Saturday 22nd October 2022
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 5 v 3 Drumbar United
Ballybofey continue their unbeaten run and move to within two points of table toppers Fintown. Before the game both sides observed a minutes’ silence for the late Josephine Mc Auley. Ballybofey started on the front foot on a wet and windy day in Dreenan.
They went one up on ten minutes when Colin Kearns drove at the Drumbar defence and squared it to Johnny Bell who neatly found the back of the net from five yards.
The lead was then doubled on fifteen minutes when Colin Kearns got his first of the day with a lovely finish. Shortly afterwards Drumbar pulled one back with a header inside the box. Ballybofey got their third when Barry Mc Ghee played a great ball into Conor Mc Glynn who lifted the ball over the keeper to score a beautiful goal.
Drumbar then pulled another back with a tap-in inside the six-yard box. Ballybofey started the second half well and controlled the play with great work from Barry Mc Ghee in the middle of the park.
It was him who once more found Colin Kearns out on the right and he drove at the defence before calmly finishing by lifting the ball over the outrushing keeper. They added their fifth when Conor Mc Glynn assisted for Johnny Bell who fired home his second of the day. Drumbar got their third from a header which gave Odhran Bonar no chance in the Ballybofey goals.
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1 v 2 Ramelton Mariners
Two quick fire goals midway through the first half was enough for Ramelton Mariners to earn all three points in Castlefin. The home side took the lead when a Francie Brolly through ball sent Lee Mc Laughlin clear to slot home.
Mc Laughlin and Brolly had further chances in the opening exchanges to extend Castlefin’s lead but they couldn’t convert. In the 28th minute the visitors equalised when a Vinney Mc Laughlin shot flew into the net from 25 yards.
In the 30th minute Ramelton took the lead when an attack down the left fell to Shane Fisher who tapped home. The second half was dominated by the hosts with good efforts from James Mc Menamin, Niall O’ Reilly and Callum Potts but they all came to no nothing.
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 2 Milford United Reserves
Cranford started off the game sharp and on the front foot and took the lead through a goal from Andrew Kelly. He exchanged a one-two with Kevin Doherty and slotted nicely into the bottom right corner.
About ten minutes later Doherty produced a back-heel flick at the near post from a corner to make it 2-0 to Cranford.
That score remained until the 25th minute from the end when Milford scored through Jason Mc Conigley. This got Milford back into the game. They got an equaliser not long afterwards from Mc Conigley as it finished a draw.
Swilly Rovers Reserves 2 v 7 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Swilly started on the front foot with Cameron Gormley opening the scoring when the ball dropped to him in the box from a corner. Kilmacrennan responded quickly when a dangerous low ball was put into the box and unfortunately it came off a Swilly player and into the net.
Kilmacrennan took the lead minutes later when another low ball into the box was finished at the back post. Kilmacrennan made it three when their number 11 rounded the keeper and finished. It was soon four courtesy of a free kick on the edge of the box.
Kilmacrennan started the second half the same way they finished the first, another low cross was put into the Swilly net by one of their own. Swilly responded, Cameron Gormley broke quickly and finished into the bottom left. Kilmacrennan soon added another before Tony Gallagher made it five goals in his last five games when the ball dropped to him in the box and he rifled it home.
The final goal of the game came from a good counter-attack from Kilmacrennan. The Kilmacrennan goalscorers were Philip Buchanan (3), Sam Harvey (2), Danny Sandilands and an OG. Referee: Rory O’ Gorman.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report Available)
Ulster Junior Shield
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 0 Carrowmena FC
(No Report Submitted)
Glencar Celtic 2 v 2 a.e.t. Clonmany Shamrocks
(Clonmany won 7-2 on penalties)
(No Report Submitted)
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 3 v 0 Raphoe Town
(No Report Submitted)
Oldtown Celtic 1 v 0 Illies Celtic
A tightly contested game saw Oldtown prevail thanks to an early goal. Sean Cleary put Tommy Mc Laughlin in with a great through ball and Mc Laughlin neatly finished from outside the area.
