Here are all the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League action.
Thursday 5th October 2023
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
Rovers started strong though Convoy closed play quickly trying to deny Rovers any quick forward movement. The first clear chance fell to Nathan plumb after six minutes just outside the 18yd box but his effort was easily saved. A minute later Plumb was on the receiving end of a ball delivered into the 18yd box only to be headed across goal and wide. Yet another minute later and it was Plumb again involved in the action, this time taken down inside the box and awarded a penalty. Zach Gorman strikes it well from the spot to put Rovers one up. Convoy’s first real threat came 18 minutes in from a long ball from Anthony Bogle, over the Rover’s defence for Darren Harvey only to be blown for offside. 23 minutes in a long throw from Zach Gorman ended at the feet of Conor Tourish whose strike through the crowd went just wide of the right post. A Cappry corner on 29 minutes delivered into back of the 18yd by Anthony Bogle, headed back into the center by Jamie O’Donnell finding James Wilson free who headed into the right top corner out of the reach of Rovers keeper Blake Forkan levelling the game 1-1. On 35 minutes Rovers second goal came from a foul on Aidy Delap just outside the 18yd box. Conor Tourish took the free driving it low into the left corner. The half ended 2-1. Rovers got their third 63 minutes in from a free kick about 25 yards out on the left. The ball was delivered by Gareth Doherty deep to the right and headed into the goal by Conor Tourish. Rovers’ keeper had very little to do in the second half as Rovers piled the pressure on the Convoy side.
Saturday 7th October 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Donegal Town Reserves 0 v 7 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 5 v 3 St. Catherines Reserves
Fintown Harps welcomed St Catherine’s to Páirc Acla. Fintown Harps started off well in the first few minutes. Jamie Mc Monagle put Fintown Harps in front. Fintown Harps saw their lead doubled when Karl O’ Brien’s long ball wasn’t cleared by the St. Catherines’ defence and it found the Fishermen’s Net. A dominant Fintown Harps side take control of the game adding a further two goals to their 2-0 lead with goals from Jamie Mc Monagle and Sergey ending the half 4-0. Fintown started the second half as they ended the first. Jamie Mc Monagle bagged a third completing a hat-trick. Fintown Harps survived a late scare when St Catherines hit back with three goals from Aidan Meehan, Josh Cunningham and Calvin Mooney making it an enthralling encounter for the fans.
Glenea United Reserves 3 v 1 Cappry Rovers Reserves
In damp conditions Glenea Reserves got their first win of the season with a well-earned victory over Cappry. Playing with the breeze in the first half, the home side started well and went close to opening the scoring on 10 minutes when Ethan Friel got clear but saw his effort well saved by Charlie Byrne. A few minutes later Darragh Breen saw his effort well saved by the Cappry keeper.
On 20 minutes Cappry took the lead against the run of play when Daire Quigley got free down the right and his cross wasn’t dealt with by the home defence and Dylan Ramsey was on hand to drill home from close range. The home side pushed hard for an equaliser and saw an effort from Cathal Mc Geever well saved and the resultant rebound was driven against the bar by PJ Doogan. Cappry almost extended their lead just before halftime when a Daire Quigley cross from the right was headed goal-ward by Dylan Ramsey, but it was well saved by Ciaran Coll. In the 2nd half the home side started strongly and equalised after 50 minutes when Cathal Mc Geever’s through ball found PJ Doogan, his effort was well saved by Charlie Byrne but Michael Ferry was following up and fired home from the edge of the box. Glenea continued to dominate the 2nd half and came close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions through efforts from Shaun Ferry, Luke Mc Carry and Cathal Mc Geever who saw his strike come back off the bar. Glenea eventually took the lead on 70 minutes when Anthony Browne got free down the right and his effort found the far corner. Glenea continued to dominate but failed to take any of the chances created and were almost made to pay on 80 minutes when Matthew Wooton got free at the back post but put his effort over the bar.
