Saturday 26th November 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 3 v 1 Arranmore United
The away side started brightly and pushed early on to open the scoring. Cappry’s defence held firm in the opening stages. Cappry came into the game as the half wore on. It was the away side that took the lead through John Roper who finished well. Cappry started the second half well and had an early chance through Dean O’Donnell. Cappry got level when Darren O’Leary’s free kick was saved but Padhraic Patton was on hand to tap home the rebound. Cappry took the lead a few minutes later when David Carr pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired into the top corner. Cappry wrapped up the scoring when Dean O’Donnell crossed for Darren O’Leary to head home at the back post. Two team Performances.
Copany Rovers 1 v 3 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Keadue Rovers Reserves 4 v 2 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Keadue Reserves edged out Kildrum Reserves in a full-blooded contest at a windy Central Park on Saturday. The visitors, playing with a stiff breeze, were quick out of the blocks and took the lead in the opening minute when a free kick close to the centre circle, taken by Gareth Colhoun, caught the Keadue keeper off his line and it flew into the empty net. Keadue tried to settle but were up against a well marshalled Kildrum defence. The visitors should’ve been two up on thirteen minutes following a defensive mix up, the ball just being cleared at the near post. The game became largely scrappy by the half hour, even though Keadue had a lot of possession, Kildrum, with the wind, were happy to hit on the break. They nearly doubled their lead on thirty-four minutes when Dominic Keys volleyed over from a corner. Kildrum went two up just before half time when a fine move down the right wing led to a cross expertly finished on the run by Michael Ayton. A deserved half time lead for Kildrum but Keadue came roaring back at the start of the second half, aided by the strong wind. Aidan McHugh had a chance in the first minute which was saved. On fifty-one minutes, Pauric Neely had a shot which hit the side netting but two minutes later Keadue reduced the deficit. A penalty for Keadue was saved but in the follow up play Chris Greene drilled an effort to the top corner and it was game on. The game changed on seventy minutes when Aidan Mc Hugh hit a superb free kick to the net with his right foot. Almost immediately, Keadue pressed forward, getting a lot of joy down the right-hand side and it was from a Michael Greene cross on seventy-seven minutes that Peter Mc Gee stabbed in at the far post to give Keadue the lead. Now in the ascendancy they made sure of the game in the eightieth minute when they were awarded another penalty and this time Jordan Doogan dispatched it. Best for Kildrum were Dominic Keys and Michael Ayton, while Michael Greene, Jamie Mc Cready and Mark Forker got through good work for Keadue. Referee: Sean Ferry.
Strand Rovers 0 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
The first-half was quite uneventful with both teams wanting to be the first to score. A few good chances for either side but none could get over the line. Ten minutes into the second-half a foul inside the box gave Strand a penalty but the Glenea keeper saved. Following the missed penalty Glenea pushed hard to get one in the net which finally came when a shot was deflected off Strand keeper Dean Timoney and the Glenea forward headed it in. Not long after that the Strand defence failed to clear the ball and Glenea were able to walk to ball into the net.
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 2 Donegal Town Reserves
The wind had a massive impact on this game in Glentornan Park. Dunlewey welcomed Donegal Town after a good win in Drumoghill the previous weekend. Dunlewey started with the wind at their backs and took the lead after two minutes when Keith Sweeney broke in behind and squared the ball to Shaun Mc Cafferty who slotted home from close range. Dunlewey pushed on following this goal. They were unfortunate not to score from a set piece when Brian Sweeney headed against the post. Donegal Town found it difficult, playing against the wind, but were dangerous on the break. Daniel Roarty faced a one on one but saved well to keep Dunlewey ahead. 1-0 at half time. Donegal threw the kitchen sink at Dunlewey in the second half using the wind to their advantage. They levelled the score on 60 minutes when Kieran Reilly hit a shot come cross which made its way into the back of the net at the back post. They pushed on and sought a winner and they thought they had clinched it on 82 minutes when Oisin Gorrell swung a corner in and the ball looped straight in at the back post to put the visitors ahead 2-1. Dunlewey fought to get back into the game and got their reward when a Brendan Mc Geady cross was headed across goal by Patrick Mc Geady and Brian Patton got the vital touch to rescue a point for Dunlewey.
