Saturday 3rd December 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Donegal Town Reserves 2 v 0 Copany Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 4 Strand Rovers
On a perfect day for football both teams started well and played good passing football. On ten minutes the home side were unlucky not to go in front.
It was the away side that got the breakthrough on twenty minutes. The home side got it back level on thirty-five minutes when the ball fell to young Connor Gallagher who made no mistake. The away side made it two one on forty-five minutes.
The second half was much the same with both teams having chances to score. It was strand who scored next with a wonder goal. The home side fought hard but were caught on the break. Strand punished to make the final score Strand 4 Drumoghill 1. Good Team performance by both. Refere: Marty Mc Garrigle
Glencar Celtic 5 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United Reserves 0 v 0 Keadue Rovers Reserves
In a well contested game at Pairc Joe both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils. Glenea had the opening few chances with John Mc Fadden clipping the crossbar direct from a corner and Seamus Duggan with a good strike just wide of the post.
Keadue had a great effort from Jay Doherty in the 20th minute, his strike from 30 yards just over the crossbar. Three minutes later John Doherty came close for Keadue, his effort from the edge of the box going wide. Glenea started the 2nd half stronger and in the 53rd minute Calvin Murray released John Mc Fadden through on goal but his chipped effort went over.
The chance of the game came in the 63rd minute for Glenea. Ryan Moffitt played a teasing cross to the back post for Calvin Murray, his effort just wide of the post. Five minutes later Murray found himself in on goal again but his effort cleared the crossbar.
Michael Greene had a great strike from 30 yards with Shaun Mc Clafferty in the Glenea goals getting down well to save and getting back to his feet to save the rebound from Jay Doherty. Both teams will be happy with their performances with a draw being a fair result.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 0 v 0 Arranmore United
(No Report Submitted)
Oldtown Celtic 7 v 1 Dunlewey Celtic
Oldtown ran out winners in this after a blistering first half. Sean Cleary got them off the mark with a calm finish after a Luke Nelis pass. Oldtown soon added a second when a great passing move saw Kevin Mc Grath square to Cleary to finish into an open net.
Luke Nelis then added a third after another good passing phase from the home side broke Dunlewey’s defence down. Paddy Mc Laughlin broke from left back to cooly slot past the Dunlewey keeper to make it four before Sean Cleary completed a first half hat-trick with another neat finish.
Dunlewey to their credit kept going and got their reward with a fine finish from the edge of the area. Oldtown utilised their bench and subs Gio Peoples and Drew Connolly added a quickfire 6th and 7th to see Oldtown run out winners.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
Fintown claimed all three points after an impressive performance in Castlefin on Saturday. Goals from Stephen Boyle and an Aidan Mc Cahill brace set the visitors on their way to all three points.
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 2 Ballybofey United Reserves
It was always going to be a tough game between two of the top teams in the Division and it turned out that way at Cranford Park. Cranford started well and got a goal after 10 minutes through Paddy Mc Geever with a great left foot volley into the bottom corner.
Ballybofey got on top after this and had a few chances but couldn’t score. Midway through the first half Cranford got a penalty but Lorcan Connor hit the crossbar so it stayed 1-0. Ballybofey finished the half the strongest and got an equaliser five minutes before half time.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Cranford went 2-1 up after a Dylan Mc Bride free kick was dropped at the feet of Conan Brennan who made no mistake. Ballybofey got level again with 15 minutes to go. Cranford pushed well and hit the crossbar and had a goal disallowed for offside as it finished 2-2
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 3 v 1 Drumbar United
A young Gweedore Celtic team came from behind to secure their first victory of the season against a Drumbar team who played their part in a highly entertaining game. Gweedore were first to threaten and Cronan Mc Fadden saw his effort come off the post in the tenth minute with the keeper beaten.
