Saturday 7th January 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 3 v 0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Arranmore welcomed Drumoghill to the Island for the first game of 2023. The game began evenly as both teams tried to get into their rhythm. Drumoghill had more chances which were dealt with by Arran keeper Brendan Green.
The Islanders began to get into the game in the latter stages of the first half and were rewarded with a goal on the 44th minute as a corner came in to the feet of Glenn O’ Donnell who scored into the roof of the net. Arranmore found their form in the second half and created plenty of chances.
They were awarded a penalty 15 minutes in as Damien Webber was brought down in the box, he got up and converted the spot kick himself. The Islanders continued their dominance with Drumoghill creating a few chances as well.
With ten minutes left on the clock Webber received the ball on the halfway line and made a powerful charge through the Drumoghill defence to lay it off to Glenn who finished it well for his brace. Great team performance from Arranmore United with Brendan Green, Damien Webber and Glenn O’ Donnell also playing well. Referee: Diego Rainey
Copany Rovers 2 v 4 Glencar Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Dunlewey Celtic 3 v 5 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Dunlewey started the game brightly and went ahead after 5 minutes when Conor Mc Mahon latched onto a Fearghal Delaney cross to put Dunlewey one up.
The home side further pressured the Cappry defence and went two up after Neil Mc Gee pressed the Cappry goalkeeper who tried to clear the ball but Neil was on hand to block his clearance which found the net to put the home side two up after 20 minutes.
Cappry then began to get a foothold in the game and got back into it with a goal from a free kick out wide going directly in at the back post. Cappry then made it 2-2 a few minutes later when they capitalised on an error.
Dunlewey fought back and got back ahead when Chris Cannon finished off a nice move. But Cappry fought back again and found themselves with a free kick in the same position which again was aimed at the back post and squeezed under the Dunlewey keeper. Six goals in the first half, both teams level at three apiece.
Dunlewey had the wind in the second half and created a couple of chances but could not capitalise. A few stunning saves from the Cappry keeper in this game kept them in it. Cappry then went 4-3 up on 70 minutes when they broke through the defence and Ronan Carlin finished nicely.
Dunlewey pushed for an equaliser but left themselves open again and Cappry countered and sealed the points with 5 minutes to go. 5-3 this one finished with a hat trick for Darren O’Leary and two goals for Ronan Carlin to secure the points for Cappry.
Keadue Rovers Reserves 2 v 2 Donegal Town Reserves
Keadue & Donegal Town played out a decent game in atrocious conditions at Central Park. The visitors started much brighter aided by a strong wind. Their first chance came on eleven minutes with a shot wide. On fourteen minutes, they shot wide again. They went deservedly ahead on twenty-one minutes following a shot from the half way line which was parried by the keeper but Declan Byrne stabbed home from close range.
Keadue reacted well to going behind however he visitors gained a real foothold and they had a penalty on forty minutes which Declan Duignan hit against the post. He made amends on the stroke of half time, when finishing well from a right-wing cross. Into the 2nd half and sub Mikey Mc Fadden made a good impact.
On eighty-two minutes Keadue got a lifeline when Aidan Yank Boyle chipped an effort to the far corner. Still it was likely that the visitors would hold on for the win but a long range shot from Pauric Neely drew a save from the keeper and it was parried into the path of Mikey Mc Fadden who slotted home to ensure a share of the spoils.
A good result for the home team, who on balance were lucky to take the point against a strong Donegal Town outfit, but considering other results it looks like a point gained. Good team performances. Referee: Patrick Martin.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4 v 1 Glenea United Reserves
In a wind assisted first half it took Kildrum until the last five minutes of the half to break the deadlock when a Shane Coyle corner found William Lynch who controlled and put the ball away at the front post. Kildrum’s tails were up and within three minutes they added two fine strikes from Shane Coyle and then Oisin Mc Fadden to leave the Tiger’s three up at the break.
