On a busy weekend of Donegal League action, Swilly Rovers are celebrating a league title after their win over Letterkenny Rovers saw them crowned champions on Division One.
Fanad United suffered a first defeat of the season when they lost out in the game of the day in the Premier Division at Rathmullan Celtic.
Meanwhile in the Brian McCormick Sports Cup, Kildrum Tigers produced a wonderful comeback to beat Lagan Harps and retain the Area Shield.
Round up:
Wednesday, March 8th
Brian McCormick Cup – Donegal Area
Cappry Rovers 1v 3St. Catherines
(No Report Submitted)
Saturday, March 11th
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 2 v 0 Dunlewey Celtic
Cappry started off brightly pressing the visitors back. Cappry could have taken the lead but Darren O’Leary’s effort just went past the post.
Cappry did take the lead midway through the first half when Dylan Ramsey scored with a fine effort from outside the box.
Cappry pressed to get another but failed to convert their chances.
Dunlewey started the second half brightly and pushed to get level but couldn’t find a way through the Cappry defence. Cappry had chances to add to their lead but Sean Breen and Dylan Ramsey both failed to convert.
Cappry made it 2-0 late on when Dylan Ramsey rounded the keeper to score.
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 0 Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 2 Arranmore United
(No Report Submitted)
Glencar Celtic 6 v 1 Copany Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Glenea United Reserves 1 v 3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
In wintry conditions it was the away side that went away with all three points.
In the first half, despite playing with the aid of a strong breeze, Glenea were finding it difficult to create any clear cut chances against the Kildrum defence.
Kildrum came closest to taking the lead on 40 minutes when Keelan Gillen got onto a through ball and saw his chip half stopped by Oran Craig which allowed Stephen Doak to clear the ball off the line.
Kildrum took the lead on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot, as Keelan Gillen converted after a foul was committed in the box.
At the start of the second half Kildrum extended their lead when the home side failed to deal with a cross and Gareth Colhoun was on hand to drill home from close range.
Kildrum looked to extend their lead but were denied by a couple of good saves from Oran Craig. Glenea pulled a goal back on 75 minutes when Seamus Doogan made a good run down the left and his cross was headed home by John Mc Fadden.
The home side pushed hard for an equaliser but were unable to find one and were caught out on the break in the final minute which allowed Keelan Gillen to fire home from the edge of the box.
Team effort from Glenea, while Kildrum were served well by Gavin McGee and Josh Martin. Referee: Mick Lagan
Oldtown Celtic 1 v 1 Strand Rovers
Oldtown got out of the traps fast and put Strand under pressure but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Oldtown finally edged in front when Kevin Mc Grath was fouled in the box and stepped up to fire home from the spot. 1-0 at the break.
Strand came out determined at the start of the second half and tried to find an equaliser but found the Oldtown defence difficult to break down. Oldtown were hitting on the break and should have added a second but for a fantastic triple save from Strand keeper Cormac Hanlon. This proved critical as Strand got an equaliser twelve minutes from the end when Jordan Saville fired home from the edge of the area after a mistake at the back from Oldtown.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 3 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
A first half brace from Lee Mc Laughlin and a Jordan Mc Kinney strike saw Castlefin secure all three points.
All three goals came in the opening 30 minutes in which the home side were completely dominant. In the second-half it was an even affair with Cranford grabbing a late consolation goal.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 5 v 0 Swilly Rovers Reserves
The home team recorded a five-goal victory against Swilly in arctic conditions at An Screaban on Saturday.
Aodhan Mc Garvey continued his recent good form with the first goal after eleven minutes. Gweedore had Swilly on the backfoot for most of the first half but they could not add to their single goal.
The second half was a different affair as Na Ceiltigh went on a goal rampage. Neil Doran struck early in the second half before Cronan Mc Fadden got in on the act to grab two goals and James Gallagher finished the game with the fifth goal.
A good all round team effort from Gweedore with Martin Coyle outstanding in the middle of the park.
Milford United Reserves 2 v 4 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Ramelton Mariners 0 v 4 Drumbar United
On a cold windy day in Kerrykeel it was the visitors who left Rabs Park with all three points. Both teams started slowly with Drumbar, assisted by a strong breeze, getting the breakthrough with 20 minutes gone. A ball played from the midfield found the striker through on goal and after rounding the keeper he finished from close range.
