Here are all the match results and reports from this week’s Donegal Junior League action.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Gweedore United 3 v 0 Cranford United
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 0 v 0 Fanad United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Saturday 14th October 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United P v P Keadue Rovers Reserves
(No Report Available, Match Postponed)
Cappry Rovers Reserves 1 v 3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Glencar Celtic 2 v 1 Donegal Town Reserves
Glencar started the game strong and took the lead through Pajo Rafferty. Donegal Town came into the game then and started piling on the pressure near the end of the half. The second half started and Glencar doubled their lead straight away when Paddy Diver got on the end of a cross from Gio Peoples. Donegal Town then got one back with 10 minutes to go but couldn’t get the equaliser. Great defending from Glencar at the end to see out the game.
Glenea United Reserves 1 v 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
In wintry conditions, it was the away side that came out in top in this tightly fought game. In a tight start to the first half, both sides looked to create chances and it was Kilmacrennan who took the lead on 15 minutes when a cross from the right found Danny Sandilands at the back post and he knocked the ball home from close range. Glenea equalised a couple of minutes later when Patrick Doohan’s through ball released Carragher Friel and his cut back was turned home by Michael Ferry. Both sides pushed for a lead goal and Kilmacrennan almost regained the lead but Ryan McFadden saw his header go past the post. The away side regained the lead on 43 minutes when Oisin Harkin’s attempted cross got caught in the wind and dropped in at the near post. In a tight second half neither side created any real clear-cut chances.
Kilmacrennan’s best effort was a shot from Sean Sandilands, while Glenea’s closest effort saw Michael Ferry’s close-range effort saved by the visiting keeper. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Paul Murphy.
Oldtown Celtic 5 v 2 Fintown Harps AFC
The first 15 minutes began with Oldtown pressing for the lead but a well drilled Fintown defence kept them at bay. Oldtown did manage to find the breakthrough when Micheal Doherty finished from the edge of the area after being put through by Ciaran Gibson. Almost immediately, they added a second. This time Kevin Mc Grath getting on the scoresheet after an Anthony Browne cutback. Mc Grath was unlucky not to add his second but Fintown keeper Jamie O’ Donnell managed to save from close range. Fintown dug deep to weather the storm and got back into the tie when Aaron Mc Glynn broke the offside trap to slot home. 2-1 at the break. With the next goal being crucial the 2nd half began with both teams pushing to get it. It landed Oldtown’s way when Tommy Mc Laughlin did well to play Anthony Browne in on the right and he crossed for Cleary to add a 3rd. A 4th soon occurred when Cleary cut back for Doherty to add a 2nd before Doherty turned provider crossing for Mc Grath to add his second and Oldtown’s 5th of the day. Fintown continued to push and got a goal back when Stephen Boyle calmly slotted home. Neither side could add to the scoreline with the Oldtown defence standing strong and Fintown keeper O’ Donnell making another two fantastic saves to stop Cleary adding to his tally. Teams performances from both sides in what was a great game.
St. Catherines Reserves 2 v 2 Strand Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 4 Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 2 Ballybofey United Reserves
Honours even in Cranford Park, with Ballybofey snatching a point for a well-earned result on the road. Ballybofey were first to take the lead with a good move down the right wing, but player manager Paddy Mc Geever got Cranford back even shortly after by putting the keeper under pressure and blocking a clearance which hit the back of the net. Cathair Sweeney hit a wonder strike from 35 yards to take the lead for Cranford, and worked hard to maintain this lead until the dying minutes when Ballybofey worked the ball from the back, whipped in a lovely cross and finished from close range.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 2 v 3 Swilly Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United Reserves 4 v 0 Copany Rovers
Milford came out on top on a blustery day in Moyle View Park with a 4-0 win over Copany Rovers. Goals from Corey Lee Mc Conigley and Darren Mc Laughlin gave Milford a 2-0 lead at half time which was the result of a solid first half performance for the Milford men. Milford started off the second half in the same fashion as the first with another goal from an Anthony Hegarty free kick from the edge of the box. Niall Murray made it 4-0 to seal the victory for Milford. Great team performance from Milford with Corey Lee Mc Conigley, Darren Mc Laughlin and Eoin O’ Donnell having an excellent game between them.
Ramelton Mariners 1 v 0 Drumbar United
The Mariners recorded another win and clean sheet at home to Drumbar with a well fought victory over a tough Drumbar side who kept fighting until the very end. The first half was a very cagey affair with both sides squandering a lot of chances. The Drumbar keeper gave away a penalty to Evan Hewitt late in the second half which Eoin Roulston slotted home with ease. The second half was dull with the Mariners going close a few times but unable to get a second.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Drumkeen United Reserves 1 v 2 Lagan Harps Reserves
Lagan Harps were the visitors to a wet St Patrick’s Park on Saturday afternoon for this Finn Travel Saturday Division 3 Match.