Glenea completed the scoring on 85 mins when Cathal Mc Geever’s cross from the right was headed home by PJDoogan. Best for Glenea were Remy Moran, Darragh Breen and Ethan Friel, while Daire Quigley and Matthew Wotton were dangerous for Cappry. Referee: John Coll.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4 v 0 Glencar Celtic
In a tight fought first half Gillen drove through the Glencar defence to make it 1-0 to the home side at half time. Second half, Kildrum came out strong and got their rewards from Aaron Temple, making his debut for the Tigers, then Michael Ayton who ran from the halfway line to make it 3 for the Tigers. Shay Mc Daid then went close for the visitors but met an inform Aaron Hepburn. In the closing minutes CJ Clarke went through and the Glencar keeper took him out for a penalty to the home side which Josh Martin made no mistake from.
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1 v 5 Keadue Rovers Reserves
A youthful Kilmacrennan side welcomed Keadue to the community centre for a 12 noon start and after an even opening 15 minutes it was the away side that hit the front. Winger Oran Fallon slotted home a penalty following a handball call. From there on it was the more experienced away team that dominated proceedings and they doubled their advantage midway through the half when Aaron Ward smashed home from 30 yards for a wonder goal. It was three soon after when some hesitant defending allowed Pauric Neely space on the edge of the box and he calmly finished past the Kilmacrennan keeper. The 2nd half was a much closer affair with Kilmacrennan keeping possession well but failing to trouble the Keadue net-minder. Keadue scored their fourth when Conor Diver finished well after a good attacking move down the right. Kilmacrennan responded with an excellent goal when 16-year-old Conor Gibson dribbled past 3 or 4 players before firing home into the bottom corner but it was the away side who had the last word when the impressive Oisin Mc Kelvey scored a deserved goal to seal an impressive three points on the road for the Rosses’ lads. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Strand Rovers 0 v 2 Arranmore United
A minute silence was observed at the start of the game in memory of those affected by the Creeslough tragedy on its 1st anniversary. The game started off strong with both sides creating early chances. Unfortunately, Strand went a man down on 23 minutes when their captain James Mc Cole pulled off a last-ditch tackle and was red carded. Making an early sub for Michael Houston, on came Jack Tracey who within a minute on the pitch created a penalty opportunity for the home side but it was saved when the keeper dived the right way. Two minutes later the boys from Arranmore got a free kick that was crossed into the box from the left wing and the Strand Goalkeeper was unfortunate to drop the ball in the 6-yard box which left it open for Aidan Proctor to react quickly getting the Islanders on the score sheet. Strand Rovers made two more second-half substitutes in the hope the fresh legs would give the home team the boost they needed. A ball was played through the right wing on the 86th minute and Marty Mc Garrigle was there to slot it in the back of the net securing the win for the travelling side.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 2 v 3 Milford United Reserves
The first chance of the game came to Ballybofey when a ball was passed up the line from Dean Walsh to Colin Kearns who ran from box to box and played in a dangerous ball which, after an attempted clearance, was finished to the middle of the net by Kieran Thompson. Ballybofey almost doubled their lead when Thompson’s free kick was met by Oran Gallen who fired just over the bar. Milford then got their equaliser when a good ball got played in from right hand side, the initial shot from 6 yards out was saved brilliantly by Daniel Crawford in goals but an incoming Milford winger slid in to finish the rebound to make it 1-1.
Ballybofey nearly got back in front when Odhran Byrne played a long ball to Colin Kearns who bounced it beautifully off his chest into the path of Thompson who narrowly missed when one on one with the keeper. Thompson then played a lovely ball through ball to Karlos Reuka who found himself one on one with keeper but he narrowly missed the target. Milford nearly went ahead just before the half but the Milford striker was met by a superb sliding challenge from Oran Gallen to deny the shot. Half time 1-1.
