Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Kildrum 4 Copany Rovers 0
Kildrum started lively with the Copany keeper pulling off a few great saves. Kildrum opened the scoring when Corey McBride was up ended in the box and Gareth Colhoun made no mistake from 12 yards giving the Tiger’s a lead at half time.
Good work with Josh Martin down the left wing setting up Corey McBride who made no mistake from 5 yards. Kildrum made it 3 with a great run and finish from Paul O Leary. 3 soon became 4 when Oisin McFadden beat the offside trap with a great ball over the top by Brian Coll.
Arranmore United 2 Strand Rovers 0
Strand Rovers made the short trip across the pond to Rannagh Park in Saturday’s fixture. Both teams started strong and contested well in the middle of the park and had a few decent chances on goal. At approximately the 30th minute mark, Strand broke the deadlock and managed to nudge ahead slotting the ball passed the Arranmore keeper. The islanders though, responded instantly as Chim headed the ball into the net from a decent cross in. Halftime saw it 1-1
Game continued to be close as the 2nd half began. The match could’ve went either way up until Strand managed to place the ball in the back of the Arran net. Strand added a 3rd goal almost immediately after some confusion in the Arranmore defence led them to score.
Arranmore weren’t done yet though and after a well-placed pass into Webber, who hit it on the half volley, managed to get a goal back. The islanders kept the pressure up in the closing stages of the game, looking the better team and trying to get the equaliser. However, they were caught out on the break and Strand finished the game off with another goal. Full time score 4-2
Referee: Sean Houston.
Glenea United 3-2 Dunlewey Celtic
In fine conditions Glenea Reserves picked up all three points with a hard-earned victory in this Gaeltacht derby.
The home side started well and took the lead on five minutes when Seamus Doogan was released down the left wing and his cross was flicked on by Chris McElhinney and Ciaran Coll was on to slide the ball home at the back post.
Dunlewey got back into the game almost immediately when Joseph Devenney picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and his effort flew into the top corner. Glenea retook the lead when Peter Sweeney’s through ball released Ciaran Coll and he slotted the ball past Daniel Roarty in the away goal.
The home side continued to push for a third goal and came closest when Ciaran Coll saw his shot come back off the post. As halftime approached, through the efforts of Paul Coll & Brian Patton Dunlewey began to back into the game and it required a good save from Oran Craig from a Brendan McGeady free-kick to keep the home side in front.
In the second half Glenea started well and went close to increasing their lead through efforts from Michael McHugh, Chris McElhinney, and Ciaran Coll. Dunlewey pushed for an equaliser but were finding it hard to get by a well marshalled home defence.
Glenea extended their lead on 70 mins when Calvin Murray released Cathal McGeever, who drove into the box and his cross was converted by Murray. The home side continued to press for more goals but were unable to find the net and they were made to pay on 82 minutes when Paul Coll got free down the left and his cross found Christopher Cannon who drilled the ball home. Dunlewey pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes but were unable to find one.
Drumoghill 0 Glencar Celtic 1
Drumoghill welcomed title contenders Glencar to the moss in a sunny dry day. This game started well with both sides playing really good football and both having long periods of possession but it was the away side who took the lead in thirty-five min when a good threw ball from the left-hand side and was well struck just inside the post.
The home side pushed hard for the equaliser, but when half time came it was still one nil. The second half was a tightly contested with both teams playing nice football no real cut chances as both defences stood strong. Game finished with the away side taking all three points. Good team performance by both. Ref Marty McGarrigle.
Donegal Town 0 Oldtown Celtic 1
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Gweedore Celtic 4 Cranford FC 3
Gweedore Celtic came out on top in this seven goal thriller at An Screaban on Friday night. The home team were first to strike when Neil Doran raced past a static defence to finish well after two minutes. Colin Ferry should have increased the lead five minutes later but he delayed his shot and the ball was cleared to safety. Cranford drew level in the tenth minute when Kevin Doherty headed home Kelly’s cross.