Glencar Celtic 0 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 4 v 1 St. Catherines Reserves
Ballybofey dominated from the start and should have taken an early lead when Karlos was played through one on one with the Saints’ keeper but his effort was well saved. They didn’t have to wait too long to get the opener as Kieran Thompson was fouled on the edge of the box.
Darren Bonner stepped up and rifled the ball into the back of the net. Ballybofey got their second on 30 minutes after Aaron Mc Auley played a great ball over the top to Karlos who’s shot was saved but the rebound fell nicely into the path of Oran Gallen who finished neatly.
Ten minutes later Kieran Thompson showed great determination pressing the Saints’ defence, winning the ball and finishing with a brilliant shot, giving the Saints’ keeper no chance.
Ballybofey started the second half like they finished the first, well on top and playing great football. They were rewarded with their 4th when an in-swinging corner was met by Aaron McAuley who headed home his first of the season. Colin Kearns was introduced into the game and the tricky winger nearly got himself of the score-sheet but his effort was saved and put out for a corner. The Saints did get one back when they headed home from a corner.
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Cranford went back level at the top of the league with a deserved late win at home to Castlefin at a wet and windy Cranford Park. Cranford were on top throughout and took the lead 30 minutes in when the keeper couldn’t hold a Connor Sheils free kick, Paddy Mc Geever reacted first and slid the ball home. Against the run of play Castlefin equalised before half time when the winger’s cross caught the Cranford keeper out and looped in over him. Cranford started the second half strong but couldn’t get the goal to put them back in front. Several subs were made with fresh legs making an impact as Callum Cullen twice was unlucky not to score. Just as it looked like the points would he shared it was third time lucky for Cullen as he headed the ball home after great work down the wing from Jamie Hunter.
Drumbar United 2 v 4 Ramelton Mariners
Ramelton took the lead and added another two goals before halftime. Drumbar came out determined in the second-half and pulled two goals back through Vinny Breslin and Paul O’ Donovan to give them some hope with ten minutes left. Ramelton however added another on the break to put the game out of sight.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves P v P Milford United Reserves
(No Report Available, Match Postponed)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 1 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
A tight game with plenty of chances for both teams. Swilly started on the front foot and had a few half chances before Gweedore had the first big chance of the game when a through ball was saved by the Swilly keeper. Swilly took the lead on 43 minutes when a Jordan Mc Daid found the net straight from an in-swinging corner. Swilly had another few half chances to extend their lead but it remained 1-0 at half time. Gweedore levelled the score around the 60th minute when their keeper’s long ball was flicked on. The Gweedore striker found himself through on goal and finished to his right. Swilly put on the pressure towards the end of the game but the Gweedore defence stood firm. Referee: Terence Moyne
Sunday 27th November 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Kilmacrennan Celtic P v P Cappry Rovers
(No Report, match Postponed)
Rathmullan Celtic 3 v 1 Bonagee United
A brace from Mark Mc Ateer helped Rathmullan to a 3-1 success as Bonagee visited a wintery Flagpole Field this afternoon. Ronan Morris made the breakthrough for the Hoops on 28 minutes, firing home from inside the box. Mc Ateer was on hand to head home from eight yards with 35 minutes on the clock following up a thunderous free-kick from Ephrim Mc Fadden that was well saved by John Carr.Bonagee had the wind at their back in the second half and Peter Carr cut their deficit with an hour gone. Indeed, the visitors really pushed hard for the next 20 minutes with Shaun Gallagher in the home goal called into action on several occasions, notably tipping a free-kick from Eamonn Cannon onto the crossbar to keep the lead intact for the home side.Rathmullan also had chances, Kevin O’ Donnell’s neat interplay on the left producing several dangerous moments for Bonagee as Mc Ateer headed over the bar and Kevin Doran fired a low effort 20 yards that beat Carr but went just outside the post. Mc Ateer then scored a super solo effort, beating the offside trap and racing away from his marker before sliding the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner to restore a two-goal cushion for Rathmullan and that was more than enough for Eamonn Sheridan’s side to edge over the winning line.Referee: Gerald Devine
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 3 v 0 Drumkeen United
The ‘71 got their first win of a tough season with a well-deserved victory over Drumkeen at Rabs Park.
Shaun Kerr opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a great strike from the edge of the box.
He got his second soon after when he beat the offside trap and beat the keeper from six yards.
Drumkeen had their chances but Sean Friel made two great saves before halftime to keep his side in front.