Milford came out on top in the second half and found themselves ahead with a great finish from the winger into the top corner of the net giving Crawford no chance. Oran Gallen then played a lovely through ball to Thompson who found himself one on one yet again but he fired wide. Milford then made it 3-1 when a corner kick went straight over the keeper into the net. Ballybofey kept fighting and got themselves one back when Dillon Murphy ran down the wing and pulled a ball back to Thompson who’s initial shot was saved by the keeper but substitute Muzi, who made his debut for the club, scored with his first touch of the game. Ballybofey kept pushing but couldn’t find an equaliser. Also a big shout-out to U-16 player Cian Thompson who came off the bench to make his senior debut for the club.
Drumbar United 2 v 1 Copany Rovers
Drumbar welcomed neighbours Copany Rovers on Saturday afternoon. It was Drumbar who started the game on the front foot, creating some early chances. It wasn’t until towards the end of the first half when the deadlock was broken when Vincent Breslin was fouled in the Copany penalty area to earn a penalty.
Drumbar Captain Daniel Bennett stepped up to take and finish well to give Drumbar the lead heading into the half time break. The second half began the same as the first however after a quick and rare break in play for Copany, Ryan Brogan found his brother Daniel on edge of the box and he finished well to bring the game level. After some heated exchanges, it was Drumbar who regained the lead when Daniel Bennett rifled home a free kick from 35 yards to give Drumbar a 2-1 lead and to see out the game on the day.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Points shared at the moss and probably a fair result with neither team really deserving of the points.
After a fairly-dull opening 20 minutes Drumoghill had a few chances to open the scoring but it remained 0-0 at halftime. Drumoghill were slightly better after halftime and Eunan Kelly put them ahead with a fine goal into the top corner after a great pass from Conor Gallagher. Both men having to go off injured along with James Sweeney changed the game and Castlefinn pushed for the equaliser and in the dying minutes of injury time were gifted a penalty. Marty Owens made no mistake from the spot. A draw probably a fair result in the end. Best wishes to James Sweeney who suffered an injury during the game.
Dunlewey Celtic 3 v 2 Cranford United Reserves
Wet conditions when Dunlewey welcomed Cranford Reserves to Glentornan Park. A minute’s silence was observed before kick off in memory of those from the Creeslough tragedy. Dunlewey started brightly and went on the attack from the early stages and took the lead on 5 minutes when Chris Cannon crossed the ball in from a corner and Patrick Mc Geady finished well at the back post. Dunlewey kept the pressure on and doubled their lead on 20 minutes when Chris Cannon again provided an assist when he drilled the ball across the 6-yard box to find the other Chris Cannon who slotted home neatly. 2-0 the score at half time. The second half started tightly and both sides created a few chances but both keepers held strong and the score remained at 2-0. Dunlewey then made it 3-0 when Paul Coll finished well for Dunlewey after 55 minutes. Cranford clawed a goal back after a great finish from their striker curling the ball into the bottom corner. They fought hard after this and the game was too’ing and fro’ing with both sides creating chances but it was Cranford that got the next goal on 89 minutes to give the home side a scare in the dying stages. Dunlewey held on to keep the three points in Glentornan Park. 3-2 it finished in favour of the home side.
Ramelton Mariners 5 v 3 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Another home win for the Mariners as they beat Gweedore Celtic 5-3 at home with Evan Hewitt getting a hat trick while Fionn Robinson and Stephen Bryant got one each. A slow first half with the Mariners battling well to go in at half time all square after a goal from Hewitt. The Mariners started the second half slowly conceding a penalty which the Gweedore forward put away. Two more from Hewitt along with goals from Robinson and Bryant seen off the Gweedore threat as the game ended 5-3 to the Mariners.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Drumkeen United Reserves 0 v 9 Bonagee United Reserves
It was another bad day at the office for this young Drumkeen side as they were well beaten by the visitors Bonagee at St Patrick’s Park on Saturday Afternoon. Bonagee took an early lead through Noah Barrett and they dominated proceedings for most of the first half but didn’t score again until just before the break when Faolan Gibson added a second. The second half started badly for the home team as they conceded a third goal from Fintan Hasson. The home team kept plugging away but things got no better when Fintan Hasson added his second and Bonagee’s fourth. Things continued to get worse as the newly arrived Mark Casey bagged himself a hat-trick. There was still time for another couple of goals as Kelvin Anderson added number eight and Ricky Guntrip completed the rout when he added number nine. This was another tough day for the young Drumkeen team who are learning the hard way that football is a tough game at times. They struggled to create much but they did force a good save from Bonagee goalkeeper John Russell. This game was played in a good spirit throughout.