Cranford hit the front on the stroke of half time when Paddy Mc Geever took advantage of poor defending in the Celtic rear-guard. The second half was an open affair with the away team searching for a third goal to kill the game off but it was Na Ceiltigh who struck for the equaliser when Aodan Mc Garvey delivered a cross for Joey Gillespie to tap home in the seventieth minute.
Cranford responded almost immediately when Kevin Doherty scored his second of the night to seemingly give the away team the points. However, it was the home to team who finished the stronger. Aodan Mc Garvey was again at the centre of the action as his free kick was headed to the net by Liam Wiggins to even the scores. With ten minutes remaining Gweedore took the lead when Martin Coyle’s sublime cross was rifled to the net by Neil Doran, a score that gave the youthful home team all three points.
Best for Na Ceiltigh Aodan Mc Garvey, Martin Coyle and Liam Wiggins. Kevin Doherty was always a threat for Cranford.
Referee: Gerard Devine.
Kilmacreannan Celtic 0 Ballybofey United 1
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United 1 Swilly Rovers 0
(No Report Submitted)
St Catherines 2 Drumbar United 0
(No Report Submitted)
Rameltion Mariners 1 Fintown Harps 2
(No Report Submitted)
Sunday 29 th January 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 0 Castlefin Celtic 2
This game kicked off at 1.00pm in a cold breezy Dry arch park and was lively from the off. Bonagee had a great chance on the 3rd minute when Lee McMonagle arrived in the Castlefin box and was heading for goal but was well defended and kept out.
On the 7th minute, Bonagee had 2 great chances again in the one piece of play when Aaron Wasson touched the ball in front of the Castlefin Keeper but was saved and pushed out, with Peter Carr having a second chance at it but headed wide. Lee McMonagle on the 11th minute struck again and the ball came off the Castlefin Crossbar.
It was going to be one of them days for Bonagee who were better in the first half and would rue the missed chances. Castlefin started to come into the game and on the 15th minute and hit the Bonagee Crossbar to go wide. Castlefin now were upping the ante as the game was being played at a lighting pace.
On the 28th minute Castlefin should have been given a free kick but Referee Vincent McLoughlin allowed the advantage and they were straight through on goal with only the Bonagee keeper to beat, but Cian Harkin saved it with his feet. From the 28th minute to the 46th minute, Castlefin missed a number of good chances especially No. 9 Ronan Tourish. Castlefin were pushing hard to take the lead but Bonagee stayed resolute to keep it 0 – 0 at half time.
Castlefin started the second half with more intent and the Bonagee keeper was busy from the off. On the 48th minute, Castlefin got their just rewards when No. 3 Marty Owens hit the ball on the volley and beat Cian Harkin in the Bonagee goal. Bonagee again had some chances throughout this half but couldn’t find the Castlefin net and racked up a considerable amount of wides. Bonagee also lost a couple significant players throughout the game to injuries and it probably changed the dynamic of the game for them.
On the 65th minute, Castlefin’s No. 11 Gavin Sweeney found the Bonagee net on the 3rd attempt after the Bonagee keeper done well to save twice but Sweeney was having none of it and his persistence paid dividends eventually. On the 75th minute, Castlefin got a penalty which was taken by Jordan Duffy but the ball hit either the crossbar or an upright and came back out again.
Castlefin’s No. 15 Dean Kelly had a number of good chances in the second half and showed very well throughout that period and most definitely should have scored at least one if not more but was stopped by Bonagee Goal Keeper Cian Harkin. The game ended 0 – 2 to Castlefin Celtic
Referee was Vincent McLoughlin.
Kildrum Tigers 1 Keadue Rovers 1
It ends honours even at Station Road, Keadue scored a last gasp goal to steal a point on the day.
After a scoreless first half it was Kildrum who went ahead, William Lynch put an inch perfect cross and Davitt Walsh
slammed home. Kildrum then were reduced to 10 men after receiving a red card. This gave Keadue energy, with
Forker and Connaghan they kept pushing. David Ward also impressive for the visitors.
It looked as if the home side would hold on, however with just minutes on the clock Keadue forced home an equaliser after a scramble in the area. Point a piece at Station Road.
