Saturday 5th November 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 2 v 2 Copany Rovers
Arranmore welcomed Copany Rovers to Rannagh Park for their latest league fixture. With a strong wind blowing across the pitch, Copany Rovers played with it in the first half and it helped them to put pressure on the Islanders defence. After 15 minutes they took the lead after a free-kick was headed into the Aran net.
The Islanders bounced back though and were very unlucky not to get a goal before the close of the half-time break. Arranmore were awarded a penalty 20 minutes into second half which was dispatched superbly by Martin Mc Garrigle.
Both teams tried to gain the lead as the game drew to a close and Copany thought they’d done it as they managed to score with three minutes left of normal time.
However, the tenacious Islanders struck once again in the closing moments of the game with Aidan Proctor running onto the ball and slotting home. Great game to watch with plenty of chances created by both sides. Referee: Paul Murphy
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 0 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Donegal Town had a good victory at the Hospital Field against Cappry Rovers. A Dermot Slevin hat-trick sealed a 3-0 win. They were in 1-0 up at the break after Slevin broke the Rovers’ rearguard to cooly slot home to the bottom corner.
They doubled the lead in the first minute of the second half from the spot after a hand-ball and Slevin completed the hat-trick after catching Rovers on the break to fire home.
It was a strong display all over from the team, keeping Cappry chances to a minimum. Slevin and Wilson were outstanding for the Town.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 2 v 6 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 1 Glencar Celtic
In a well-matched contest, the home side managed to hold on to all three points. Glencar went one up after eight minutes, a great cross into the box found Joe Baker and he made no mistake from three yards with his header to the roof of the net.
Both teams kept pushing and Glencar had another good chance when Jordan Mc Ginley broke through but Shaun Mc Clafferty in the Glenea goals was quick to smother out the danger. Two minutes later it was Glenea in on goal, Ciaran Coll went on a great run from the half way line but his effort was saved by McDermott.
Glenea got the equaliser in the 22nd minute. Neil Mc Geever with a good cross to find Seamus Duggan at the back post who took it under control and slotted into the far corner. The second half started off with the same intensity but with no clear-cut chances until the 80th minute when Seamus Duggan went on a great run, squared the ball back in the six-yard box but the incoming Michael Mc Hugh couldn’t connect.
Glenea took the lead in the 85th minute, Glencar cleared a corner but the ball fell to Eugene Mc Guire on the edge of the box and his strike flew into the top corner.
Keadue Rovers Reserves 3 v 1 Strand Rovers
Keadue Rovers Reserves continued their steady start to the season with this comfortable 3-1 win over neighbours Strand Rovers in front of a big crowd in ideal conditions at Central Park. The first five minutes saw both teams a bit tentative and neither team managed to get a foothold.
The home team took the lead on eight minutes when Michael Greene floated a free kick into the box and the Strand keeper fumbled his collection and despite the efforts of the defence to clear it, the ball went over the line. Almost immediately Strand hit back and should’ve levelled when first James McCole had his effort saved, then David Mc Carron on the follow up fired over.
The game did become a bit scrappy for a spell afterwards and the home team were slightly the better during this period without testing the keeper. Michael Greene was unlucky after twenty-six minutes when his free kick was saved by James Mc Eniff. Keadue upped the tempo, pressing Strand back, and a good Daniel Bonner lay-off led to Aidan Boyle letting fly from twenty-five yards low to the net for a superb goal which gave Keadue a deserved two goal lead at half time.
At the start of the second half the visitors were quicker out of the blocks, pushing Keadue back and James Mc Cole had a good effort on the hour just over the bar. A few substitutions from the home side after the hour gave them some fresh legs and on seventy minutes a cross from Aidan Boyle was just missed in the goalmouth.
Strand pulled one back on seventy-four minutes when, following a well worked free kick, the ball was played to the far post and Daniel Ward nipped in to tap-in on the line for 3-1. Best for Strand were James Mc Cole, Michael Curran and Shane O’ Donnell while best for Keadue were Aidan Yank Boyle, Michael Greene and Danny Mc Glynn. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4 v 3 Dunlewey Celtic
Kildrum took an early lead when Colhoun scored from distance into the top corner. Dunlewey equalised when a corner wasn’t cleared and they scored from outside the box.
The away side took the lead when the Tigers failed to deal with a long ball and they capitalised on a mix-up. Kildrum hit back from the restart when Ayton got in behind and finished well. Dunlewey took the lead just before the break when more poor defending was taken advantage of.
