The following are the match reports, results and fixtures for the Donegal Junior League.
Wednesday 8th February 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Gweedore Area
Group B
Kilmacrennan Celtic P v P Keadue Rovers
(No Report, Match postponed)
Saturday 11th February 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
Donegal Town secured a vital three points with this narrow victory over Drumoghill. Joe Leape was their match winner when he was in the right place at the right time to strike the winner half-way through the second half. The visitors had to withstand a lot of late pressure from Drumoghill, but they held on to secure the win.
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
In fine conditions, a hard fought game left both sides having to settle
for a point apiece. Oldtown started the better and took the lead on 10
minutes when Sean Cleary headed home. The away side almost extended
their lead minutes later but Gio Peoples’ effort came back off the bar.
As the half progressed Glenea came more into the game and finally
equalised on 25 minutes when John Mc Fadden’s cross from the left found
Ciaran Coll and he hammered the ball into the net. The home side
continued to push for a lead goal but were unable to convert a couple of
half chances. In the 2nd half it was Oldtown who started the brighter and
retook the lead on 52 minutes when Luke Nelis got free down the left and his
cross was headed home by Tommy Mc Laughlin. Glenea pushed for an
equaliser but it was the away side who looked more dangerous on
the break. The away side were made to pay on 87 minutes when Ciaran Coll headed home
another John Mc Fadden cross to level the game. Both sides looked for a
late winner but were unable find one. Best for Glenea Neil Mc Geever and
Steven Doak, while Gerry Patton and Joe Friel were best for Oldtown. Referee: Patrick Martin
Keadue Rovers Reserves 3 v 0 Copany Rovers
Keadue Reserves bounced back to winning ways, having had a series of poor results since Christmas, with this fine win over Copany Rovers in good conditions at Central Park on Saturday. It was a good start from the home side who were on the front foot and went ahead on twenty minutes with a shot from close range. They maintained a good grip on the game, pushing Copany back, and were rewarded for their efforts on thirty-five minutes when they were awarded a penalty, from which they went two ahead thanks to a well taken strike from Ethan Mc Caffrey. At the beginning of the second half, the visitors came out with a spring in their step, and were the better team until the hour mark, unlucky not to pull a goal back. After that however the home side once again got hold of midfield and a good passage of play on the right side of the area led to a shot coming in which was parried by the keeper and on hand to knock in the rebound was Aidan Brennan on seventy minutes. Copany, to their credit, never dropped their heads. Michael Greene drilled home to finish things off nicely for the home side. A good game of football and a much improved Keadue performance. Good team performances from both sides. Referee: Sean Ferry.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 3 v 0 Glencar Celtic
Kildrum started lively, Jacob Mc Daid struck gold after only three minutes. Keelan Gillen wrestled off the Glencar centre backs before burying one in the roof of the net on 23 minutes. Gillen won a penalty on the stroke of half time but he missed the target from the spot. Glencar had spells in the second half with man of the match Christopher Dillon pulling off two wonder saves. Frank Mc Brearty played a ball through the eye a needle to Keelan Gillen who scored his 2nd goal to round off a fine performance from the Tiger’s.
Strand Rovers 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
This was a lively game played at Strand Park with the home team taking on Cappry Rovers Reserves in the Glencar Inn Division One of the Saturday League. With both teams looking to claim the three points this week, the game got off to a bright start. The home side got a goal in the 6th minute when a strike from Jordan Saville came off Cappry’s number 6 and went into the net. Just over ten minutes later Cappry got themselves on the score-sheet with their Striker winning a header and playing it to their other striker who shot past the Strand keeper. But the sides were only level for about a minute when James Mc Cole cleared the ball from just outside his own box. It bounced once, deceived the Cappry Keeper, bounced over his head and straight into the net to leave the home side with the advantage once more. Their lead was increased when Shane O’ Donnell sent the ball up the field to Leo Bonar who was able to keep it from going over the end line before passing to Saville who coolly tapped home. The second half saw the away side close the gap as the ball was lumped up and Strand’s defence failed to clear it leaving their striker free to send the ball past the keeper to get them back in the game. Another goal looked like it was coming for the away team when a free kick looked like it was heading for the back of the net until Strand keeper Cormac Hanlon made a great save, diving to his right, to keep the score 3-2. Subs were made for both sides with the fresh legs making a big difference. A free-kick from James Mc Cole was flicked on by Saville to sub Lennon Cowley and he crossed it over for David Mc Carron to slot past the Cappry keeper.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United 3 v 3 Ballybofey United Reserves
Ballybofey started brightly and went two up inside the first 20 minutes. Drumbar worked hard and got their reward after a great through ball by Dan Dunnion set up Vinny Breslin to pull one back. Straight from Ballybofey’s kick-off they played in Colin Kearns and he won a penalty for the visitors. Kzsytof, in nets for Drumbar, made a great save but the in-rushing Leo Mc Aleer scored the rebound.