The second half started with Glenea pushing to get back in the match. Kildrum however added to their tally when William Lynch was found at the back post to drive the ball into the top corner from close range. Mid way through the half Glenea had a free kick from long range that caught out the Kildrum keeper but from there on the Tigers controlled the game for all three points.
Strand Rovers 2 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
Very lively game in Strand Park despite the bad conditions as Strand Rovers took on Oldtown Celtic in the first game of 2023. The first half started strong for the home team when a long throw from Matthew O’ Donnell found Brendan Glackin who headed it in to put them one up within the first five minutes.
A few minutes later Oldtown levelled the score with a strike from the edge of the box. An injury to the Strand keeper meant they had to make a substitution half way through the first half. The away side went 2-1 from close range after a good corner delivery into the Strand penalty area.
Strand fought to get level and did so through Aaron Ward who’s strike meant they went in level at the break. Oldtown had the help of the elements in the second half but didn’t find a winner until the closing minutes of the game.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United 4 v 2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Drumbar United welcomed Castlefin Celtic Reserves on Saturday and it was the visitors who got off to a flying start, scoring inside the first five minutes. It didn’t take long for Drumbar to get level through the impressive Rion Carr who scored with a fine effort.
Drumbar then went 2-1 up through Vinny Breslin who met a pin-point corner with his head to give Drumbar the lead. Castlefin brought the game back to level terms ten minutes from full time. Drumbar found a new gear and took the lead once more when Vinny Breslin scored his 2nd and 3rd goals of the game to give Drumbar a hard found 4-2 win against a tough Castlefin side.
Fintown Harps AFC 2 v 1 Ballybofey United Reserves
On a cold windy day at PÁIRC ACLA this local derby had very little between the sides. Both teams had full squads to choose from so it was likely to be a close affair. Ballybofey had the first real chance on five minutes but the effort went over the bar.
Fintown responded well with Shane Mc Devitt almost breaking the deadlock after good work out on the right wing by Aaron Mc Glynn. Ballybofey keeper Daniel Crawford was on form and saved well to keep the game scoreless. Ethan O’ Donnell sent in a great ball and a great header from Dermot Gallier looked goalbound but somehow Crawford pulled off a great save.
Fintown were well on top when, against the run of play Ballybofey broke and on the left side and their winger was taken down for a penalty. Barry Mc Ghee steeped up and put the ball past Karl O’ Brien in the Harps’ net. Fintown responded well with a brilliant strike from Shanky Smith from 30 yards but again Crawford managed to get his hand to it to put it over the crossbar.
With half time drawing close Fintown’s Aaron Mc Glynn set up Mc Devitt who scored the equaliser. Ballybofey pushed hard from the start of the 2nd half and put a shot just over in the 47minute. They almost took the lead soon after this but O’ Brien did well to save.
By now both teams were creating chances and scoring opportunities were aplenty. This time it was Fintown’s Aaron Mc Glynn who was upended for a penalty which he despatched himself to give his side the lead. Ballybofey pushed hard again but with no joy and Harps took all three points from a great match between two attacking sides. Big thanks to Ann Molloy for the soup and sandwich’s, they were badly needed
Milford United Reserves 4 v 2 Ramelton Mariners
Ramelton Mariners made the short trip to Moyle View to get the league back in action. The local derby started as you would expect with high intensity from both sides.
The Mariners netted first from Niall Curran after a well hit ball from Mc Laughlin. Milford then equalised 10 minutes later through Jason Mc Conigley and added on another through Corey Lee Mc Conigley. Just before the half-time break Mariners levelled through a break in the home defence and Mc Laughlin slotting home.
The second half started much like the first with good play from both sides. Brilliant play from Ruslan Bernyk sprinting up the right wing and hitting a well-placed shot in the bottom corner for his first goal for the home side.
Shortly after Milford added another from a corner reaching the feet of Eoin O’Donnell. Milford took control of the game from there to see it out for the victory.
St. Catherines Reserves 3 v 0 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 6 Cranford United Reserves
Cranford took the lead when they broke down the right and a cut-back cross made its way to Dale Mc Fadden who found the back of the Cranford net.