Kildrum got their second equaliser when Paul Mc Nulty’s cross evaded everyone and ended in the back of the net. The scoring was completed when Gillan slotted home a penalty after being fouled himself.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 0 v 2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
The away team picked up all three points at an Screaban thanks to two early first half goals. Castlefin were on top from early on but had to rely on poor defending for their opening goal. Lee Mc Loughlin benefitted from hesitancy in the Gweedore rearguard to score after ten minutes.
They doubled their lead ten minutes later when Cathal Kennedy pounced on a loose ball that Gweedore failed to clear. Castlefin continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the half but failed to extend their lead. Gweedore enjoyed a much better second half but Tiernan Mc Connell and the “Fin” defence restricted Na Ceiltigh to few chances.
Neil Doran had their best chance on the day but he could not convert. Daithí Gordon in the middle of the field was impressive for Castlefin with Caolan Laux best for Gweedore. Referee: Shaun O’Donnell
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 2 Drumbar United
The chances were few and far between in this game for both sides. The game looked destined for a share of the spoils until Drumbar twice broke well to score on the break in injury time. Battling performance from both sides. Referee: Tony Mc Namee
Milford United Reserves 4 v 2 Fintown Harps AFC
Milford got back to winning ways with a good result over table toppers Fintown Harps. The visitors made a good introduction to the game with a great shot from 25 yards to the back of the net.
Fintown were the better side in the first half as they added another great goal from veteran Dermot Slevin when he hit a well place free-kick into the top corner.
The Milford men came out all guns blazing in the second half with a great goal from Ciaran Blaney. Milford upped their game from there and were in full control with two goals from Jason Mc Conigley and one from James Doyle seeing them to the points.
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 2 Cranford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines Reserves 7 v 2 Swilly Rovers Reserves
St. Catherines ran out comfortable winners in an entertaining game played in Emerald Park. The home side started well and were ahead within five minutes when Aaron Byrne headed home from a corner.
John Curran made it two on twenty minutes when he touched home a cross from Calvin Mooney and Josh Cunningham made it 3-0 on the half hour when he swept the ball home from six yards.
Swilly came more into the game and had several chances with Darragh Mc Daid coming close with a header which came off the post. The game was effectively over as a contest on 43 minutes when a shot from Eoin Love was deflected into his own net by a Swilly defender. The visitors were much improved in the second half with Cameron Gormley performing well.
They pulled a goal back on the hour when Darragh Mc Daid headed home from a corner. St. Catherines replied almost immediately when Paul ” Feet” Murrin scored from close range and Eoin Love then got on the scoresheet with two quickfire goals. Swilly managed a late consolation goal when Shaun Coffey scored from close range.
This was a very good team performance from St. Catherines with Paul Cunningham outstanding. Best for Swilly were Cameron Gormley and Jordan McDaid. Referee: George Clinton
Sunday 6th November 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kildrum Tigers 0 v 0 St. Catherines
A game played in difficult conditions. The away side had the early chances to go ahead but couldn’t break the deadlock. Kildrum grew into and dominated possession but they couldn’t take their chances when they arrived.
Conditions worsened in the second half and neither team really threatened the opposition goalkeeper, St.Catherine’s looking very dangerous on the break while Kildrum had large periods of possession but neither could find the all-important winner as it ended a scoreless draw.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 0 Keadue Rovers
Kilmacrennan got back winning ways at home to Keadue at Letterkenny Community Centre and ran out deserving winners. Keadue had a good chance on 6 minutes but Kevin Mallon made a great point-blank save.
Caolan Kelly scored on 10 minutes, converting the rebound off the post from a Daire Mc Daid shot.
The Keadue defence was under a lot of pressure all day from Daire Mc Daid and Daniel Mc Laughlin. Mc Daid doubled the lead on 35 minute as he bust clear to score a fine individual goal and Kilmacrennan were in control.
Keadue dominated first 20 minutes of the second half but Kevin Mallon was in fine form and made number big saves to keep Kilmacrennan on top.
Enda Mc Cormack scored on 75 minutes as he headed home from close range a good cross from Cathal Mc Daid. Best for Kilmacrennan were Daire Mc Daid and Kevin Mallon. A team effort from Keadue. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
Rathmullan Celtic 3 v 1 Glenea United
Eamonn Sheridan’s Hoops welcomed old foes Glenea to the Seaside hamlet for a pulsating Premier League encounter with Mark Mc Ateer lighting up the Flagpole with his magical strikes up front. Played in optimal Autumnal conditions, the Hoops took the lead on 20 minutes when mercurial wing back Reggie Miller went on a superlative mazy run through the Glenea defence before being upended by keeper Joe Coll which resulted in a penalty.