Lagan Harps Reserves 1 v 4 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
Letterkenny maintained their winning record in the Saturday Division Three when they proved too strong for Lagan at Letterkenny Astro. They started strong and wasted a few early chances. It was Lagan however who opened the scoring on twelve minutes. A corner was cleared to the edge of the area where Seamie Cullen drove a powerful effort to the back of the net. Rovers responded and Jordan Nugent headed home the equaliser on fifteen minutes. Rovers took the lead on eighteen minutes when Caolan Dunleavy lost his marker to head home a cross. Lagan went close when a Ross Hamlyn free forced Mark Margey into a good save. Lagan were then punished when they lost the ball in midfield and Rovers countered. Danny Hall finished off the move to put Rovers 3-1 ahead. Rovers went close at the start of the second half when Caolan Dunleavy hit the post. Seamie Cullen and Conur Crossan defended well for Lagan in the second half as Rovers continued to press. Lagan competed well but didn’t really threatening. Gareth Doherty controlled the midfield for Rovers. Callum Crampsie also pulled off several good saves for Lagan. Rovers got their fourth on eighty minutes when Jordan Nugent raced clear to score. Matthew Doran forced Mark Margey into a good save late on but there were to be no further goals.
Sunday 8th October 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 3 Kildrum Tigers
Kildrum secured all three points from a game which was switched to St Johnston. A James Connolly brace set Kildrum on their way and he completed his hat-trick in the second half. Ronan Tourish scored a penalty late on for Castlefin.
Gweedore Celtic 3 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Gweedore secured their second victory of the season after a highly entertaining encounter with league leaders Kilmacrennan. Despite dominating possession for the early part of the game it was the home team who struck first in the thirtieth minute. A Padraig Gallagher corner was headed goalwards by Cronan Mc Fadden to give the home team the lead. Kilmacrennan upped their game but it was the home team who could have scored when Ciaran Mc Hugh’s long range effort was saved by Farrell in the Kilmacrennan goals.
The second half was ten minutes old when Na Ceiltigh struck for a second goal. Cian Mc Bride outpaced Shields on the wing and his cross was finished by Cronan Mc Fadden for his second of the afternoon.
Dillon and Mc Grenaghan tried to get their team back into the game but they found a resolute Gweedore defence hard to penetrate. They did eventually pull a goal back with five minutes remaining when Micheal Mc Laughlin finished well from Dillon’s through ball. The draw looked a possibility but Gweedore struck in injury time when Ryan Doherty sent Darragh McGee through and his cut back to Jamie Doherty was finished to the back of the net. For Gweedore Jamie Doherty, Cronan Mc Fadden and Padraig Gallagher worked tirelessly. Kilmacrennan had good performances from Chris Dillon, GlenMc Nulty and John Sandilands. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Milford United 1 v 3 Keadue Rovers
Keadue Rovers return west with the three points from a gripping encounter at Moyle View Park. Milford started brightly playing well and went one up when Killian Mc Bride got in behind the visitors to drill home from close range. Keadue came back into the game but Milford held out to half time and led 1-0. At the start of the second half Keadue began bright and Milford dropped off giving up too much space and after 3 minutes Keadue where level through Chris Greene. On 55 minutes the visitors scored their second when they pushed up on Milford who lost possession from a goal-kick and Brian Proctor tapped home. As Milford pushed to get back on level terms, they failed to break the Keadue rear-guard and Jordan Saville scored late on to seal the points. Referee: Dessie McLaughlin.