Drumbar threatened on several occasions but solid defending by Brendan Coll and Oisin Diver kept the scoreline level. On the stroke of half time Drumbar struck for the first goal when Vincent Breslin finished from two yards after the home defence failed to deal with a corner.
The second half was five minutes old when Gweedore drew level after Oisin Diver’s free kick from the sideline deceived the Drumbar rearguard. Drumbar then conceded a second when a mix-up between the keeper and a defender ended with an own goal.
Both teams played their hearts out for the last twenty minutes with Drumbar searching for the equaliser and Gweedore searching for a third. The home team made sure of the points when Cronan Mc Fadden raced clear of a tiring Drumbar defence to finish neatly for his second goal in his second game.
Good performances from both teams with Oisin Diver, Cronan Mc Fadden and Liam Breathnach. outstanding for Na Ceiltigh. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Milford United Reserves 1 v 4 St. Catherines Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners 2 v 4 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
In a match, played on a heavy pitch in Kerrykeel, it was the visitors who left with the points. The game started well with both teams creating several chances and it was the visitors who took the lead with a well worked goal finished by Jack O’Neill.
A minute later the Mariners were level from the penalty spot by Brandon Wilkie after a foul by the goalkeeper. Five minutes later, from a corner, O’Neill found himself free at the back post to restore the Kilmacrennan lead, heading the ball past Darragh Russell.
Russell kept the Mariners in the game till the break with two great saves. The visitors came out for the second half strong and went further ahead with two quick-fire goals from O’Neill, who completed his hat-trick, and Phillip Buchanan.
The Mariners got a late consolation goal from the inform Niall Curran to give the visitors a bit of a nervy finish, but they saw the game out comfortably from there. O’Neill took home the match ball for the visitors while David Fisher playing through injury impressed for the Mariners.
Sunday 4th December 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Glenea United 2 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
Both sides found it hard to create any scoring chances in the first quarter as both teams lacked the final ball required to open the respective defences.
Glenea’s first chance came in the 20th minute when Lee O ‘ Brien found the ball at his feet in the Castlefin box but failed to get the connection needed to trouble Tiernan O’ Callaghan. It was the visitors who opened the scoring when a Ronan Tourish ball in from the right was hit first time by Jordan Duffy and the ball squeezed in at the front post.
Glenea equalised just before half time through good work from John Mc Fadden and Mark Harley, Harley’s cross was headed home by Cathal Mc Geever to leave the score 1-1 at the break. Castlefin had the first chance of the second half but Ronan Tourish saw his lobbed effort come back off the post.
Glenea got their second of the day when Marty Maguire’s perfect ball into the box only needed the slightest of touches from Cathal Mc Geever to direct it into the net.
Immediately after the restart Glenea almost got a third but O’ Callaghan made a great save from Conor Coyle. The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser but the Glenea defence held strong and the home-side got a well-deserved three points. Best for Glenea were Conor Coyle and Cathal Mc Geever. Referee: Gerald Devine.
Keadue Rovers 0 v 1 Cappry Rovers
Keadue lost out narrowly to Cappry at Central Park on Sunday. Cappry were much the sharper side. Keadue had a good move on twenty minutes, started by Mark Forker, who moved it to Brian Proctor and it made its way to Oran Fallon but his shot was saved by the Cappry keeper.
Peter Mc Gee had a shot cleared off the line minutes later as the hosts improved. On fifty-seven minute, Cappry took the lead against the run of play when a shot at goal was fumbled and Conor Lafferty was on hand to tuck home the rebound.
Keadue then made a sub and did get more possession but like the first half they just couldn’t score. Cappry held on for a vital win. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin.
Kildrum Tigers 0 v 0 Bonagee United
A scoreless draw at Station Road meant a point a piece for both. It was a game which the home side will be wondering how they didn’t take all three points from.
Resolute defending in particular from the impressive Glen Rainey helped Bonagee go home with a point. The first half was dominated with chances for the home side who couldn’t find a way through while Bonagee always carried a threat with Aaron Wasson always looking dangerous throughout.