The game then went end to end with both defences standing firm and most efforts for the remainder of the half were from outside the area.
The second half continued in the same vein, Oldtown had a good ten-minute spell when they went in search of a second, Tommy Mc Laughlin forcing the Illies keeper into two great saves and Sean Cleary firing over.
With Oldtown unable to get the second goal, Illies pushed for an equaliser and thought they had one only for the goal to be ruled offside. Illies continued to push but couldn’t break down a well organised Oldtown defence. Team performances from both sides.
St. Catherines Reserves 3 v 4 Deele Harps
Deele Harps edged out St Catherines in a seven-goal thriller at Emerald Park. Both sides started brightly with the visitors hitting the post in the first minute and Eoin Love twice going close from long range for the home side.
Deele took the lead after 20 minutes when Cameron Mahon lobbed the keeper but were pegged back five minutes later when Love scored with a 20-yd free kick. Deele regained the lead shortly before half time when Sean Mc Gowan scored from the spot, but the home side, driven on by the midfield duo of Love and Andrew Moby Mc Morrow were level again 10 minutes into the second half when Love once again found the net with a long range free kick.
Deele went in front again when they capitalised on an error in the home defence but St. Catherines once again equalised when Paul Feet Murrin fired home from 10-yds.
In a very even contest the visitors snatched the winner 10 minutes from time when Mc Gowan lashed home a free kick. Best for St Catherines were Dermot Cunningham, Charlie Breslin and Josh Cunningham. A team effort from Deele Harps. Referee: John Mc Glanaghey
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Lifford Celtic 1 v 4 Curragh Athletic
This reversed fixture was played in perfect conditions in the New Camp Complex. Curragh started the game on top and took the lead on 30 minutes when Cormac Callaghan was brought down in the box following a perfect through ball from Calvin Bradley.
Bradley converted from the spot. The lead only lasted two minutes when Shay Lindsay raced through onto a Matthew O’ Rourke through ball and slotted it into the net to level the game.
Curragh regained the lead in the 40th minute when Calvin Bradley capitalised on a mistake in the Lifford defence. Bradley completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute with a fantastic finish to chip the Lifford keeper.
Oisin Mc Cool made it four in the 75th minute with a rocket from 25 yards. Curragh were unlucky not to have scored more with Cormac Callaghan hitting the woodwork twice in the closing stages.
Cormac Callaghan and Calvin Bradley with a hat-trick were outstanding for Curragh. A team performance from Lifford. Referee: George Clinton
Sunday 23rd October 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Fanad United 1 v 0 Cappry Rovers
Fanad United claimed their first league victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Cappry Rovers at Traigh-a-Loch.
Played in ideal conditions, both sides showed attacking intent from the start. Fanad had the first clear-cut chance in the 10th minute when Martin Mc Elhinney headed just wide from an Eddie O’Reilly cross. Ten minutes later Fanad took the lead.
When Eddie O’Reilly was fouled in the box a penalty was awarded and Eoin Logue stepped up to slot into the bottom corner.
Cappry continued to probe and 5 minutes before the break, Sean Mc Menamin saw his well struck shot go just over the Fanad bar. Just before the break Cappry were reduced to ten men when Gary Wilson received two yellow cards in the same incident.
The second half was only 10 minutes old when Cappry were reduced to nine men.
Benny Bonner was shown a straight red card for a dangerous elbow on Keelin Mc Elwaine who had to leave the field as a result. Fanad started to put pressure on without really creating any clear chances. In the final 10 minutes, Cappry started to pile on the pressure as they searched for an equaliser.
They came close on two occasions from corner kicks but the Fanad defence held out to secure the win. Referee: Vincent McLaughlin
Glenea United 3 v 4 Bonagee United
The visitors went away with all three points from an entertaining game with both teams playing good football throughout.
Glenea had their first attempt on goal when Joe Coll put Carlos O’ Reilly away on the right wing but he shot over. Both teams enjoyed plenty possession but Glenea were first to score in the 20th minute. Calvin Murray hitting the target from 30 yards.