There were chances at both ends to change the score line but it remained 1-0 at Halftime. Cranford got their 2nd after Paddy Mc Geever got onto the end of a through ball and calmly finished. Swilly bounced back straight from the kick off when Shaun Bryant’s strike from his own half lobbed the Cranford keeper.
It was back up the other end a minute later after a corner was played short and crossed into the box where Conan Brennan got a strong head to the ball. Cranford got their 4th when a lofted ball was played to Cathair Sweeney who finished on the volley.
Liam Mc Bride got Cranford’s 5th when he was given space outside the box and found the top left corner past the outstretched Swilly keeper. The scoring was finished after a Cranford cross came off a Swilly Player and bounced into the net. Referee: Sean Ferry
Sunday 8th January 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Glenea United 3 v 4 Cappry Rovers
Glenea welcomed Cappry for the first league game of 2023 in Pairc Joe. In challenging conditions both teams found it hard to cause any major threats in the final third in the opening exchanges. In the 24th minute a deep ball into the back post looked to have gone out for a goal kick however Paddy Mc Nulty’s outstretched leg brought the ball back into play for Conor Laverty to finish in the bottom corner.
Cappry got their second when Jamie Murray found Mc Nulty in the box and after finding a yard of space he finished well past Shaun Mc Clafferty. Glenea came out for the second half with intent and got one back in the 47th minute when Calvin Murray headed home a Shane Coll corner.
Shortly after the restart Mark Harley was fouled on the edge of the Cappry box, with everyone expecting a ball into the back post, Shane Coll managed to deceive everyone and finished well at Eoin Gallen’s near post to bring the teams level. Another Shane Coll corner was flicked in by Sean Coll at the front post and Glenea found themselves 3-2 up going into the final 20 minutes.
Cappry levelled through a Sean Mc Bride free kick making it all square for the final 10 minutes. Just when the game looked to be ending in a share of the points, a Cappry corner wasn’t dealt with and after a scramble around the 6 yard box Cappry bundled the ball over the line for their winner with three minutes left on the clock. Good team performances from both sides in tough conditions. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin.
Keadue Rovers 0 v 2 Fanad United
Fanad United collected all three points from this encounter in challenging conditions at Central Park on Sunday. Playing with the aid of a slight breeze in the opening half, Fanad had more possession and territory. On six minutes a good chance fell to Aidan McHugh but he shot wide from just inside the box.
The visitors kept up the pace and created their first chance on sixteen minutes, which was fired wide. They were gaining control of the midfield but for the most part the Keadue defence was solid and compact. Fanad did create a good chance and on twenty-eight minutes, Eddie O’Reilly’s shot was well saved by Caelan Bonner.
They remained on top in most facets of play for the remainder of the half but the hosts would’ve felt confident ahead of a second half where the breeze would be in their favour. At the start of the second half, Keadue were on the front foot, causing Fanad to back-wheel and both Aidan Mc Hugh and Brendan Mc Cafferty had efforts, with Mc Cafferty’s effort drawing a noteworthy save.
Fanad did up matters on the hour and pushed the hosts back with a few shots on goal. They took the lead on seventy minutes when a free kick into the box wasn’t dealt with by the Keadue keeper and Darren Mc Elwaine was there to tap in close to the line to give the visitors the lead.
They kept the momentum up and forced a few more saves and at this stage they were very much on top. They sealed the game on eighty minutes when some good work around the box led to Paddy Carr slotting home.
Keadue, to their credit never gave up and made some good chances in the closing five minutes with a few long-range efforts blocked. In the end though, a deserved win for Fanad, while for Keadue, a disappointing defeat. Best for Fanad were Patrick Mc Ginley and Eoin Logue while best for Keadue were Brendan Mc Cafferty and Aidan Mc Hugh.
Referee: Patrick Martin.