Kildrum continued pushing and hit the frame of the goal multiple times. A fantastic save from Kildrum’s Chris O’ Donnell denied Bonagee late on as neither could find that all important winner.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 1 Rathmullan Celtic
Kilmacrennan are top of league after their last league game of 2022. They battled hard to secure three points against a hard working Rathmullan side at Letterkenny Community Centre.
Kilmacrennan dominated the first half and took lead on 18 minutes after good work by Daniel Mc Laughlin and John Sandilands set up Ryan Shields to shot from 20 yards. Kilmacrennan increased their lead from the spot on 45 minutes.
Rathmullan pushed hard in 2nd half and got a goal on 70 minutes when Ronan Morris headed home from a corner. They then pushed hard for an equaliser but Kilmacrennan defence soaked up all pressure and held on for the three points.
Best for Kilmacrennan were Ryan shields and Daire Mc Daid and team effort Rathmullan. Referee: Alister Gourley
St. Catherines 2 v 3 Fanad United
Mick Langan was the man in the middle for this feisty and competitive fixture at Emerald Park and where an excellent crowd witnessed a five-goal thriller.
Against the run of play the home side found themselves 1-0 up on 25 minutes, Josh Maxwell giving the away keeper no chance. Fanad kept pilling on the pressure with corner after corner being stoutly defended by young Ryan Carr at the heart of the Saint’s defence.
The inevitable equaliser for the visitors arrived on 37 minutes when the excellent Edward O” Reilly redirected a bouncing ball in the box with his head past the Saint’s keeper. Five minutes later Oisin Langan had a moment of madness in his own box where he rose for a flighted corner and deliberately handed the ball.
Unfortunately for the Saints Ryan Cunningham failed to dispatch and the score remained at one apiece until the interval. The home team were awarded another penalty on 55 minutes when Conor Doherty was adjudged to have been taken down from behind in the Fanad box and this time Daniel Breslin made no mistake.
Fanad would not lie down and severe pressure on the home team’s defence paid off for them when the Saint’s keeper, Michael Mullen, was adjudged to have handled outside this box and denying a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity and gave Mick Langan no option but to point him to the dressing rooms for an early shower.
The young St. Catherines’ team dug in to try and see the game out but their gallant ten men wilted in the last 5 minutes. A super volley from Edward O’ Reilly and a goal mouth scramble finished off by Eoin Logue produced two late goals for the visitors. Heartbreak for the home side but a hard fought and deserved victory for Fanad United.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Drumkeen United 0 v 6 Gweedore Celtic
Drumkeen United welcomed Gweedore Celtic to a Sunny but cold St Patrick’s Park on Sunday Afternoon.
Before the match kicked off a minute’s silence was observed in Memory of Drumkeen United Founding member and former Club Chairman Joe Mc Kelvey who sadly passed away during the Week.
The visitors began the game brightly and Drumkeen found themselves two goals behind inside the first 15 minutes. Thomas Diver capitalised on a bit of uncertainty in the Drumkeen defence to put his team a goal up after 10 minutes and a couple of minutes later he added a second when he headed home from close range.
At this stage it looked like it could be a long afternoon for the home team but to their credit they battled away and managed to keep the visitors at bay until just before half-time. Just when it looked like they would reach half time only two behind Cian Mc Bride added goal number three for Gweedore.
The half time break seemed to help Drumkeen and they were much improved at the start of the second half. Drumkeen really needed a goal at that stage but they are finding them hard to come by this season.
Gweedore added goal number four when they were awarded a penalty around the hour mark. Thomas Diver stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Goalkeeper Cormac Mulraine.
That was effectively game over and there was no way back for Drumkeen. The visitors added two more goals through Liam Mc Fadden and Ciaran Mc Hugh to complete a great day for them on their travels.