The second half was a tight affair but the home side made the points safe with ten minutes to go when James Kerr finished well after great work from Fergal Friel. Best for Kerrykeel were Michael Mc Devitt
Kevin Loughrey and Brandon Mc Clafferty
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 v 3 Donegal Town
Donegal made the short trip to Letterbarrow for the first local derby between the sides in their league existence. Killian Faulkner and Glen Harron scored a quick double and a third before half time meant the home side had a lot of work to do after the break. Letterbarrow fought hard and pulled one back through Christy Mc Laughlin but couldn’t find a second to put any pressure on the away side.
A game worthy of a derby, overall a sporting affair with the better side on the day getting the win.
Milford United 4 v 1 Raphoe Town
Milford overcame Raphoe Town at Moyle View Park on Sunday by four goals to one. Milford had the better chances in the first half with Joey Cullen, Killian Mc Bride and Cathal Mc Gettigan al failing to convert. On 27 minutes Joey Cullen broke the deadlock when he got on the end of a Killian Mc Bride cross to drive the ball home. At the start of the second half Milford failed to defend a high ball which broke to DJ Kelly who crashed the top of the net for the equaliser on 56minutes.
Milford’sresponded two minutes later when a Gary Merritt free kick was headed home as Joey Cullen who outjumped the keeper to score. Milford scored twice in the final 15 minutes. Jonny Logue found Cathal Mc Gettigan who took a great first touch and fired home. Corey Lee Mc Conigley made it four when he latched onto a Gary Merritt through ball and showed great composure to rifle home with his left foot from ten yards. Referee: Sean ferry.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps 0 v 1 Ballybofey United
Played in fine but chilly conditions this was a real tight encounter with chances at a premium. In an even first half it was the away side who took the lead on 33 minutes when Jude Patton somehow fired home from a tight angle.
The second half was more of the same with the defences on top. Both sides traded half chances and with Deele pushing for an equaliser Ballybofey counter attacked and were awarded a late penalty which was dragged wide and the game finished 0-1. Team Performances. Referee: Stephen Laird
Drumoghill F.C. 1 v 5 Cranford United
Cranford demonstrated their title credentials with this convincing win over fellow challengers Drumoghill.
In a game that was reversed from The Moss, James Lee Mc Bride helped himself to a hat-trick with Marty Mc Bride and Kealan Mc Groddy also on target for Cranford. Karol Mc Ginley’s brilliant strike late on was merely a consolation. Cranford, backed by a strong breeze and with the sun on their backs, started strongly and opened the scoring on 5 minutes when Jimmy Mc Bride tapped home at the back post.
There was nothing in the game for much of the first half but a double strike just before the interval put the home side in complete control. Jimmy Mc Bride was involved in both, scoring himself with a delicate lob, before a similar move sent him clear only for the striker to see his effort rebound of the post before full back Marty Mc Bride followed up to hammer home and make it 3-0 at the interval.
The scoreline though was harsh on the reds with Jason Hegarty having pulled off a few fine saves in the first half at crucial points in the game.
If the game wasn’t already over as a contest, it certainly was 10 minutes after the interval when Kealan Mc Groddy nodded home.
Karl Mc Ginley pulled one back almost immediately though with the goal of the game. There seemed little danger when Cranford cleared a corner but it fell to Mc Ginley on the edge of the box and the winger rifled home first time with the outside of his left foot.
Drumoghill finished the stronger as Cranford saw the game out, but could find no way past Hegarty as Cranford stretched their lead at the top of the table. Referee: Zach McLaughlin.
Dunkineely Celtic 4 v 8 Lagan Harps
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore United 13 v 1 Lifford Celtic
A convincing win for the home side as they continue their 100% home-run this season. It was Lifford who had the first chance of the game in the 2nd minute as Shay Lindsay found himself through on goal however his shot went over the bar.
The home side settled after that and played lovely possession football for the remainder of the game. In the 8th minute a nice move was finished by Ciaran Mc Fadden to make it 1-0.