Kilmacreannan Celtic 3 Glenea United 0
Kilmacrennan came away with 3 points and eventually came grips with a hard working Glenea side at Letterkenny community centre. First half was evenly matched, and Michael Mc Laughlin had good chance on 25 minutes but his effort just went over bar from close range and teams went scoreless at half time.
Kilmacreannan upped the tempo in 2nd half and introduction of Christopher Dillon changed the game as he had a hand in first 2 goals. On 70 min good work by Dillon and Matthew Mc Laughlin on right wing created good effort from Chris Flanagan and his rebound from keeper fell to john Sandilands and he finished from close range.
On 80 minute Paul Bradley scored after good work by Chris Dillon and he finished well inside box. Kilmacreannan wrapped up 3 points when Matthew Mc Laughlin finished well after good play by Dillon and Michael Mc Laughlin. Good team effort by Glenea and best for kilmac Chris Dillon and Shane Mc Devitt.
Referee Mick Lagan.
Best wishes to Glen Mc Nulty and speedy recovery from bad injury he sustained during match.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 1 Drumkeen United 0
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town 2 Swilly Rovers 5
(No Report Submitted)
Raphoe Town 0 Gweedore Celtic 4
The first half was a tight affair with the best chance falling to DJ Kelly from Raphoe who hit his close range shot straight at the keeper. Gweedore upped a gear in the second half and scored after 10 minutes and were awarded a penalty 5 minutes later to make it 2-0. Raphoe battled hard but the tired legs were unable to hold off Gweedore and they scored 2 more to finish the game off 4-0.
Milford United 4 Kerrykeel 71′ 1
Milford came out on top of the local derby following 2 goals in 4 minutes either side of half time. The first half was a fiercely competitive encounter with both sides fighting for every ball.
Milford took the lead on 10 minutes when a Liam Donnelly was released down the right and his pinpoint cross was met by the in- rushing Finn Coll. As teams approached the half time break, 1-0 looked the likely score line, only for Liam Donnelly to find Killian McBride who made a great run from deep in behind Kerrykeel defence and he rattled the back of the net in injury time.
After the break Milford started on the front foot and Conor McHugh burst forward from right back and cut inside and riffled the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards with 3 minutes on the clock. Milford dominated for the next 35 minutes playing some good football but failed to add a fourth.
In the final 10 minutes, Killian Hagan in nets for Milford was forced to make two great saves as Kerrykeel pushed forward and finally Callum McAteer hit home from 20 yards to give his team a bit of hope.
Milford responded on 89 minutes with Niall Murray released Cathal McGettigan and his pinpoint cross found Corey Lee McConigley who headed home from 5 yards. Good team effort by both sides who have important games coming up at the opposite side of the table.
Referee Semi Ferry.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Lagan Harps 5 Deele Harps 0
Lagan kept the hunt for promotion going when a strong second half saw off a stubborn Deele side. Lagan started strongly and after a good layoff from Dean Murray, Kenny Doran shot just wide. Lagan took the lead on ten minutes when Philip Doran seized on a loose ball in the area to fire home.
Kieran Quinn was just wide with a header and Joe Mc Carron was just wide with a free as we pressed. Deele responded with Aidy Gallagher just wide with a lob. Lagan started the second half strong and scored again on fifty-five minutes. Joe Mc Carron put a great through ball to Kenny Doran and he finished well.
Philip Doran then forced David Arthur in to two great saves in the space of a minute. The introduction of youngsters Matthew Doran and Ryan Gallagher really pepped up the Lagan attack and they soon grabbed a third. Travis Crawford burst through in from a Ryan Gallagher ball, although David Arthur saved his first shot, he powered home the rebound.
Two goals in the final five minutes put a gloss on the score. Ross Hamlyn crossed for Matthew Doran to fire home and Ryan Gallagher said up Josh Hay for the fifth.
Referee: Paddy Martin.
Ballybfoey United 1 Curragh Athletic 3
Ballybofey get off to a great start, after a judgement error from the keeper left Daithi with an easy tap in. Curragh had a chance to Level shortly after, but Crawford was there to keep it out.