Rathmullan Celtic P v P Kildrum Tigers
(No Report, match Postponed)
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 1 v 4 Raphoe Town
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town 1 v 2 Milford United
Donegal started the brighter and should have been one up, the Milford keeper palmed Slevin’s penalty off the post. Slevin made no mistake in the second half putting his second penalty straight down the middle.
Milford were awarded a penalty shortly after which keeper Kelly nearly saved. Milford took the lead 10 minutes later but Donegal never gave up and put the Milford rearguard under serious pressure.
For Milford, keeper Mc Gettigan was outstanding. Campbell, Slevin and Steven Graham excelling for Donegal Town. Referee: George Clinton.
Drumkeen United 0 v 4 Letterkenny Rovers
Drumkeen’s difficult start to the season continued on Sunday when Letterkenny Rovers were the visitors to St Patrick’s Park. The visitors had the best of the first half and were two goals up at half time. Danny Hall scored the first after 15 minutes.
Drumkeen held out well for the rest of the half and even created a few chances of their own with new signing Freddy looking like a good addition to the squad. Just approaching half time a bit of uncertainty in the Drumkeen ranks allowed Conor Temple to step in and add a second goal for the visitors.
The Second half was scrappy enough with neither side creating much until the around the 70th minute when Conor O’ Donnell added a third for the visitors. Things got worse for the home team when they lost Kieran Doherty to a straight red card.
Drumkeen brought on the old campaigner Niall Bonner towards the end and he nearly pulled a goal back for them when he shot just narrowly wide after creating a chance for himself. Drumkeen shot themselves in the foot again just before the end when a stray back-pass allowed Dylan Duggan to nip in to add a fourth for Letterkenny. Referee: Richard Storey.
Gweedore Celtic 5 v 1 Letterbarrow Celtic
Thomas Diver was the scourge of Letterbarrow as he ended with a tally of five goals to get Na Ceiltigh off to a great start after the Christmas break. Diver had the home side one up after a minute when he converted from the penalty spot after great work by Ryan Doherty.
He hit his second after ten minutes when he got on the end of Ryan Greene’s cross and he completed his hat trick in the thirteenth minute when he pounced on a poor clearance by the keeper to put the game beyond a luckless Letterbarrow.
With Ciaran Mc Hugh and Damien O’ Sullivan dominating the midfield area, their passing opened up further chances for Cian Mc Bride and Aodan Breathnach but it was Thomas Diver who showed them the way to goal with two further goals before half time.
Letterbarrow, despite the five-goal deficit, came out in the second half and showed more spirit. Michael Mc Kelvey twice denied them goal scoring chances whilst the Letterbarrow keeper made some fine saves from Diver, Doherty and Mc Bride.
Letterbarrow scored a well taken goal in the final minute when Christy Mc Loughlin chipped Mc Kelvey for a late consolation. Best for Letterbarrow, Christy Mc Loughlin, James Mc Groary and Kevin Mc Brearty. Thomas Diver was man of the match for Na Ceiltigh.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 1 v 8 Swilly Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 8 v 2 Lifford Celtic
Ballybofey United gave their promotion hopes a jolt on Sunday when they overcame Lifford Celtic at Dreenan. The Greenbrae men have been struggling this season as they find their feet after a break from the League.
The home side were quick out of the blocks and went ahead through Damien Glackin who was set up by Jude Patton. Mark Griffin then doubled their advantage after been assisted by Colin Carlin, this was to be the first of four for Griffin who had a fruitful day at the office.
Carlin, Niall Mc Closkey and Jude Patton also contributed to the Ballybofey tally but the match ball went home with Griffin. Lifford will be a tougher opponent next season and to their credit they stuck to their task in this match, scoring two consolation goals for their efforts.
Cranford United P v P Lagan Harps
(No Report, match Postponed)
Curragh Athletic 2 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Curragh started the second half of their season with a win over a hard working Dunkineely side. Curragh were unlucky not to have taken the lead in the 30th minute when the Dunkineely keeper pulled off a brilliant save to deny Conor Galvin from outside the box. Curragh took the lead on 40 minutes when Robert Mc Shane fired home after good work from Yahye Ahmed and Oisin McCool.