Drumkeen battled gamely throughout this game without causing the Gweedore Defence too many problems. This result keeps Gweedore Celtic in contention at the top of the table while Drumkeen still await their first points of the season and will hope for a change of fortune in the new year.
Letterbarrow Celtic 2 v 2 Raphoe Town
Letterbarrow started strong and took an early lead when Eoin Mc Hugh struck after a good team move. Raphoe had their chances but failed to take them.
Letterbarrow doubled their lead in the second half when Gerard Mc Brearty scored form a close-range header. The game seemed to be out of reach but a resilient Raphoe never gave up and got two late goals to split the points in Tymeen.
Milford United 0 v 3 Swilly Rovers
Swilly Rovers came out on top in the local derby at Moyle View Park with three second half goals. The game was a good competitive derby with Swilly having more of the ball but rarely creating any chances.
The second half was lively early on, Joey Cullen tapped home from a free kick only for his goal to be disallowed for an infringement on the keeper. Two minutes later Swilly were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box as Lorcan Friel was penalised for hand-ball.
Gormley’s free kick when through the wall leaving Caolan Mc Gettigan with no chance. Gary Merritt ‘s excellent free kick was destined for the top corner only for Barry Gallagher making a spectacular save to push it over the bar.
Swilly went two up when a poor throw was cleared by Swilly, and Kyle Black latched on to the pass and neatly finished to the bottom corner. Ian Ward completed the scoring on 75 minutes and the game was over as a contest. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps 1 v 0 Curragh Athletic
Deele entertained Curragh at Deele College in this Division Two clash. The game was a tough battle with neither team really creating any chances to note in the opening exchanges.
It took until the 37th minute when Conor Breslin picked the ball up just outside the box and his strike found the back of the net to give the hosts the lead. The second half was more of the same with defences on top and David Arthur rarely tested in the Deele Goal.
With chances at a premium, Conor Breslin’s first half strike proved to be the winner as Deele look to finish the first half of the season on a high. Team Performances.
Dunkineely Celtic 1 v 5 Ballybofey United
The fixture was played in excellent conditions at Darney Park. Both teams started well and created chances but it was Ballybofey who took the lead after 15 minutes from the boot of Mark Griffin.
Ballybofey extended their lead to three in the space of three minutes with a brace from the excellent Jude Patton. Daithí Mc Mahon further extended the lead on 67 minutes before Damien Glackin got the fifth and final Ballybofey goal.
Dunkineely had a consolation five minutes from the end when Adrian Nesbitt converted from the spot after he was taken down in the box.
Gweedore United 2 v 2 Cranford United
This game played in glorious conditions in Carrickboyle ended in a share of the spoils in a tight and entertaining encounter. The home side got off to a bright start with Jason Hegarty making an excellent save in the 2nd minute from a Mark Mc Fadden shot.
United had most of the possession in the opening quarter. In the 16th minute Kevin Doherty’s tame shot went just wide. In the 27th minute a shot from Cranford’s Kevin Doherty from a tight angle came off the bar and post before it was cleared.
There were half chances by both sides in the following exchanges. It was the visitors who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time when James Mc Bride hit and excellent shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. In the second half Cranford came close from scoring from the kick off, however the ball went over the bar.
It was all Gweedore after that with Fionnan Coyle and Ethan Harkin going close. In the 63rd minute Fionnan Coyle finished well following an excellent through ball from Steven Donna Mc Fadden to make it 1-1. In the 80th minute Keelan Mc Groddy tapped in from close range following a good cross to make it 2-1.
It looked like Cranford had the three points however the home sides excellent play paid off in the 89th minute when Steven Donna Mc Fadden made a great run to finish from 10 yards past Hegarty to the delight of the large home support.
It was a exciting game, with the two Carrs in the middle of the pitch leaving their mark for Cranford on the day. It was a good team performance from the home side with Shaun Mc Fadden excellent on the day. Referee: Sean O Donnell.