Kevin ‘Shaky’ O’Donnell made no mistake from the spot kick much to the joy of a packed Flagpole. Sheridan’s charges doubled their advantage on the half hour mark when Hoops winger David Edwards pounced inside the area with Glenea defence being indecisive following an excellent ’Shaky’ O’Donnell cross into the area.
Edwards drilled low into the bottom corner of Coll’s goal to send the Seaside faithful into euphoria.
The second period saw Glenea up the tempo with the Hoops’ defence marshalled superbly by Paul Friel and Peter Curran aptly dealing with the visitors pressure in the final third.
Barclays Young Eagle Man of the Match Mark ‘Sparky’ Mc Ateer caused the Glenea defence numerous problems all afternoon and his unwavering efforts were rewarded on 55 minutes when the starlet striker curled a screamer from 30 yards out into the top left corner which undoubtedly will contend for goal of the season.
Mc Ateer, full of confidence, created two further strikes which brought world class saves from Glenea shot stopper Coll which were simply exquisite and both saves were applauded with aplomb by all in attendance.
Glenea got a consolation goal before the final whistle when striker Lee O’Brien took his goal well inside the area as the game finished up.
Glenea were served superbly by Sean Coll in centre half with Hoops goalkeeper Shaun Gallagher superb throughout alongside Reggie Millar, Peter Curran and the sensational Mark Mc Ateer up front igniting the passion of the beautiful game at the Seaside hamlet. Referee: Alistair Gourley
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 3 Gweedore Celtic
Gweedore took home all three points on a scoreline that wasn’t a fair reflection on an evenly contested match. The visitors took the lead on 20 minutes when Colin Mc Nichols turned home following a corner that Convoy failed to clear.
Convoy pressed hard up until the 90th minute but to no avail at which point Tommy Diver got a second for Gweedore following a defensive error.
They got their third two minutes later when Aodhan Breathnach poked home from a corner. John A Kee had a fine game for the Arsenal while Odhran Mac Niallais was excellent for the Celts.
Donegal Town 6 v 2 Drumkeen United
Donegal Town hosted Drumkeen United and won this game 6-2. Goals from Robbie Murphy x 3, Glenn Harron, Ben Sweeney and Mark Jordan ensured victory for “The Town”.
Drumkeen replied through Doherty and Boyle and to their credit never gave up. Two good team performances. Referee: George Clinton.
Letterkenny Rovers 1 v 6 Swilly Rovers
A strong display from Swilly Rovers saw them defeat Letterkenny Rovers 6-1 at the Aura Centre on Sunday afternoon. The early exchanges were quite frenetic with both sides trying to set down a marker with some full-blooded challenges testing the patience of match referee Marty Mc Garrigle with both sides keenly contesting every decision.
It was the home side who came closest early doors when Conor O’ Donnell headed over but it was O’ Donnell who put Letterkenny ahead on 13 minutes when his deflected effort found its way home. Swilly though regrouped and were level in 25 when Shane Mc Namee fired home from an acute angle against his former club.
Indeed, Mc Namee was the standout player and he turned provider on 36 with a neat pass inside the area to find Ian Ward who had the simple task of firing past Blake Forkan.
The second half was a pretty even affair with both sides having strong penalty claims waved away before two goals in the space of two minutes sealed the win for Swilly. Ryan Mc Daid headed home on 69 minutes before Kyle Black on 71 minutes made it 4-1.
Ciaran Kelly then headed home on 78 minutes before Oisin Coyle added some extra spice when netting the final goal in added time.
Milford United 3 v 3 Letterbarrow Celtic
Milford United maintained their unbeaten run in the league with a disappointing draw at home to Letterbarrow. Milford led through Cathal Mc Gettigan with a close-range header.
Christy Mc Laguhlkin equalised after a good counter attack and finished well from a tight angle. Mc Gettigan put Milford ahead again with another header following a Joey Cullen header back across the goal. On 44 minutes a great break on the right and sublime cross found Mc Gettigan who volleyed the ball into the top corner to complete his hat-trick.
In the second half Letterbarrow pushed hard to get back into the game and a goal came on 55 minutes from Christy Mc Laughlin with a strike from 18 yards.
Milford had a few chances to go further ahead through Joey Cullen, Gary Merritt and Corey Lee Mc Conigley. Letterbarrow got their equaliser on 85 minutes when a James Mc Grory cross was volleyed home by Lorcan O’ Connor.