Drumkeen produced what was probably their best performance of the season so far but still ended up on the losing side. These two teams were evenly matched and the first half ended scoreless and goal chances were at a premium although both sides could have scored. Drumkeen had the first chance to break the deadlock when Eunan O’Boyle found himself one on One with Lagan keeper Kai Browne and the young keeper did well to deny him. Lagan Harps themselves could have taken the Lead when Damien Mc Fadden headed over the bar when it looked easier to score. Just before half time Mc Fadden had another chance but he was denied by a great save from Drumkeen keeper Evan Higgins so it was scoreless at the break.
The second half was evenly balanced with few chances created until the last 20 minutes when the game was won and lost. Lagan Harps broke the deadlock around the 70th minute when a bit of a mix-up in the Drumkeen defence presented an opportunity to Michael Toner and he fired home. Drumkeen got back on level terms quickly though when they were awarded a penalty. Emmet O’Boyle stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home. A draw was looking like the most likely result for a large part of this game and this was now a possibility again with about 10 minutes left. Unfortunately for the home team things went wrong for them when a high ball into the box caused a bit of uncertainty in the Drumkeen defence and Dean Murray was on hand to capitalise for the visitors. Drumkeen keeper Evan Higgins made a good save from Michael Toner to keep Drumkeen’s chances of getting a point alive . Drumkeen kept pressing for the equaliser but they ran out of time and the visitors went home with all three points This game was played in a great spirit even though it was a bit cold and wet as winter arrived in Drumkeen.
Erne Wanderers 1 v 0 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Sunday 15th October 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Fanad United 4 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
Fanad United moved top of the Donegal League Premier Division with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Gweedore Celtic at Traigh-a-Loch. Played in ideal conditions Fanad were quick out of the blocks and took the lead after five minutes. Keeper Mark Mc Conigley sent Declan Mc Garvey away down the left and his excellent cross into the box was met at the back post by Peter Carr who fired high into the roof of the net. The next chance came in the 20th minute when Eoin Logue showed good foot-work to send Eddie O’Reilly clear however he dragged his shot wide. Two minutes later a Declan Mc Garvey cross was met by Eddie O’Reilly but his header was deflected just wide. On the half hour mark Eoin Logue and Eddie O’Reilly combined again but the latter’s header produced a fine save from Gweedore keeper Joe Mc Gee. Moments before half time Fanad got their second. Daibhid Lynch did well to create space on the left and his cross was met by Eddie O’Reilly who headed home. Five minutes into the second half Eddie O’Reilly’s through ball was met by Daibhid Lynch who’s shot produced another fine save from Joe Mc Gee. Fanad continued to press and got their 3rd five minutes later. A Daibhid Lynch shot produced another good save from Joe Mc Gee, however when the ball broke to Eoin Logue he was bundled over in the box and a penalty was awarded. Eoin Logue stepped up and slotted the ball home. On the hour mark Fanad got their 4th goal when Oisin Langan broke out from centre half, his ball was met by Paddy Mc Ginley who showed great control to lob the ball over the advancing Mc Gee before controlling the ball and slotting into the net. The final chance of the game came in the closing minutes when Cormac Sweeney showed great skill out on the wing and his dangerous cross was met by Eddie O’Reilly who headed just wide. Referee: Dessie McLaughlin
Keadue Rovers 3 v 4 St. Catherines
St. Catherine’s went away from Central Park on Sunday with three valuable points after a highly eventful game at Central Park. The game was played in good, sunny conditions and both sides started off well, moving the ball around well, with Keadue having the better chances. The game turned on eight minutes, when following a challenge on the edge of the area, Keadue’s Brendan Mc Cafferty was sent off. The visitors made the hosts pay within minutes when Paul O’Hare steered home from close range for the opener. Keadue tried to respond but were finding things difficult in the backline having made changes and after fifteen minutes St. Catherine’s made it 2-0 with Alex Mc Brearty this time slotting home. Keadue, to their credit, came back into the game and had some decent chances. Paul Yank Boyle headed wide on twenty-five minutes while a few minutes later they had a goal disallowed. Despite being on