Carlos O’ Reilly then had an excellent effort saved. Bonagee did have a good effort from Aidy Mc Laughlin saved by Coll on 30 minutes and it remained 1-0 at halftime.
Bonagee were quick out of the traps in the second half and got their reward on 47 minutes when Glenea failed to clear and Jordan Gallagher got a shot away from the edge of the box to equalise.
Almost immediately after the restart Bonagee were awarded a free kick which beat everyone in the box and found Aidy Mc Laughlin free at the back post to head home. Glenea kept battling and a cross from Mark Harley was turned into the net by a Bonagee defender to bring Glenea level again.
Bonagee were awarded a penalty on the 78th minute which was converted by Jordan Gallagher. A Sean Coll free-kick in the 85th minute was headed home by Lee O’ Brien to set up an exciting finish.
It wasn’t to be for the home side on this occasion however as Bonagee were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon in the 92nd minute which Jordan Gallagher converted to complete his hat-trick. Good performances from both sides. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Keadue Rovers 3 v 2 Rathmullan Celtic
Keadue continued their steady progression with a good 3-2 win over Rathmullan Celtic in tough, damp conditions at Central Park. It was an even enough opening ten minutes with neither side creating much in the way of chances.
In the thirteenth minute the first good chance of the game fell to Oran Fallon but his good strike was ruled out for offside. They took the lead halfway through the first half when a fine Brian Proctor strike from 30 yards dipped into the far corner.
Keadue were generally on top in what was becoming a scrappy affair midway through the first half and they had a few chances to increase the lead from some set pieces with Ryan Connors going close with two headers.
They were made to pay for those missed chances on forty-two minutes when, following some sloppy defending from the home side, a cross from the left was headed home firmly by Kevin Doran to make it all square at half time.
Into the second half and with Aidan Mc Hugh coming on as a substitute he proved a good focal point of the attacks as Keadue managed to get a foothold in the match. Rathmullan though were the first to have a chance in the forty-eighth minute with a long-range shot flying wide of the far post.
Immediately after that Oran Fallon had a shot blocked. The home side took the lead just after the hour when brilliant footwork from Peter Mc Gee on the right-hand side led to a good cross and David Ward was on hand from close range to nudge it into the net.
They continued to dominate and should’ve been further ahead. However just after the eighty-minute mark, great work by Brian Proctor again on the left, led to him putting in a cross and it was converted at close range by Ryan Connors.
Despite being dominant Keadue had a lapse in defence in the last minute of regulation time and Kevin O’ Donnell was there to round the keeper to make it 3-2. Best for Rathmullan were Kevin Doran, Kevin O’ Donnell and Eoin Sheridan while best for Keadue were Peter McGee, Brian Proctor, Aidan McHugh and Brendan Mc Cafferty. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Kildrum Tigers 0 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines 1 v 0 Castlefin Celtic
This encounter commenced in torrential rain and finished in torrential rain but credit to both sides for serving up an entertaining game with total commitment for the 90 minutes.
Castlefin looked most likely to break the deadlock with Sean Ferry making life difficult for the Saints’ centre half’s and on 24 minutes a super strike from Sweeney rattled off the upright and straight back into the arms of the home keeper.
The chances kept coming for Castlefin but the break of the ball just never seemed to be in their favour and as football always tends to surprise you, it was St. Catherines who took the lead on the stroke of half time when the veteran Dan Breslin flicked a simple free kick into the net after some poor defending from the visitors as they never tracked the run of the Saints’ centre forward.
The second half consisted of constant pressure from the away team as they pushed hard for an equaliser and St. Catherines trying to seal a victory with quick counter-attacks from defence. Both teams were guilty of squandering guilt edge chances, JP Malley at one end and Darragh Murrin at the other.
Evan Broderick was having a man of the match performance in the middle of the park and literally dragged his team over the line for a hard earned and vital three points. Referee: Gerard Devine.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Gweedore Celtic 3 v 1 Donegal Town
Gweedore Celtic recorded their second victory of the season and in the process consigned their opponents to their first defeat of the campaign.