Ballybofey were down to ten men after 15 minutes of the second half. This gave Drumbar a great opportunity to make their extra man count. Paul Mc Fadden scored a penalty to make it 3-2 after Corey Wilson was taken down inside the box. Dan Dunnion scored with 15 minutyes to go to make it 3-3. Drumbar had more chances to win the match but had to settle for the draw in the end. Ballybofey’s best player was Colin Kearns. Best for Drumbar, Sean Slator, who was excellent on his senior debut for the club after coming up through their underage groups.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 2 v 1 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Kilmacrennan started the brighter and took the lead after good work from Danny Sandilands and Sam Harvey sent Philip Buchanan on his way to open the scoring. Swilly played their way into the game and should have equalised after poor defending from the home side, however a Swilly man free inside the box blazed his shot well over the bar. Swilly also threatened from set pieces and hit the post from a towering header at the back post from a corner. Buchanan and Harkin then missed big chances for Kilmacrennan just before the break. Kilmacrennan doubled their lead half-way through the second half when Owen Browne fired home after some great work from Steve Mc Daid and Cormac Brady. Swilly hit back however after Shane Mc Daid got on the end of a free kick to fire home from close range. Kilmacrennan missed some glorious chances to add to their lead but the impressive Jamie Lee Blaney kept Swilly in the game. Swilly pushed hard in what was a nervy ending for the home side. Best for Kilmacrennan were Oisin Mc Roarty and Jack O’Neill. Best for Swilly were Jamie Lee Blaney and Caolan Bolton. Referee: Liam McLaughlin
Milford United Reserves 1 v 2 Cranford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners 0 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines Reserves P v P Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Sunday 12th February 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 2 v 3 Rathmullan Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Cappry Rovers 1 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Cappry got a dream start to this game when Jamie Murray scored in the first minute from a tight angle. Kilmacrennan came straight back at Cappry pressing for an equaliser. Their pressure did pay off midway through the first half when Paul Bradley headed home a cross. Kilmacrennan finished the half strong but the Cappry defence held firm. Kilmacrennan had an early chance in the second half but Terrance Shields saw his effort well saved. The home side were dangerous on the break and had a chance when Conor Mc Daid broke through but saw his effort saved. Cappry had a chance in the dying minutes when Jamie Murray got through but saw his effort well saved. Two Team Performances.
Castlefin Celtic 0 v 2 Kildrum Tigers
Kildrum Tigers went away from Castlefin with maximum points after a feisty affair at Park View. The hosts started brightly, Brian Dooher went close with a 25-yard effort. Kildrum keeper Chris O’ Donnell produced a point blank save from Jordan Duffy to keep the game scoreless. Kildrum took the lead when James Connolly controlled a loose ball and fired home. In the second period Castlefin controlled the game but were unable to make use of the ball. Kildrum’s Ethan Coll punished the home side when he slotted home from a tight angle after a counter attack.
Fanad United 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Fanad United remain unbeaten in the league after a 2-1 victory over Keadue Rovers at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday. It was a highly entertaining game with both sides committed to playing good football. Fanad had a chance to score in the first minute when Eoin Logue latched onto an Eddie O’Reilly flick but Keadue keeper Shane O’ Gara was quick off his line to save his effort. It was Fanad who took the lead in the 8th minute. After the ball broke in midfield, Keelin Mc Elwaine burst forward and he made no mistake with a fine finish. Two minutes later Brian Forker fired just wide of the Fanad post. The game was end to end for most of the half but both defences held firm. On 40 minutes an excellent Declan Mc Garvey cross was met by Eddie O’Reilly but his tame effort was saved. In the closing seconds of the half Keadue defender Chris Greene produced a superb block on the line from a Keelin Mc Elwaine shot. The second half was only seconds old when Keadue got an equaliser. PJ Doogan flicked the ball onto Brian Forker who took a good touch before firing low into the corner. They were only level for two minutes however as Fanad regained the lead. After some good work on the right, Keelin Mc Elwaine crossed into the box and Eoin Logue was quickest to react and finished into the corner. On 65 minutes Paddy Carr saw his fine header drift just wide of the Keadue post. Fanad then came very close to a 3rd goal when Eoin Logue struck the post with a fine effort from 20 yards. Keadue pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes. They forced several corners but the Fanad defence were well marshalled by Seamus Friel and James Gallagher held firm.