This kicked the Mariners into gear but despite having most possession they couldn’t find a way through the Drumbar defence. The second half started the way the first ended with the home side having most of the chances but Drumbar took the wind out of the Mariners’ attack when a great counter attacking move doubled the advantage for the visitors. Drumbar took control of the game after that and two late goals completed a resounding victory.
St. Catherines Reserves 2 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
Two late goals settled this entertaining and hard fought clash at Emerald Park.
The home side started brightly with Donal Mc Guire pulling the strings in midfield but they were unable to capitalise on several half chances.
Ballybofey were defending well with Gavin Doherty and Darren Bonner impressing at the back and they almost took the lead when Bonner shot just wide from 10 yards just before half time.St. Catherines were on the front foot again in the second half with Paul Murrin twice going close in the first ten minutes and Calvin Mooney just wide with a close-range effort.
Ballybofey had a few half chances of their own but found the home centre half Aaron Byrne in commanding form.
Just as it looked like the game would end in stalemate the excellent Dean Breslin found JP McGuinness on the edge of the area and he turned and shot low into the corner.
Paul Murrin sealed the result in injury time with a fine strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Referee: John Mc Glanaghey
Sunday, March 12th
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 0 Glenea United
Castlefin secured a vital three points at home after a hard-fought victory over Glenea.
Castlefin controlled the game from start to finish and should have added more to the scoreline. The hosts broke the deadlock through Gavin Sweeney after a great team move. They had further opportunities through Martin Owens, Aaron O Hagan and Sweeney.
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 0 Fanad United
Kieran Gorman’s header nine minutes from time was enough to seal maximum points for the Hoops at the Flagpole against league leaders Fanad.
A really cracking game of football between two committed teams produced plenty of chances in the opening 45 minutes but Shaun Gallagher and Mark Mc Ateer were on hand to prevent the deadlock being broken.
The second half became tenser and chances were harder to create but Rathmullan nicked the points via a glancing header from Gorman late on. Charlie McAteer, superb when he came on in the second half, won a free-kick on the right touchline and Gorman’s header went into the corner of the net to the delight of the Flagpole faithful on a wet miserable afternoon.
Fanad pushed hard late on for a leveller, as they always do, but just couldn’t get a vital touch on a series of set piece deliveries into the 18-yard box as Shaun Gallagher and his defence repelled everything that came their way.
A superb effort from the home side to inflict Fanad’s first league defeat of the season and the win lifts Rathmullan up into third spot.
Referee: Paddy Martin
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Drumkeen United 0 v 5 Donegal Town
Drumkeen’s hopes of avoiding relegation all but ended after this game on Sunday afternoon. It was the visitors who got off to a flying start when Rory Mc Laughlin put them ahead with a long-range effort in the first minute.
Drumkeen never recovered from the early setback and found themselves four goals behind by the half hour mark. Tom Cutts added a second goal and Mark Jordan headed home from a corner to make it three before Davy Graham added a fourth.
Drumkeen were struggling to get a foothold in the game but they managed to reach half time without suffering any further damage.
The second half was similar as Drumkeen did their best to stay in the game but they fell further behind on the hour mark when Glenn Harron added number five for Donegal Town.
At the other end Drumkeen struggled to trouble the Donegal defence apart from forcing a few corners on what was a bad day at the office for them.
This game was played in a good sporting manner.
Referee: George Clinton.
Gweedore Celtic 1 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
A resolute hard working defensive display by Convoy helped them snatch all three points against Gweedore Celtic to boost their chances of avoiding the third place play off.
Gweedore dominated the game but for all their possession they could not find a way to break down the Convoy defence. Thomas Diver thought he had given the home team a first half lead but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.
The second half saw chances for Cian Mc Bride and Cronan Mc Fadden well saved by Luke McGee and against the run of play Stephen Coyle headed a Darren Harvey cross to the net to give Convoy the lead.