Gweedore were two ahead in the opening ten minutes and could have been further ahead when Cian Mc Bride saw his effort come off the post in the first minute.
The opening goal arrived in the fifth minute when Ryan Doherty followed up a Cian Mc Bride shot which was parried by keeper Ryan Haughey and Doherty rifled home. Colin Mc Nicholas made it two for the home team in the tenth minute when Donegal failed to clear following a corner.
Donegal were spurred into action and two fantastic saves by Mc Kelvey denied Ronan Mc Hugh and Ben Sweeney certain goals. Liam Mc Fadden and Ciaran Mc Hugh were dominating in midfield for Gweedore and Ryan Doherty and Thomas Diver were threats up front. The second half saw a resurgent Donegal team put Na Ceiltigh on the back foot.
This was helped by an early goal when Ben Sweeney finished Eoin Slevin’s cross three minutes into the second half. Efforts by Harron, Slevin and Sweeney failed to bring them back to parity and they were made to rue those missed chances when Cian Mc Bride was taken down in the area and Thomas Diver scored the resultant penalty.
Donegal introduced four subs and for the remaining twenty minutes they dominated possession but some resolute defending by the home team ensured three points for Na Ceiltigh. Referee: Seimi Ferry.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
This will feel like a defeat for Kerrykeel as Convoy snatched the equaliser in the dying seconds after a great game between two sides struggling this year.
Shaun Kerr put Kerrykeel in front on 20 minutes with a great strike from 20 yards after a great ball from Charlie Mc Ateer.
Convoy levelled shortly after when Christy Bogle headed home brilliantly from 6 yards. Kerrykeel then went back in front on 60 minutes when Johnny Nanny converted from the spot after he won the penalty himself.
Kerrykeel had chances to kill the game off but we’re wasteful in front of goal and were made pay when Ryan Carlin coolly slotted home to take a share of the points. Team performance from Kerrykeel with Kevin Loughrey outstanding. Best for Convoy Johnny Doherty and Christy Bogle. Referee: Seamie Ferry
Letterkenny Rovers 0 v 1 Milford United
Milford United maintained their winning start to the league season with a hard earned 1-0 win away to Letterkenny Rovers at Leckview Park.
The decisive moment of the game came on the cusp of half-time courtesy of a superbly taken goal by Cathal Mc Gettigan. At the other end, the visitors had former Rovers netminder Caolan Mc Gettigan to thank for making a string of fine saves.
The veteran goalkeeper was first called into action on 18 minutes to turn away a rasping 25-yard strike from Patrick Gahir.
Milford grew into the game and threatened on a couple of occasions through Gary Merritt, denied by Blake Forkan, and Fionn Coll whose goal bound effort was blocked by Chris Malseed. They did break the deadlock on 44 minutes.
Merritt’s delivery from the right-hand side was met by Mc Gettigan who brought the ball under control with his chest before smashing it into the net. Rovers enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the second half but both Jordan Nugent and Conor Temple were left frustrated by the excellence of Mc Gettigan. Referee: Tony McNamee
Swilly Rovers 5 v 0 Drumkeen United
This match ended in victory for the Ramelton men who looked impressive throughout. Conor Gormley was denied from the penalty spot on five minutes when the Drumkeen goalkeeper Cormac Mulrine made a fine save. At the other Barry Gallagher in Swilly’s goals produced a super save to deny Jason Mc Daid when he went through on goal.
Swilly went ahead on 30 minutes when Ian Ward finished from close range after a free flowing Swilly move. Young Cormac Mulrine in the Drumkeen goal produced a string of fine saves as the first half wore on. On 45 minutes Kyle Black doubled the Swilly lead when he headed home an Ian Ward cross. In the second half Kyle Black got two more clinical finishes to complete his hat-trick.
Ciaran Kelly completed the scoring for Swilly near the end with a close-range header. A fairly one sided encounter with Swilly making it three league wins in a row.
Ulster Junior Shield
Cranford United 1 v 0 Lagan Harps
Cranford overcame Lagan in a tight affair at Cranford Park. Cranford came out of the blocks fast and took the lead after 10 minutes through James Lee Mc Bride.