The second half started with Curragh playing most of the football in the Dunkineely half. Dunkineely did threaten on the counter attack through their two men up front.
Curragh extended their lead when Oisin Mc Cool scored directly from a corner. The final 20 minutes played out with Curragh creating chances but not finding the net. Best for Curragh: Yahye Ahmed. Best for Dunkineely : Adrian Nesbitt Referee: Sean Ferry.
Deele Harps 3 v 4 Whitestrand United
On a cold and wet afternoon at Deele College it was the away team that took all three points. In an even first half Deele took the lead on 38 minutes when Paul Lynch curled home a free kick from 20 yards. The lead was short lived however as Michael Sweeney tapped home an equaliser on the stroke of half time.
The second half was an entertaining affair. Jack Mac Beth scored on 52 minutes, his first goal for Deele but again the lead was cancelled out two minutes later following an own goal. Deele rallied again and a Sean Mc Gowan free kick on 70 minutes restored the lead for the home team.
Whitestrand to their credit dug deep and on 78 minutes Gerard Mc Ateer equalised for a third time before Michael Sweeney grabbed his second and the winning goal on 83 minutes. Team Performances.
Drumoghill F.C. 5 v 1 Gweedore United
Drumoghill got their new year off to the perfect start with this crucial win over fellow promotion challengers Gweedore United. It was a deserved victory for the reds, thanks in main to a blistering opening 15 minutes which saw them surge into a 3-goal lead which they held onto until half time.
The visitors did threaten a comeback when Mark Mc Fadden’s brilliant free kick reduced the deficit but late goals from Lee Smyth and substitute Christopher O’ Donnell ensured the home side ran out comfortable winners.
The conditions were dreadful with gale force gusts and heavy showers sweeping across the pitch throughout the 90 minutes and they were always going to play a factor in how the game developed.
The home side won the toss and elected to play with the advantage of the elements during the opening half and they were rewarded when Richard Moore fired them into a 3rd minute lead when he found space inside the penalty area to hammer into the top corner.
Shortly afterwards, Liam O’ Donnell doubled their lead when he was in the right place at the right time to head home from point blank range before O’ Donnell grabbed his second from the penalty spot after the referee had spotted a handball from Lee Smyth’s cross.
To their credit, Gweedore United didn’t give up and managed to keep the reds at bay for the remainder of the half. Mark McFadden and Darren Ferry started to get a grip on proceedings in midfield and ensured their side retained possession as much as possible and start to get some rewards with some dangerous attacks.
In fact, Ferry almost reduced the arrears just before half time when a decent effort from a short free kick from 25yards out was well gathered by Roy Duffy. The second half started with Gweedore on top and there were decent openings for Ronan O’Donnell and Matthew Galway, but Duffy was equal to their efforts.
There was a feeling in the game that an early goal for the visitors could make the game interesting and although it didn’t arrive until the 65th minute, it was well worth the wait when Mark Mc Fadden expertly curled a 25-yard free kick into the top corner leaving Duffy with no chance. It was now game on, and the next goal was going to be crucial.
Gweedore United did have a few half chances but it was the home side that would score next when Lee Smyth headed home after his initial header had rebounded back off the cross bar on 72 minutes to effectively kill off the contest. Substitute Chris O’Donnell added a bit of gloss to the score-line when he tapped home at the back post from Colm Gardiner’s precise free kick.
A deserved win for the reds although somewhat unfair on the visitors who were suffering from the unavailability of a lot of key players through illness.
Ulster Junior Cup
Castlefin Celtic 3 v 2 Glengad F.C.
Castlefin advanced to the quarter final of the Ulster Junior Cup after an extra time victory over Inishowen League side Glengad. Goals from Jordan Duffy, Sean Ferry and an extra time winner from Gavin Sweeney saw the home side progress.