Two minutes later Darren Ferry finished well from close range to make it 2-0. In the 14th minute Darren Ferry made it 3-0 by rounding Darragh Ó Dalaigh in the Lifford nets and tapping into the net. In the 18th minute Shay Lindsay hit the bar for Lifford. Darren Ferry completed his hat-trick in the 23rd minute to make it 4-0 for United. Lifford pulled one back in the 24th minute when a well hit shot from Shea Whyte went over Cian Gallagher in the United goal to make it 4-1. In the 33rd minute Mark Mc Fadden scored when his shot was excellently placed into the top corner for 5-1. Another good move from the home side was well finished by Ethan Harkin to make it 6-1. In the 41st minute a Fionnan Coyle cross was tapped in by Ciaran Mc Fadden. The visitors had half chances through Shea Whyte, Cian Patton and Andrew Crawford, however they were unlucky on each occasion. United finished the scoring in the opening half in the 43rd minute when Ciaran Mc Fadden finished well to get his hat-trick making it 8-1 to United at half time. In the second half the home side with the aid of the breeze continued to play well. Fionnan Coyle made it 9-1 in the 48th minute with a delightful finish. In the 55th minute Steven Doyle Mc Fadden’s shot came off the bar and Ciaran Mc Fadden reacted quickest to tap in for 10-1. Another goal from Ethan Harkin and a brace from Steven Doyle Mc Fadden completed the scoring for the home side in front of a good home support.
Shea Whyte played well for Lifford on the day, however it was an excellent squad performance from United in this one. Referee: Tony Mc Namee.
Whitestrand United 3 v 2 Curragh Athletic
Whitestrand welcomed Curragh Athletic to Mc Garvey Park in the Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two.
Whitestrand were looking to build on their win last weekend and started the game with a goal from Daibhid Lynch continuing his excellent recent form. Curragh were immediately on the back foot but then settled into the game and it was a very even affair with not many chances. Whitestrand looked dangerous on the counter but Curragh were also looking like they could get an equaliser as half time approached.
This came almost on this stroke of half time when Robert Mc Shane headed in an equaliser. Whitestrand started the second half strongly and were rewarded when Lynch played in Garth Ferry who’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper but the ball was forced home by Ben Orsi.
Lynch scored the killer third goal as the ball was won high up the pitch and Lynch finished with aplomb into the bottom corner. Whitestrand were on top and Lynch almost grabbed the match ball with a superb strike
which hit the bar and bounced down onto the line, If only we had goal line technology. Curragh
scored a second with the final whistle approaching which lead to a nervy final few minutes, A good
win for Whitestrand and onto the next game. Best for the Whitestrand was Daibhid Lynch
FAI Junior Cup
Castlefin Celtic 2 v 1 Killarney Athletic AFC
Castlefin progressed to the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after a victory over Killarney Athletic. Second half goals from Dean Kelly and Jordan Duffy ensured progression to the next round.
Ulster Junior Cup
Kildrum Tigers 1 v 3 St. Catherines
It’s the away side who progress to the last eight of the Ulster Cup.An entertaining first half saw St. Catherines’ take the lead after a long ball forward from the keeper got a fantastic finish put them ahead. Kildrum levelled with a fine team move finished off by Gary Crossan.
Just over 60 seconds later the away side took the lead again, Josh Maxwell done brilliantly and crossed from the left and it was bundled home.
Kildrum pushed hard in the second half and created some good chances but couldn’t draw level. Late in the game St. Catherines got a third and deservedly put themselves in the hat for the next round.
Letterkenny Rovers 4 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers advanced to the Ulster Junior Cup quarter finals with an excellent 4-0 win over Gweedore Celtic on the Leckview Astro on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides play in Sunday Division One and it promised to be an interesting encounter pre-match and there was very little in it in the opening ten minutes with Conor O’ Donnell going close for Rovers with Ciaran Mc Hugh and Niall Doran going close for Gweedore.
Rovers though scored the all-important opener on Twelve minutes when the impressive Patrick Gahir set up O’ Donnell and he made no mistake firing low to the bottom corner.
Doran then forced home goalkeeper Blake Forkan into a good save on thirty-one minutes before Rovers doubled the advantage on thirty-seven minutes when Gareth Temple headed home Luke Parkes corner.Rovers almost extended their lead straight after halftime but Jordan Nugent saw his well struck effort well stopped by Michael Mc Kelvey in the visitor’s goal but Nugent wasn’t to be denied on fifty-two minutes when finishing neatly to the bottom corner.
Danny Hall then forced Mc Kelvey into a top notch save as the game meandered to an inevitable conclusion and gloss was put on the scoreline when sub Guillermo Perez Lopez netted on eighty-six minutes to wrap up a very deserving win for the home side.
Illies Celtic 0 v 3 Fanad United
(No Report Available)