled by a John Cunningham strike late in the second half to give the spoils to the visitors in what was a game that both sides deserved a point.
Eamonn Sheridan’s Hoops played free attacking football all afternoon but credit to Killybegs defence who were excellent throughout and thwarted every attack with aplomb. Both sides worked tirelessly to create an opener but it was St Catherine’s who had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring when their star forward John Cunningham was upended by Hoops’ keeper Shaun Gallagher with the resulting penalty from Ben Cunningham saved superbly by Gallagher to leave it scoreless at half time.
The second half saw the Hoops play pass and move football but again the Killybegs defence responded with class and really reduced the home side to very limited sight at goal. The visitors however stole the show and the valuable away win on 75 minutes when a fine team build up saw John Cunningham strike from the edge of the area into the bottom left corner of Gallagher’s goal to send the Boys from Killybegs marching home with a smash and grab win.
The Hoops were excellent and but for a superb St Catherine’s defence they could have netted but there are positives in their attacking football. Mark Mc Ateer came on as a second half sub to make his debut and the starlet certainly has a bright future with Sheridan’s side. Ephrim McFadden and Eoin Sheridan were excellent for the Hoops with St Catherine’s defence from left full, centre backs through to right back, exquisite throughout. Referee: Patrick Martin
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 6 Milford United
Milford took the points in Orchard Park with a comfortable win over the home side.
Liam Donnelly opening the scoring from Gary Merritt’s cross and Joey Cullen tapped in from close range before half time leaving it 0-2 at the break. Gary Merritt made it three with a 25 yard free kick, Ciaran Blaney got the forth and deflected shot made it five for Milford with Finn Coll scoring the final goal of the match.
Donegal Town 2 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny were the visitors to the Hospital Field on a fine day for football. Town were quicker out of the blocks and were two up after thirty minutes. The first was a threaded pass by Ronan Mc Hugh to mark Jordan who finished expertly past Forkan in the Rovers’ net.
The second was finished by Robbie Murphy after great work by Cutts and Harron forcing Rovers back. Rovers started the second half in determined fashion and Donegal had the post to thank after a great strike by Danny Hall. Rovers got one back when after good work on the right wing, Conor Temple finished well. It was a tale of two keepers with Forkan denying Town on at least three occasions and Killian Faulkner in the Town nets having an excellent outing.
Two good team efforts. Referee: George Clinton.
Drumkeen United P v P Letterbarrow Celtic
(Match Postponed, No Report)
Gweedore Celtic 5 v 0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Gweedore Celtic ran out comfortable winners of this game thanks to a strong second half performance but at half time no one would have predicted that Kerrykeel would be defeated by the goal margin that transpired by the end of the game. For much of the first half they were the sharper, hungrier team and only a crossbar prevented them from taking the lead in the twentieth minute when Mc Ateer’s effort seemed to be goalbound.
Gweedore were finding it hard to break the Kerrykeel rearguard. Gweedore did take the lead ten minutes before the break when Thomas Diver set up Cian Mc Bride to score from six yards. Cian Mc Bride went on to score three further goals in the second half as Na Ceiltigh found gaps in the Kerrykeel defence which they could not find in the first half. With youth player Caolan Laux and Ciaran Mc Hugh dominating in midfield and the defending of Ryan Greene and Fiachra Coyle, Gweedore dominated the second half.
Cian Mc Bride hit two goals in ten second half minutes and Fiachra Coyle volleyed in Pauric Winter’s corner with fifteen minutes to go. With ten minutes remaining Mc Bride rose high to head home to score his fourth and Na Ceiltigh’s fifth goal of the afternoon. Referee: Trevor Hay
Raphoe Town 1 v 8 Swilly Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Cranford United 10 v 1 Dunkineely Celtic
Cranford hit double figures as they recorded a comfortable victory at home over a young Dunkineely side. Cranford took the lead after 10 minutes from a Chris Carr header. It was 2-0 a couple minutes later as Keelan Mc Groddy ran in behind and finished well to the bottom corner.
Cranford scored two more quick fire goals from Kevin Doherty and Dale McFadden to make it 4-0 after thirty minutes. Dunkineely pulled a goal back from the penalty spot before Cranford scored a penalty of their own on the stroke of half time from Chris Carr.
Cranford scored two more goals from Kevin Doherty and Dale Mc Fadden to make it 7-1, Kyle Mc Fadden made it eight with a great finish from 20 yards and Kevin Doherty completed his hat-trick just before the 90 minutes were completed. Cathair Sweeney made it ten with the last kick of the game.
Drumoghill F.C. 5 v 0 Deele Harps
Drumoghill started the game on the front foot and the pressure soon paid off as Dylan Mc Elhinney headed home a Colm Gardiner free kick to put the home side in front.
Liam O’Donnell then doubled the lead shortly before the half hour mark with a low shot into the corner and gave the keeper no chance. Two more goals from Lee Smyth and Connor Doohan put the home side 4-0 up at the break. The second half was a more even affair as Deele never gave up.
Deele searched for a goal but with no clear-cut chances, it never came. Connor Doohan bagged his second and Drumoghill’s 5th in the 80th minute as the Reds ran out 5-0 winners. The three points were won in the first half. Referee: Zach Mc Laughlin.
Lifford Celtic 3 v 2 Whitestrand United
After a tough start to the campaign both Lifford Celtic and Whitestrand battled it out at Greenbrae Park in an attempt to get their season off and running. It was the home team that came away with all three points with a late winner. Lifford started strong, dominating much of the first half, and got on the score sheet after 5 minutes.
Great forward play from debutant Matthew O’ Rourke sent Niall Coyle through who slotted home at the second attempt after a great initial stop from the Whitestrand keeper. Lifford were two up on the 20-minute mark. A well delivered corner from the right-hand side was cooly slotted home by Cian Patton at the front post.
Lifford had several other chances with a mixture of wasted chances and good saves preventing them from going further ahead. They were to rue those chances late in the first half as the Whitestrand defender headed in from a well delivered free kick. Half time 2-1. Whitestrand to their credit came out strong for the second half and pushed hard for the equaliser and got their reward with a goal in the 80th minute.
Lifford finished strong and got the winner with 86 minutes on the clock with Adam Murphy ghosting in at the back post to finish well from an O’Rourke cross. Team effort from Whitestrand with Matthew O’ Rourke impressing on his debut for Lifford.
Fixtures Week
Saturday 8th October 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves v Copany Rovers
Donegal Town Reserves v Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves v Glenea United Reserves
Dunlewey Celtic v Strand Rovers
Glencar Celtic v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Oldtown Celtic v Arranmore United
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves v Swilly Rovers Reserves
Castlefin Celtic Reserves v St. Catherines Reserves
Cranford United Reserves v Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Fintown Harps AFC v Drumbar United
Gweedore Celtic Reserves v Ramelton mariners
Ulster Junior Cup K.O. 7p.m.
Kilmacrennan Celtic v Cockhill Celtic (Letterkenny CC)
Sunday 9th October 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
St. Catherines v Fanad United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. v Drumkeen United
Letterbarrow Celtic v Donegal Town
Letterkenny Rovers v Convoy Arsenal
Milford United v Raphoe Town
Swilly Rovers v Gweedore Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps v Curragh Athletic
Dunkineely Celtic v Ballybofey United
Gweedore United v Cranford United
Lagan Harps v Lifford Celtic
Whitestrand United v Drumoghill F.C.
Ulster Junior Cup K.O. 1.30p.m.
Cappry Rovers v Bonagee United
Finn Harps U-21 v Castlefin Celtic