Glenea United 1 v 1 St. Catherines
Glenea hosted St Catherines in ideal conditions for football. The first chance of the game
came in the 5th minute when a good ball from Ciaran Coll put Calvin Murray through but his
effort was pushed past the post by Michael Mullin. The game was end to end but neither
side managed to work the other’s keeper again until the 32nd minute when Ryan
Cunningham’s shot was smothered by Joe coll. With the teams level at the break both sides
came out in search of a breakthrough, however as in the first half there were few chances
created by either side. The first notable chance didn’t come until the 78th minute when
Cathal Mc Geever’s volley went just wide. In the 85th minute Glenea took the lead when
Shaun Curran headed home after a flick on from a corner. The lead wasn’t to last as Shaun
Kelly equalised just two minutes later. Both sides pushed hard for a winner but it ended in a
share of the points. Best for Glenea were Ciaran Coll and Shaun Curran. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town 3 v 2 Gweedore Celtic
Donegal welcomed Gweedore Celtic to the hospital field on a fine day for football. Gweedore got two quick goals five minutes from half-time but Town had missed several chances, being denied by Mc Kelvey in the Celtic goal. Town were quicker out of the blocks in second-half and were level with a penalty from Eoin Slevin and an own goal. Mc Kelvey denied Slevin five minutes before full-time, making a super save from the penalty spot. Not to be denied Graham had a super strike with a minute left on the clock to give Town a deserved three points. Two team performances with Ruairi Mc Laughlin and Graham excellent for the Town. Gweedore had Mc Kelvey to thank for several super saves. Referee: John Mc Glanaghey.
Drumkeen United 1 v 3 Swilly Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United 2 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
Milford and Letterkenny played out a very competitive and entertaining draw at Moyle View Park, which puts Milford one point clear in second place with four games to go in the league campaign. Milford took the lead when Cathal Mc Gettigan got on the end of a Gary Merritt free kick. Letterkenny responded two minutes later when Conor O’ Donnell convert from the penalty spot. Milford got the better of things in the first half and got a second when Cathal Mc Gettigan closed down the keeper Forker and deflected the ball into the net. Milford had a few chances to go further ahead, through Jonny Logue and Mark Flood, but failed to convert. In the second half Letterkenny came out fighting and were far the better side and on 63 minutes got the equaliser when Chris Malseed scored form 6-yards. Milford fought hard but struggled to get anything going and held on for a good point. Good team efforts by both sides. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Raphoe Town 1 v 3 Letterbarrow Celtic
Loose play by Raphoe gave Letterbarrow their first chance to score which they did from a long range shot in the 10th minute. They got their 2nd soon afterwards in the 17th minute when a long throw was headed on for a tap-in at the back post. Letterbarrow were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box which was driven into the top corner to make it 3-0 at the break. Raphoe were much better in the second half and battled well but they could only pull one goal back when Ryan Mc Cullagh beat the offside trap to slot home past the advancing keeper from 20 yards and the game finished 1-3.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 7 v 2 Deele Harps
Ballybofey got off to a great start when Aaron Mc Auley played a lovely through ball to Mark Griffin who squared it to Daithí Mc Mahon to make it 1-0 to the home side. Five minutes later it was two when Mark Griffin scored from 18 yards out. Damien Glackin was very unlucky not to make it three in the 25th minute when his effort crashed off the crossbar. With 40 minutes gone Paul Kelly crossed to Jude Patton who caught it lovely on the half volley and fired it into the back of the net. Deele got themselves one back on the stroke of half time from a free-kick on the edge of the box. Ballybofey got themselves back on the score-sheet early in the second half when Daithí showed great determination to win the ball back and play in Glackin who slotted home. The next goal was a carbon copy with Daithí squaring it into Damien who finished well. Next time it was Damien’s turn to assist when he played in Niall McCloskey who ran through the defence and slotted home nicely. Paddy Hannigan was the next man to get on the score-sheet when he was there to finished the rebound from Jude Patton’s well saved shot. Deele got a conciliation goal near to the end to make it 7-2.
Curragh Athletic 3 v 2 Whitestrand United
On a dry day at the Curragh we welcomed Whitestrand United to Killygordon. The first-half had was scarce of chances but most of the play was controlled by Curragh. The second-half was much different as Whitestrand started the brighter. This paid off as they scored two quick-fire goals with the Whitestrand striker scoring twice. This focussed the Curragh lads with James Carlin bundling the ball into the net with 20 minutes left to play. Curragh were then awarded a penalty in the 80th minute with Conor Galvin coolly slotting home sending the keeper the wrong way. In the 88th minute James Carlin grabbed the winner with a smart finish after a through ball from Conor Galvin with the home crowd cheering with delight which topped off a successful day with two wins on the bounce for the Curragh. Best for Curragh Yahye Ahmed. A team performance from Whitestrand.