St. Catherines 1 v 2 Fanad United
The crowd sensed from the off that we had a real game in our hands as both teams started the game with purpose and intent. Peter Carr was having an excellent game for the visitors with darting runs up the right side of the Saints’ defence and it was from the right the opening goal came for Fanad as the home defence were caught napping and letting the ball bounce once too often in their box where Davitt Lynch slotted the loose ball past the home keeper for one nil on 11 minutes. St Catherines were conscious that a second goal for Fanad could end their day and were relying on breakaways from defence to try and level. The equaliser came on 41 minutes after excellent one touch football down the left flank from box to box and a final floated cross from Kyle Mc Geoghan onto the inform head of Ryan Cunningham and Mark Mc Ginley could only watch the guided header float into the net. Some penetrating passes opened up the Saints’ defence once more and Lynch fired into the roof of the net as he met a low cross sweetly with his right boot for a 2 -1 lead for the visitors at half time. The big talking point of the second half was a straight red for the home keeper as he was adjudged to have lashed out at the centre forward after a Fanad attack had petered out. The young Saints team showed real character. Odhran McGuinness was having a superb game at centre half for the home team and done his best to seek the elusive equaliser that unfortunately never came for the home side. Entertaining game that deservedly saw the visitors leave with three points.
Swilly Rovers 1 v 1 Rathmullan Celtic
Swilly opened the scoring 2 minutes into the game when Shane Mc Namee’s corner was met with a powerful header from Swilly captain Ciaran Kelly. Rathmullan levelled the score on 33 minutes with a penalty scored by Oisin Mc Menamin. Laurence Toland had a golden chance to get Swilly ahead on the 45th minute but dragged his shot just wide. Matthew Mc Laughlin saw his effort from a Shane Mc Namee corner go just over the bar in injury time in the first half. Halftime 1-1. In the 56th minute Shane Mc Namee saw his long-range effort well saved by Gallagher in the Rathmullan goal. Gallagher made another great save from a left footed strike from Mc Namee. Rathmullan’s Charlie Mc Ateer saw his strike bounce off the post after cutting in from the right and trying to bend it around the keeper. A few half chances from both teams at the end but the spoils were shared.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 4 v 0 Convoy Arsenal
Cappry started the game well and pressed to open the scoring. It was Convoy who had the first opportunity but it went wide. Cappry opened the scoring in the 18th when Paddy Mc Nulty scored. Cappry then doubled their lead when Mc Nulty scored again after he rounded the keeper. Cappry made it 3-0 mid-way through the first half when Conor Mc Daid finished well from inside the box. Cappry got their 4th late on when Paddy Mc Nulty completed his hat-trick.
Cranford United 2 v 2 Letterbarrow Celtic
The points were shared in Cranford Park on a great day for football. Cranford were out of the blocks quick and took the lead after 5 minutes when a great cross from Kyle Mc Fadden was headed into the net from a Letterbarrow defender. Cranford were on top but Letterbarrow got the equaliser from a great free kick. Both sides had chances in the second half but it was Letterbarrow who went in front after a counter attack. Cranford were still well in the game and equalised from Andrew Cairns after a great cross from Seamy Carr and pushed for the winner with Carr having a shot cleared off the line in the last minute.
Glenea United 0 v 3 Donegal Town
Donegal got off to a great start and were one up after 13 minutes, Steve Graham got on the end of a corner and scored from 3 yards. Things got worse for the home side when they were reduced to 10 men for a last man tackle. Donegal dominated the rest of the half with Joe Coll called into action several times with shots from Ronan Mc Hugh and Mark Jordan. Glenea started the second half on top and in the 47th minute Calvin Murray saw his effort crash off the crossbar. Three minutes later Kevin Mulhern had his header cleared off the line. In the 53rd minute Darren Mc Geever hit the post when he met a cross from Reece Mc Bride. In the 60th minute, against the run of play Donegal scored their second, a neat pass was slipped through to Ronan Mc Hugh and he slotted past the keeper. Once again Donegal started to dominate the game and added their third in the 72nd minute with great footwork from Declan Duignam, he created space and scored from 30 yards.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 0 v 2 Drumoghill F.C.