top for a good spell, Keadue fell further behind against the run of play when on thirty-nine minutes the goal of the game was expertly dispatched by Ryan Cunningham. It looked like a comfortable afternoon’s work for the visitors but at half time, with a substitution made, Keadue came out all guns blazing and got a goal back within a minute with Ryan Connors rifling home from close range. Ten minutes later Keadue pulled back a 2nd, when from a free kick, the ball was headed back across goal and Peter Mc Gee was on hand to make it 3-2. The home side’s press was causing problems for the St. Catherine’s defence, particularly under the high ball and remarkably Keadue were level on sixty-six minutes when, following a handball in the box, a penalty was awarded and up stepped Chris Greene to make it 3-3. The comeback looked to be complete but remarkably there was one final twist to the game in the sixty-eight minute when a defensive mix up led to a penalty being awarded and despite getting a hand to it in nets the away side went 4-3 up. The final twenty minutes were hectic with Keadue pushing hard for the leveller but St. Catherine’s came more into the game as an attacking threat, creating a few half chances and aided by the extra man. Despite Keadue’s fine efforts in almost securing a fine comeback, St. Catherine’s held on for a 4-3 win to solidify their good start to the season, while for Keadue, their inconsistent start to the season continues. Best for St. Catherine’s were Ryan Cunningham and Alex Mc Brearty while best for Keadue were Michael Greene and Peter McGee. Referee : Zack Mc Loughlin.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 0 v 5 Glenea United
The visitors claimed all three points against a youthful Convoy side when their clinical finishing early on proved to be the big difference between the two sides. Ciaran Coll opened the scoring on ten minutes with a fine shot from the edge of the box following good build up play. The same player was on hand five minutes later when he calmly headed home from a set piece. Convoy had a chance to reduce the deficit on twenty-five minutes from the penalty spot but the Glenea keeper pulled off a fine save. Ten minutes into the second half the outcome was settled when the impressive Coll completed his hat-trick from close range. The home side kept pressing but could not convert. Darren Mc Geever added a fourth for Glenea with five minutes remaining and Carragher Friel finished it off on the stroke of full time. A very youthful home side worked hard throughout with Zack Gildea making his debut while Ciaran Coll was excellent for the visitors. Referee: Stephen Laird.
Letterbarrow Celtic 0 v 2 Cappry Rovers
Cappry Rovers travelled to Tymeen on a beautiful Autumn day with both teams looking to kick-start their season. Chucky Wilson scored a well worked goal for the away side with Ronan Mc Namee playing through a great pass. Letterbarrow fought back but failed to put the ball in the back of the net. The second half started similarly with Letterbarrow unlucky on occasion. Ronan Mc Namee made it two for the away side sealing all three points.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 5 v 3 Whitestrand United
Whitestrand took the lead on 4 minutes, something of a shock going by the current League Status of the sides. Would this be the day the Mc Garvey Park side put their first points of the season on the league table? Ballybofey United, having won six from six, soon found their rhythm and equalised on nine minutes when Damien Glackin reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Whitestrand penalty area and tapped home to re-install parity. That was two minutes after the hitman had sent a warning with a headed effort that just missed the target after he was set-up by Barrie Mc Ghee. Whitestrand continued to play well and twice could have regained the lead but both efforts were wide of the Ballybofey net. Mark Griffin then gave the home side the lead when he headed home Niall Mc Closkey’s assist on thirty-five minutes. A Whitestrand free-kick from out near the corner-flag then deceived the Ballybofey defence and the ball nestled behind the home-keeper to see the sides head for the interval refreshments on level terms. On fifty-eight minutes Oran Gallen showed great control on a run through the midfield before he fed Griffin who curled a lovely effort to the net from twenty-five yards, Ballybofey ahead again. Mc Closkey then added a fourth when he connected with Aaron Mc Auley’s cross into the Whitestrand box. Glackin got his second and Ballybofey’s fifth when he finished from close range on seventy-nine minutes following a Griffin cross. Whitestrand showed great spirit despite being three adrift, they got their third of the day near the end from the penalty spot.
Drumkeen United 3 v 5 Drumoghill F.C.