Milford will feel this was two points dropped while Letterbarrow are happy heading through Gap with a point. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Raphoe Town 5 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Raphoe got off to a flying start with two goals in the first ten minutes. A Kyron Coyle free-kick rebounded out for Oisin Kelly to lay it on for Ryan Mc Cullagh to net the first goal.
The second came from a through ball when Anton Murtagh set up Mark Duffy who shot from 25 yards into the top corner the keeper had no chance. Raphoe kept pressing and where rewarded when DJ Kelly played Dylan Brolly through to round the keeper and score his first of the day on 30 minutes.
Kerrykeel got one back just before half-time when a Defensive error lead to a Raphoe OG. Kerrykeel came out fighting in the second half and it was tight for the first 15 minutes however Dylan Brolly broke free from midfield to score his second of the day.
Soon after Oran Kelly made it 5-1 from a long range shot into the roof of the net. Kerrykeel got a late consolation goal and the game finished 5-2
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 4 v 6 Drumoghill F.C.
Ballybofey started the game well with efforts from Paul Kelly, Damien Glackin, Adam Mc Cullagh and Mark Griffin, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Drumoghill took the lead on 20 minutes after they pounced on a loose pass to score. They made it two nil from a free-kick on 40 minutes.
Damien Glackin then pulled one back when he got on the end of a great pass to tap home. Drumoghill got their 3rd on the stroke of half time. Ballybofey got their second when Mark Griffin found Jude Patton who finished well. It was 4-2 in the 70th minute when Drumoghill scored from close range.
The comeback was then on when Ballybofey got two goals in quick succession. First from Damien Glackin, who slotted home a nice penalty after Barry Mc Ghee was fouled in the box.
Then Glackin turned provider when he set up Mark Griffin who chipped the keeper to Level the game 4-4 with ten minutes to go. Ballybofey pushed for the winner but it wasn’t to be as Drumoghill struck twice on 85 and 90 minutes to take all three points.
Cranford United 5 v 1 Curragh Athletic
Cranford made it 5 from 5 in the league with a comfortable victory at home against Curragh. Cranford started on the front foot and took the lead with ten minutes on the clock, after great play down the right the ball fell to Keelan Mc Groddy who finished well.
Cranford went two up after thirty minutes from a Kevin Doherty wonder goal as he curled the ball in to the top corner. He got his second to make it three just before half-time.
The second-half was more the same and Keelan Mc Groddy scored a penalty to make it four on the hour. Curragh got a goal back from the penalty spot five minutes later. With the final whistle approaching Cranford got their 5th through Cathair Sweeney.
Dunkineely Celtic 0 v 4 Whitestrand United
The game was played in good conditions at Darney Park, Bruckless. The first half was an evenly matched affair with both sides creating chances but unable to convert until Dabhid Lynch put the visitors ahead on 44 minutes.
Dunkineely started the second half with a near miss from Adrian Nesbitt and once again both sides created chances without success until the 75th minute when Dabhid Lynch got his second.
Whitestrand took control of the tie and put it beyond Dunkineely with two goals from Charlie Crerand sealing a well-deserved win.
Lagan Harps 3 v 3 Gweedore United
The points were shared in a pulsating contest played in Ballyare. It all started with two goals within the first three minutes. Philip Doran put Lagan ahead when he was put clear.
Gweedore responded immediately when centre back Ethan Harkin started a run at halfway. He ran through four or five challenges before calmly shooting into the far corner. Fionnan Coyle went close with a header and Michael Toner pulled off a save from Darren Ferry as Gweedore edged the first half.
Lagan started the second half strongly and took the lead when Ross Hamlyn scrambled home a corner. Gweedore responded and Michael Toner did well to push over a shot from Fionnan Coyle.
Dan O’ Donnell then went close from a corner. Lagan went close again when Dean Murray headed wide when well positioned at the back post. Lagan went 3-1 up on sixty minutes when Philip Doran shot home after good work by Matthew Doran and Dean Murray.
Lagan looked in control but when they lost a player to a second yellow card Gweedore piled on the pressure. They cut the lead to 3-2 when Darren Ferry scrambled home from a corner. Stephen Mc Fadden then rattled the crossbar with a shot from thirty-five yards.
They equalised on eighty minutes when Darren Ferry fired home after another goalmouth scramble. Michael Toner was then the hero for Lagan in the final minute with a brilliant save from Fionnan Coyle. In a thrilling match Taylor Cassidy, Glenn Gallagher and Philip Doran stood out for Lagan.
Ethan Harkin, Fionnan Coyle and Stephen Mc Fadden stood out for Gweedore. Referee: Tony Mc Namee.