Drumoghill went away with all three points from a tight affair at the Curragh. The game started at a fast pace with both teams battling hard to gain control. Curragh began to control possession without creating any clear-cut chances. Drumoghill took the lead on 25 minutes when Barry Tourish swung in a cross from a free kick which deceived the Curragh keeper and dropped in over his head. Curragh responded well and began to threaten the Drumoghill back line but were unable to convert. Tourish doubled the Drumoghill advantage from another free kick on 38 minutes. Half time 0-2. The second half began with both teams creating some good opportunities. Curragh worked some good chances but were denied by a few great saves from Roy Duffy in the Drumoghill goal. Drumoghill held out for all three points in a keenly contested game. Full time 0-2. A team performance from Curragh. Niall Mc Crossan was best for Drumoghill.
Deele Harps 1 v 1 Drumkeen United
Deele welcomed Drumkeen to Marty Duffy Park for the first game at the Ballindrait venue. Deele started the brightest with Corey Lindsay and Jordy Duffy causing problems for Drumkeen’s defence. Drumkeen grew into the game and threatened on a couple of occasions without really testing David Arthur. Deele opened the scoring on 34 minutes when Corey Lindsay was fouled and it was fitting for the day that was in it that Jordan Duffy dispatched the penalty. Deele wasted numerous opportunities to extend their lead and were punished on 43 minutes when Freddie finished well from a tight angle. The second half was a tight affair with defences on top, Stephen Devine was solid in the Deele defence alongside Jack Macbeth. The game finished 1-1 on a special day for Deele Harps with Jordy Duffy and Stephen Devine best for Deele and a team performance from Drumkeen. Referee: Con McLaughlin.
Lifford Celtic 1 v 2 Ballybofey United
The Name, Patton, down through the years has served Lifford Celtic F.C. so well. On this occasion however, it wasn’t to be as two converted penalties from Jude Patton ensured Ballybofey United’s unbeaten start to the season stretched to a sixth match. Conversions from twelve yards in either half gave the League Leaders a two-goal advantage before Sean Ferry pulled a goal back for the Brae-siders. They too went into this encounter unbeaten with a match in-hand so it was a real six-pointer between two clubs with from the East of the county.
Raphoe Town 7 v 1 Dunkineely Celtic
The game started a close affair however Raphoe broke the deadlock on the 15th minute when Anton Murtagh sent Bobby o Loughlin through to slot past the advancing goalkeeper. It wasn’t long before Bobby got his second when Mark Duffy squared the ball for a tap in from 10yards. On the half hour Goalkeeper Robbie Dolan Cleared his lines with a long kick and Mark Duffy latched onto the clearance to shoot from 35yards into the roof of the nett giving the keeper no chance. Duffy was unlucky against just before halftime when his shot was just over the crossbar and it was 3-0 at the break. Raphoe started the second half brightly with nice one two passes between Jay Hamilton & Ryan Mc Neill who made their debut into senior football. With Raphoe keeping the pressure on Anton Murtagh crossed for Bobby O Loughlin to head however it was cleared off the line with Oran Kelly following up to make it 4-0. Drunkineely won a free kick at the half way line that was launched into the box and somehow the ball found the back of the net. 4-1
Raphoe’s young guns upped the pace with Kyle Martin and Ryan Mc Neill linking up to put Bobby through for his hat-trick. 5-1. Oran Kelly’s run down the wing to cross the ball for Bobby to hit the post was followed up by Kyle Martin to Slot how to make it 6-1. The scoring was wrapped in the last minute when a cross from Michael Quinn ended up in the back of the nett to make it 7-1 Good team performances.