Despite chances for the home team Convoy struck for a second goal when Shane Barclay got on the end of keeper Luke McGee’s long kick and he had the easy job of lobbing the home keeper from twenty yards.
Gweedore threw everything at Convoy and Cronan Mc Fadden headed home with seven minutes remaining to give Na Ceiltigh hope but it was not to be as the away team battled hard for all the points.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4 v 2 Raphoe Town
Kerrykeel got a massive win in their bid to avoid the drop on a wet and windy day at Rabs Park. Raphoe started the better and went in front on 10 minutes when DJ Kelly fired home.
Shaun Friel then kept the ‘71 in the game with a great point blank save.
The home side started to come into it and drew level on 30 minutes when Kevin Loughrey fired home from the spot after a hand-ball.
Kerrykeel came out for the second half a different team and scored three brilliant quick fire goals, the first a free kick from specialist Marty Mc Ateer, then Kevin Loughrey got his second three minutes later after great work from Mark Friel.
Two minutes later Calum Mc Ateer finished off a brilliant team move involving Fergal Friel, Marty Mc Ateer and Michael Gibbons. Raphoe never let their heads drop and got one back from the spot to give themselves hope.
Kerrykeel saw the game out for a massive win which brings them out of the drop zone and gives them a chance of survival.
Referee: Seamie Ferry
Letterbarrow Celtic 0 v 3 Milford United
The back-room team at Letterbarrow had a busy morning trying to get the pitch playable and thankfully the game went ahead as planned in tough conditions.
Cathal Mc Gettigan put the away side in front with a well worked goal. James Mc Groary was unlucky not to put the home side level after a great shot from 30 yards was saved by the keeper. It was nip and tuck throughout but two late goals from Joey Cullen and Gary Merritt put Milford in a solid position to guarantee promotion.
A minute’s silence was observed before the game for Liam Haughey and Kieran McGrath as well as Eric Byrne of Kilcar who sadly passed away on Saturday.
Swilly Rovers 1 v 0 Letterkenny Rovers
Swilly Rovers clinched the Division One league title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a determined Letterkenny Rovers side.
In the first half Jordan Nugent unleashed a powerful shot from 10 yards out that seemed destined for the net but Swilly goalkeeper Barry Gallagher produced an amazing save to tip it over the crossbar.
Despite Letterkenny’s strong efforts, chances were scarce at either end.
Swilly came out much stronger in the second half, playing some beautiful football. On 46 minutes Ian Ward scored the winning goal after some superb work down the left by Shane McNamee who had run about 50 yards to set it up. The huge crowd in attendance erupted with delight.
In the final quarter of the game Letterkenny applied pressure in an attempt to equalise but Swilly stood firm with Dylan Hegarty putting in a solid performance at the back.
As the final whistle blew the champagne flowed and Swilly Rovers celebrated their well-deserved victory.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 2 v 2 Cranford United
Division two leaders Cranford United travelled to The New Camp Sports Complex to take on Curragh Athletic on Saturday evening.
Cranford started on the front foot and opened the scoring on 27 minutes after a long throw was flicked on at the front post and the ball was bundled into the net.
Curragh responded with some good passages of play and were rewarded with a goal when Robert Mc Shane sent the ball to Yayhe Ahmed who struck into the top corner from 30 yards. The second half began with Cranford putting Curragh under pressure. On 60 minutes Cranford broke away and their striker was taken down inside the penalty box for a clear-cut penalty. Chris Carr slotted home from the spot.
Curragh once again responded well and put Cranford on the back foot in search of the equaliser. On 70 minutes the ball landed at James Carlin’s feet from an Anthony Bruton throw-in and he lobbed the Cranford keeper on the half volley from 25-yards.
Both teams pushed right to the end but neither side could find the winner.
A team performance from Curragh. Kevin Doherty was best for Cranford.
Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Deele Harps 3 v 2 Lifford Celtic
Deele entertained neighbours Lifford at Deele College and the home side took the victory in an entertaining game.
Deele took the lead on 35 minutes when Gary Crawford’s defence-splitting pass sent Shane Gallagher through on goal and he finished well. Deele’s Declan Lafferty rattled the crossbar with a free kick on 40 minutes.