Drumoghill F.C. 1 v 2 Cranford United
Cranford United strengthened their promotion chances this season with this crucial win at The Moss. Goals in each half from James Mc Bride and Kevin Doherty were enough to clinch all three points. Dylan Mc Elhinney did force home from close range to give the home side hope late on but Cranford held out for an important win. The game started with both teams content to retain possession and choosing not to push forward in big numbers which meant that chances were at a premium during a tight opening half. Cranford did create an opening midway through the first half when James Mc Bride raced onto Dale Mc Bride’s through ball to fire home beyond the reach of Roy Duffy to give his side a half time lead. The second half was much of the same with Cranford content to soak up any pressure. Cranford extended their lead on 70 minutes when Kevin Doherty gained possession around 25yards from goal before turning and volleying into the top corner with a superb right footed effort that left Duffy with no chance. Drumoghill reduced the arrears shortly afterwards. Kieran Devenney’s left wing advances were cut short by Jamie Hunter and from Colm Gardiner’s ensuing free kick, Dylan Mc Elhinney rose highest to restore Cranford’s lead to the minimum. Drumoghill threw everything they could at the Cranford defence in the final minutes of the game but Jason Hegarty and Martin Duggan stood firm and ensured their side held on for an important victory.
Lagan Harps 7 v 2 Dunkineely Celtic
Lagan turned in a strong second half to overcome a stubborn Dunkineely side. Lagan got off to a flier and were awarded a penalty after two minutes. However, the normally reliable Ross Hamlyn fired his shot over the bar. Lagan did take the lead on five minutes when Kenny Doran scrambled home after a long throw-in. Minutes later Ross Hamlyn was denied by a brilliant save from Josh Collier. Lagan went 2-0 up on twenty minutes when Ciaran Quinn scored with a great free-kick from twenty yards. The game was turned on it’s head in the space of two minutes. On twenty-five minutes Adrian Nesbitt turned a defender in the area before firing in to the far corner. Minutes later Jack Byrne took advantage of a goalkeeping error to equalise. Lagan regained the lead on thirty-four minutes when Joe Mc Carron met a Josh Hay cross with a great half volley from the edge of the area. Kenny Doran then converted a penalty, after he was fouled, to leave Lagan 4-2 ahead at the break. Lagan again came out of the traps fast in the second-half, Ciaran Quinn scored on fifty-five minutes after a scramble at a corner. Josh Collier superbly saved a Ryan Mc Connell effort but the ball broke to Ciaran to score. Matthew Doran, who had impressed when introduced as a sub for the injured Dean Murray, made it 6-2 on fifty-five minutes, after good work from Kenny Doran. Joe Mc Carron then capped off a fine performance with a good finish from the edge of the area. Another good team performance from Lagan with Josh Collier, Darragh Byrne and Adrian Nesbitt best for Dunkineely.
Lifford Celtic 0 v 5 Gweedore United
Lifford got the game started and it was good end to end stuff. Gweedore got on to the scoresheet from a mistake by the Lifford keeper. It wasn’t long till they broke through the Lifford defence again to add a second. Lifford started putting plenty of pressure on the away team and great through ball saw the Lifford striker taken down in the box and awarded a penalty, A great save from the Gweedore keeper kept the score at 2-0. Gweedore got a third from a free-kick that hit the post before the midfielder reacted quickest to score. They added a 4th before the interval. The second-half started with Lifford putting loads of pressure on the away team but they just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Gweedore, with a bit of nice football, scored their only goal in the second half and finished the game worthy winners. Great team performance by Lifford.
Results
Wednesday 8th February 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Gweedore Area
Group B
Kilmacrennan Celtic P v P Keadue Rovers
Saturday 11th February 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
Glenea United Reserves 2 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
Keadue Rovers Reserves 3 v 0 Copany Rovers
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 3 v 0 Glencar Celtic
Strand Rovers 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United 3 v 3 Ballybofey United Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 2 v 1 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Milford United Reserves 1 v 2 Cranford United Reserves
Ramelton Mariners 0 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
St. Catherines Reserves P v P Fintown Harps AFC
Sunday 12th February 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 2 v 3 Rathmullan Celtic
Cappry Rovers 1 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Castlefin Celtic 0 v 2 Kildrum Tigers
Fanad United 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Glenea United 1 v 1 St. Catherines
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 2 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Donegal Town 3 v 2 Gweedore Celtic
Drumkeen United 1 v 3 Swilly Rovers
Milford United 2 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
Raphoe Town 1 v 3 Letterbarrow Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 7 v 2 Deele Harps
Curragh Athletic 3 v 2 Whitestrand United
Drumoghill F.C. 1 v 2 Cranford United
Lagan Harps 7 v 2 Dunkineely Celtic
Lifford Celtic 0 v 5 Gweedore United
Fixtures