Lagan Harps 5 v 2 Lifford Celtic
Lagan maintained our promotion push with a win over a gritty Lifford side. Lagan dominated possession early on without creating any real chances. They opened the scoring on twenty-five minutes when a long ball from Joe Mc Carron bounced over Darragh O’ Dalaigh in the Lifford goal as he raced to the edge of the area and Matthew Doran finished it off.
Lifford responded immediately when they seized on a bad clearance and Shay Lindsay finished well. Lagan regained the lead on thirty minutes when Eoin O’Connor stole in at the back post to head home a Josh Hay cross. Eoin returned the compliment minutes later when after a good run he set up Josh to score from the edge of the box.
Lifford refused to fold and with Shay White pushing them on in midfield they got a goal back before half-time. A mix-up in the Lagan backline resulted in a penalty, Kevin Mc Brearty converted the kick. Josh Hay then had a good effort from the edge of the area but Darragh O’ Dalaigh did well to push it round the post.
Lagan started the second half well and Eoin O’Connor was just wide with an effort. Lifford responded and Michael Toner did well to push a Shay Lindsay effort out for a corner. Kenny Doran then had a good chance when the ball broke to him in the area but his effort was blocked by Darragh O’ Dalaigh.
Lagan got the crucial fourth goal when Ross Hamlyn scored with an overhead kick after a scramble in the area. Lifford still looked dangerous with Kevin Mc Brearty putting some dangerous passes through. Ross Hamlyn wrapped up the win when he headed home a cross.
Adam Murphy went close for Lifford with a long-range effort going just wide. Young Lagan keeper Callum Crampsie came on to make his debut in the final minutes and pulled off a brave stop late on. Referee: George Clinton.
Whitestrand United 1 v 2 Drumoghill F.C.
Whitestrand welcomed Drumoghill to Mc Garvey Park for the final home game of 2022 in the League. Coming off the back of an impressive 3-2 win last week, Whitestrand were looking to continue their good form.
Drumoghill started the game well and went a goal up when a cross came in from Kieran Devenney and Liam O’ Donnell scored at the back post.
The second goal followed quickly when there was a penalty given and O’ Donnell scored his second. Whitestrand were shell shocked and it took them a while to get into the game. As the first half wore on Whitestrand began to get a foothold and the pressure told when Daibhid Lynch played in Garth Ferry.
Ferry’s initial shot was saved but he scored the rebound. The first half ended with the home side down by one. Whitestrand started the second half the stronger and looked the fitter side. It was a much tighter half with few chances.
Lynch came close with a shot from the angle and Drumoghill flashed a cross in which the striker almost made a connection with. However, there was no equaliser to be got and the game ended 2-1. Best for Whitestrand were Paddy Walsh and Garth Ferry.
Fixtures Week 16
Friday 19th December 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Letterkenny Area – Group B
Rathmullan Celtic v Fanad United (Ballyare 7.30p.m.)
Gweedore Area – Group B
Kilmacrennan Celtic v Keadue Rovers (Carrickboyle 8p.m.)
Saturday 10 th December 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United v Glenea United Reserves
Copany Rovers v Oldtown Celtic
Dunlewey Celtic v Glencar Celtic
Keadue Rovers Reserves v Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Kildrum Tigers Reserves v Cappry Rovers Reserves
Strand Rovers v Donegal Town Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Fintown Harps AFC v Cranford United Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves v Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Milford United Reserves v Ballybofey United Reserves
St. Catherines Reserves v Ramelton Mariners
Swilly Rovers Reserves v Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Sunday 11 th December 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Cappry Rovers v Castlefin Celtic
Kildrum Tigers v Glenea United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Drumkeen United v Letterbarrow Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers v Convoy Arsenal
Milford United v Donegal Town
Swilly Rovers v Gweedore Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Dunkineely Celtic v Deele Harps
Gweedore United v Whitestrand United