The rest of the half was close with both sides having chances. In the second half Cranford should have extended their lead on a few occasions while Lagan were dangerous on the break and had Jason Hegarty to thank as he pulled off a couple good saves.
Chances came and went but Cranford held out to progress to the next round.
Dunree United 0 v 6 Strand Rovers
(No Report Available)
Gweedore United 5 v 4 Keadue Rovers Reserves
This game, played on Saturday night under the lights, saw the home team advance to the next stage against a youthful Keadue side who battled until the end. United started the game well and went 1-0 up in the 1st minute when a good move and a cross from Ciaran Mc Fadden was tapped in by Stephen “Doyle” Mc Fadden.
The home side continued to press and in the 18th minute Stephen Mc Fadden split the Keadue defence with a through ball which Ciaran Mc Fadden finished well past Caelan Bonner to make it 2-0. Two minutes later Ciaran Mc Fadden scored from close range to make it 3-0 after a good cross by Shaun Mc Fadden.
In the 28th minute the ball fell to Darren Ferry who struck an excellent shot with his left foot from 20 yards into the corner to make it 4-0 at half time. In the second half Keadue got off to a great start when a good individual effort was finished by Liam Boyle past Cian Gallagher to make it 4-1.
United restored their four-goal advantage in the 49th minute when a good passing move was excellently finished by Ethan Harkin. After that goal Keadue began to press the home defence and got their second in the 60th minute when Liam Boyle finished from close range following a defensive error to make it 5-2.
Daniel Bonner made it 5-3 in the 64th minute when he found himself in loads of space outside the box and he finished well. In the 75th minute Keadue, who were playing really well, got their deserved 4th goal when Luke Neely scored to put pressure on the home side in the remaining quarter of an hour.
Ciaran Mc Fadden, Fionnan Coyle and Mark Mc Fadden all had chances to extend the lead for United in the last 15 minutes however Bonner in nets for Keadue did well on each occasion.
Keadue had decent half chances themselves, the best falling to Jack Doherty who’s shot went just over the bar in the 82nd minute and the scoreline remained 5-4 until full time.
Credit to Keadue who fought right until the end and came close to pulling off a good come back in an entertaining game in front of a good turnout at Carrickboyle. Referee: Sean O Donnell.
Quigleys Point Swifts 1 v 5 Arranmore United
(No Report Available)
Whitestrand United 3 v 1 Glenea United Reserves
Whitestrand United played Glenea United at Mc Garvey Park in the Junior Shield and got a deserved win. The game started badly for the home side when Reece Mc Bride scored in the first minute to give Glenea an early lead. After this Whitestrand composed themselves and gradually worked their way back into the game.
Matthew Stewart went close with a driving run through the middle of the park, his shot was well saved by the Glenea keeper. Glenea then hit the post which would have put them 2-0 up but this was largely against the run of play. The teams went in at half-time with Glenea 1-0 to the good.
Whitestrand started the second half well and the equaliser came when the ball was forced over the line by Reece Thompson. The game was now in the balance and the home side took the lead when Declan Brougham broke clear and fired high into the net.
It was a big impact from the half time substitute and he followed this up with another driving run into the box which resulted in a penalty which was calmly converted by the assured James Tourish. In the end it was a great win for the home side with many good individual performances. Man of the match was Gerard Mc Ateer.
Fixtures Week 10
Saturday 29th October 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United v St. Catherines Reserves
Sunday 30th October 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Cappry Rovers v Glenea United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Letterbarrow Celtic v Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers v Drumkeen United
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United v Lagan Harps
Curragh Athletic v Gweedore United
Ulster Junior Cup K.O. 1.30p.m. (Unless Stated)
Castlefin Celtic v Donegal Town
Fanad United v Kilmacrennan Celtic
Glengad F.C. v Rathmullan Celtic
Greencastle F.C. v Bonagee United
Illies Celtic v Swilly Rovers
Moville Celtic v Keadue Rovers
St. Catherines v Clonmany Shamrocks