Shane Mc Nulty equalised on 45 minutes when his instinctive strike from 20 yards found the top corner.
The second half started as a tight enough affair but it was Deele who took the lead again on 60 minutes when Cameron Mahon punished a goalkeeping error.
Deele were in control at this stage but a defensive error led to a Lifford equaliser when Shay Lindsay’s flick on found its way into the net.
Deele were not to be denied and Sean McGowan grabbed a winner on 75 minutes when he powered home a header from Shane Gallagher’s corner.
Drumoghill F.C. 1 v 3 Ballybofey United
Ballybofey United gained a crucial win at The Moss to keep their hopes of a promotion play-off alive, and in doing so seriously dent those that Drumoghill came into this game with.
They did it the hard way, having to come from behind after Liam O’Donnell had opened the scoring for the Reds. But second half strikes from Niall Mc Closkey and Kieran Thompson secured the three points for the visitors.
Drumoghill though will reflect on a good opening and were the better side when O’ Donnell was in the right place at the right time to fire his team into the lead mid-way through the opening half.
They had chances to go 2-0 up but Chris Patton managed to keep the deficit to the minimum.The game’s turning point arrived shortly after the half-hour when Jude Patton and Damien Glackin combined on a break for the visitors and Glackin finished neatly beyond the reach of Duffy to level the scores.
The second half began much as the first half ended with Ballybofey United on top, and they almost took the lead when Mark Griffin’s snapshot just shaved the outside of the upright. Ballybofey took the lead on 53 minutes when Mc Closkey was in the right place to head home an excellent right wing free kick from Oran Gallen.
A combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score at 2-1 until the final minutes when Kieran Thompson fired home from a late break in the final minutes of injury time to settle the contest and set up an interesting few weeks in the fight for promotion from Division Two.
Whitestrand United 2 v 4 Dunkineely Celtic
Whitestrand United welcomed Dunkineely Celtic to Mc Garvey Park.
Dunkineely took an early lead from a defensive mix-up. Then Dunkineely had a blitz of three quick-fire goals including a penalty which left the hosts shell-shocked and 4-0 adrift. Whitestrand had chances and Michael Sweeney almost got one back but the visiting goalkeeper saved. Sweeney eventually got on the scoresheet with a well taken goal
The game was tight in the second half with not many clear-cut chances. Whitestrand did push for another goal and this came through Garth Ferry but it was too late to be any more than a consolation.
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Gweedore Area
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Kilmacrennan are through to the Area Final of the Brian McCormack Cup after overcoming Keadue Rovers at Ballyare.
Chris Dillon scored after 5 minutes when he beat the off-side trap and calmly finished when put through by Chris Flanagan. Keadue pushed hard for an equaliser but Ryan Shields and James Doherty had the Kilmacrennan defence well organised and Shane Graham in goals had very few saves to make.
Keadue had a few chances in the first ten minutes of the second half but found no way through a stubborn Kilmacrennan defence. On 70 minutes a wonderful first touch from Chris Dillon found Paul Bradley and he coolly finished from 6-yards to make it 2-0. Keadue threw everything at Kilmacrennan in the last five minutes and got a goal back on 88 through a Brian Proctor header at back post from a Mark Forker cross.
Referee: Alister Gourley
Lifford Area
Lagan Harps 2 v 4 Kildrum Tigers
A hat-trick from James Connolly decided a great cup contest in Orchard Park.
The first half was tightly fought with few chances. Ross Hamlyn twice went close for Lagan while Michael Lynch had a shot deflected wide for Kildrum.
The game sprung to life in the second half. Lagan took the lead when Ross Hamlyn superbly fired home a Josh Hay cross on 48 minutes. Three minutes later it was 2-0 to Lagan when Joe Mc Carron scored with a fine shot from the edge of the area.
Kildrum piled on the pressure with Davitt Walsh hitting the crossbar. They pulled one back on 75 minutes when Walsh converted a penalty.
James Connolly grabbed the equaliser on 78t minutes with a good finish.
Connolly then decided the game with two fine finishes on 85 and 88 minutes.
Lagan had a chance in the final minute when Chris O’Donnell saved at point blank range from Ross Hamlyn to end a thrilling contest.