Paul Kelly riffled a shot from outside the box on the 20 minute Mark, but it was a saved by Curragh keeper. On the half hour mark, Curragh got themselves Level, with good work down the wing and squared the ball for an easy tap in. Curragh then took the lead right on half Time, from a free kick. Very little by way of chances in the second half.
Wizzy got on the end of a in swinging corner but saw his effort well saved. Curragh got their 3rd on 70 minutes through a shot from outside the box. Full Time 1-3
Cranford FC 5 Whitestrand United 2
Cranford came away with the 3 points in a tough encounter in Cranford Park. Cranford started the stronger but were 1 down after 10 minutes after confusion in the Cranford defence the Whitestrand striker tapped home.
Cranford replied straight away when Kyle McFadden crossed for Dale McFadden to volley home, Whitestrand benefited from more poor defending and went back in front soon after and that’s how the scoring stayed to half time although it was nearly level again as Dale McFadden struck the bar.
Cranford came out the stronger in the second half and equalised 5 minutes in to the second half from James Lee McBride and it was all Cranford from then on. Chris Duffy nearly put Cranford in front from a header but Paddy Carr pulled off a good save.
Shortly after though it was 3-2 as Chris Carr scored from the spot. Shortly after a great strike from Jamie Hunter made it 4-2, Chris Carr competed the scoring in the last minute from a header.
Lifford Celtic 1 Drumoghill 4
Drumoghill started off the brightest putting Lifford under pressure under poor enough conditions, after some good play by Drumoghill an untimely tackle inside the box awarded a penalty.
Drumoghill made no mistake in scoring. Lifford got back in the game with a few great passes down the right and a through ball by Shane McNulty to Josh Marley who took his chance well in the bottom corner. It wasn’t long until Drumoghill got back in front with 2 goals to leave it 3-1 at half time.
Second half started with Drumoghill putting Lifford under pressure and got a free kick on the edge of the box and a great freekick into the top corner gave Lifford keeper no chance and make it 4-1.
Lifford started getting back into the game and with a great bit of play got themselves a penalty but the Drumoghill keeper got down well to palm the ball away, few chances for both team but ended 4-1 Drumoghill. Team performance from both teams.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 Gweedore United 5
Gweedore opened the scoring after 10 minutes at a windy Darney Park with a well struck corner to the near post which caught the Dunkineely defence out.
Dunkineely levelled the game after 25 minutes when Jack Byrne rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net. Gweedore restored their advantage within a few minutes from the penalty spot and struck again just before half-time to lead by two.
Gweedore added two more goals in the 2nd half with Adrian Nesbitt getting Dunkineely’s second goal. Scores for Gweedore were Ethan Harkin (3), Stephen McFadden and Ciaran Mc Fadden
Ulster Cup
Aileach 6 Letterkenny 0
Aileach came to Leckview Park Astro and defeated Donegal League One side Letterkenny Rovers 6-0 to book a semi-final berth in the Ulster Junior Cup. Aileach have a proud record in this competition and it didn’t take long for them to open their account when Darren McMonagle headed home on eleven minutes when unmarked six yards out.
McMonagle then forced a save from home stopper Blake Forkan before huge Rovers claims for a penalty after a foul on Luke Parke which were denied. The visitors took full advantage of that reprieve when doubling their lead on 25 minutes when Aaron Nash fired low to the corner with a neat cushioned effort and extended their advantage on 38 when Ethan Canning drive in from the left hand side before firing a blistering effort to the roof of the net.
Rovers had chances through Jordan Nugent and Tony Duffy but couldn’t find a way past the well marshalled Aileach defence. Any chances of a Rovers comeback in the second half were snuffed out on 48 minutes when Nash netted to make it 4-0 before they made it 5-0 on 53 when McMonagle grabbed his second of the afternoon.
The win was copper fastened on 74 when Darren Bradley netted making it 6-0 as Emmett McLaughlins side comfortably move into the last four.
Fixtures