Ulster Senior Cup
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 v 5 Cockhill Celtic
Cockhill took lead on 20 min when Garvan Friel tapped on from close range from a well worked corner kick.
Daire Mc daid equalized with a great free kick on edge box on 28 min and game was well balanced and both teams played some great football after few weeks break over Christmas.
On 37 min Friel scored his 2nd when he pounced on defensive error and scored rebound from Shane Graham good save when put through on goal.
On 45 min chrisy Mc Laughlin scored 3rd goal after good ball through from Aaron Mc Colgan
Kilmac pushed hard 2nd half and got awarded penalty on 67 min and Chris Dillon blasted resulting penalty over bar and appeared to have slipped before striking the ball.
Cockhill scored 2 late goals in injury time and Friel completed his Hatrick on 90 min and cockhill advance to next round.
Good run out for both teams and back league action next Sunday v Castlefin at community centre.
Best for kilmac john sandilands and Garbhan Friel
Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Bonagee United 1 v 3 Greencastle F.C.
Connor Brown in the visitors goal made a great save from Aaron Wasson on five minute from fifteen yards. The visitors first chance came on twelve minutes when Nigel Mc Monagle broke down the right and his cross into the box was met by Ciaran Diver who shot over from the edge of the box.
Mc Monagle again put in a great cross on twenty minutes to Shea Mc Laughlin but his strike from the edge of the box was well saved by Kane in the home goal. The visitors took the lead one minute later when the ball fell to Odhran Kennedy twenty five yards from goal he mishit his strike and the ball was rolling back to the keeper but he left it slip through his hands and into the net.
The home side came close to scoring when a Jordan Gallagher free kick into the box on twenty seven minutes was headed against the bar by Coady Brogan. Four minutes later a Cannon corner kick was met by the head of Glen Rainey but his effort was cleared of the line.
The visitors came close to scoring on thirty five minutes when Seamy Mc Laughlin sent a very good cross into the box to Michael Barr but his header was cleared of the line by the defender. On forty three minutes a long ball by the visitor’s keeper fell to Nigel Mc Monagle but Kane in the home goal made a great save.
The home side levelled the game on fifty five minutes when Peter Carr won the ball on the half way line he found Aiden Mc Laughlin on the edge of the box and he shot to the bottom corner of the net from fifteen yards. The visitors took the lead on sixty five minutes when Shea Mc Laughlin picked up the ball wide on the left he cut inside the defender and his strike from thirty yards flew into the top corner of the net giving Carr in the home goal no chance.
The home side had a free kick on seventy four minutes and Jordan Gallagher saw his shot pushed over the bar from twenty five yards. The visitors got their third on eighty six minutes when Nigel Mc Monagle scored from the edge of the box. Team effort by both side. Referee Micheal Connolly.
Fixtures Week 18
Saturday 14th January 2023 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves v Glenea United Reserves
Donegal Town Reserves v Arranmore United
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves v Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Dunlewey Celtic v Copany Rovers
Glencar Celtic v Strand Rovers
Oldtown Celtic v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves v Ramelton Mariners
Castlefin Celtic Reserves v Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Cranford United Reserves v Drumbar United
Fintown Harps AFC v Swilly Rovers Reserves
Gweedore Celtic Reserves v Milford United Reserves
Sunday 15th January 2023 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Keadue Rovers v Glenea United
Kildrum Tigers v Fanad United
Kilmacrennan Celtic v Castlefin Celtic
Rathmullan Celtic v Cappry Rovers
Gweedore Celtic v Milford United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Letterbarrow Celtic v Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Letterkenny Rovers v Gweedore Celtic
Milford United v Drumkeen United
Raphoe Town v Donegal Town
Swilly Rovers v Convoy Arsenal
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Dunkineely Celtic v Drumoghill F.C.
Gweedore United v Deele Harps
Lagan Harps v Curragh Athletic
Lifford Celtic v Cranford United
Whitestrand United v Ballybofey United