The opening 15 minutes were tight but then within a few minutes Drumkeen found themselves two goals behind as Niall Mc Crossan and Barry Tourish scored for the visitors in quick Succession. Drumkeen striker Freddie has been in good form recently and he continued his good run as he pulled a goal back for Drumkeen. The lead was extended again when Lee Smith added a third for Drumoghill. The visitors ended the half strongly as Liam O’ Donnell made it four just before the Break. The second half began badly for Drumkeen when Lee Smith got his second and a Drumoghill’s 5th goal shortly after the restart. At that stage, it looked like it was game over for Drumkeen as it was hard to see them coming back. In fairness to the home team they kept plugging away and pulled another goal back when the ever-impressive Freddie did the hard work to set up Lee Guthrie who finished well. The Clock was now against Drumkeen but they did manage another goal and it that man Freddie again who reduced the deficit to two Goals. The Clock finally caught up with the home team though. Referee: Semi Ferry.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 v 7 Lifford Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 4 v 2 Deele Harps
Rabs Park was the venue for the visit of Deele Harps and the home side took the points with a solid display. It was two nil at the break with Johnny Nanny scoring twice, the second a great finish after great work from Jamie Mc Ateer. Geard Mc Ateer made it three with a brilliant free kick and Patsy Friel made it four shortly after with a great finish. Deele to their credit never lay down and scored two quick-fire goals in the final ten minutes to make Kerrykeel sweat. Best for Kerrykeel were Shaun Kerr, Brandon Mc Clafferty and Johnny Nanny. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle
Raphoe Town 3 v 3 Curragh Athletic
Raphoe started the brighter in this well contested match however Curragh broke the deadlock in the 7th minute when Raphoe had a defensive error. Curragh were dominant for the next 30 minutes with a lot of decisions going their way and they scored again just before halftime to make it 2-0 at the break. With changes made at halftime Raphoe came out guns blazing and young Ryan Mc Neill made a solo run from the halfway line to slot past the advancing goalkeeper from 18 yards out. So it was game on Raphoe pressed hard and it was Ryan again who slipped Kyle Martin through on goal with a fine finish leaving it all level at 2-2. With Raphoe still in celebration mode after clawing their way back into the game another lapse in concentration let Curragh back in to take the lead 2-3. But one minute after the restart Finn Canning played a diagonal ball across field to set Ryan Kildea through on goal but selfishly Ryan squared the ball for Kyle Martin to tap in his second of the day. 3-3. With 10 minutes left on the clock Raphoe looked like the team that would take all three points but with opportunities missed it finished in a share of the spoils.
FAI Junior Cup
Bonagee United 0 v 4 Cockhill Celtic
The visitors were one up in the first minute when Lee Mc Laughlin broke clear down the wing and his cross into the box was headed home from eight yards. Peter Doherty saw his shot from twenty-five yards just go over the Bonagee crossbar on four minutes. The home team’s first chance came on six minutes when Emmett Friel broke clear but his strike from the edge of the box was turned around the post by Harry Doherty in goal. The visitors were two up on twenty-two minutes when a cross into the box fell to the feet of Garbhan Friel and he shot home from four yards. Carr in the home goal made a great save from Luke Rodden on twenty-five minutes from a fifteen-yard strike. Rodden again saw his header from ten yards go over the crossbar from a Corey Mc Bride cross. It was three nil on forty-two minutes when Friel broke down the right, he played the ball into the box to Jamie Bradley who laid it off to Jay Bradley and his strike from fifteen yards went into the corner of the net. The second half was much the same with the visitors well on top and strikes on goal from Friel on the hour and Rodden on sixty-five well saved by Carr in the home goal. The final goal came on seventy-five minutes a cross into the box the ball broke to Rodden and he shot home from ten yards. Noah Barrett saw his strike from thirty yards go over the bar on eighty-five minutes. Team effort by both sides. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
Donegal Town 1 v 3 Aileach F.C.
Town were quicker out of the blocks and were one up after 4 minutes thanks to a Ben Sweeney strike. Aileach started the better in the second half and were 3-1 up from strikes by the two Dohertys and Mc clean. Town spurned great chances through Declan Duignan and Davy Graham and a great strike from Glenn Harron which cannoned off the bar. Two good team performances. Referee: Alastair Gourley.
Greencastle F.C. 4 v 2 Castlefin Celtic
(No Report Available)
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 2 Swilly Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Letterkenny Rovers 2 v 1 Rathmullan Celtic
Rovers couldn’t have asked for a better start. Two goals within the first 3 minutes. The first from a free kick which Conor Tourish scored. The second from play saw Zach Gorman get the ball in the box and finish well. After that Rathmullan settled in but it wasn’t until the 26th minute that they got their first real chance and it came from a corner which was delivered into the box eventually finding Conor Temple who put it in the net. Just before the break Rathmullan came close following a long ball not being dealt with by the Rovers’ defence allowing a one on one with the Rovers’ keeper Blake Forkan who did well to come out and close the angle preventing the goal. 2-1 to Rovers at halftime. It wasn’t until the 61st minute before the first real chance of the second half came from a free kick for Rathmullan. Conor Temple got on it but put it over the bar. On 70 minutes a throw from Zach Gorman got to Conor Tourish who chested it down, turned and shot over the bar. Aside from that there were very few chances. It’s Rovers who advance, seeing the game out 2-1. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle