Here are all of the results and match reports from another busy weekend of Donegal League football action.
Saturday 28th October 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 1 v 0 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Arranmore welcomed Cappry Rovers to Rannagh Park in what was a good contest with the away side defending resolutely for the full 1st half when they played against the wind. Mardy Mc Garrigle and John Roper Jnr. went closest for the home team. Arranmore started the 2nd upping the tempo from the start and after 10 minutes opened the scoring as John Roper Jnr. went down the left wing and turned his man inside out before using his weaker left foot to score. Peadar Rodgers and Tommy Mc Indewar kept it tight at the back for the remainder limiting the ever-impressive Aaron Kelly to only one or two half-chances for the away side. Mardy Mc Garrigle, John Roper Jnr. and Tommy Mc Indewar were the best for the home side in a strong team performance with Aaron Kelly a standout performer for a young Cappry Rovers side.
Referee: Seamus Mc Grory
Donegal Town Reserves 3 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 3 v 7 Glencar Celtic
In windy but dry conditions at Páirc Acla Fintown Harps had the better of the first ten minutes. Glencar responded with an effort from Pajo Rafferty but Karl O’Brien, the Fintown custodian, was equal to it. Fintown pushed hard and had two great chances fall to Jamie Mc Monagle and Steve Boyle. On 15 minutes Glencar won a free and Joe Mc Carron found the range to put Glencar one up. Fintown responded well and great work from Roper and Doherty found Aaron Mc Glynn who made no mistake from six yards. Glencar then got a lucky break to go 2-1 up with Karl O’ Brien clearing the ball but the rebound fell to Collins and his shot from distance found the net. Half time arrived with Glencar leading 2-1.
The second half started with Glencar hitting a purple patch and Pajo Rafferty getting the first of three goals to put them 3-1 one up. Fintown’s heads dropped a bit but Glencar smelled blood and anther one from Pajo put them 4-1 up. Fintown battled hard but nothing was going their way and Keelan Mc Monagle got a second yellow and his marching orders. Under big pressure now Joe Balcer put Celtic into a comfortable 5-1 lead. Fintown got a free and Jamie Mc Monagle hit a great shot through the Glencar wall to give some hope to Fintown, 5-2.
From the kick-off Pajo hit an unreal shot to catch Karl in goals off his line to put Celtic 6 – 2 up. In fairness to Fintown never gave up and Jamie Mc Monagle got his second goal to bring it back to 6-3. Glencar got another late on to make it 7-3. Big effort from both teams.
Referee: Trover Hay
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 0 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 3 v 5 Oldtown Celtic
Game started off with both teams taking on a fast-paced approach, and the first goal of the day came in the 2nd minute from Oldtown’s Anthony Brown when the ball was crossed over to him from the wing and he hit a rocket shot from 15 yards out leaving nothing for Cormac to do to stop it. Strand responded fast in the 3rd minute when David Mc Carron hit a thunder bolt shot from distance to level the score line. It wasn’t long until the travelling side was on top again when 2 minutes later a hand ball in the box let Kevin Mc Grath to score from a penalty. Oldtown’s right back Anthony Brown got on the end of another cross at the post and tapped it in past the home keeper. In the 16th minute a corner for Strand Rovers taken by Dylan Boyle was headed into the back of the net from Brendan Glackin. Strand levelled the score-line again when David Mc Carron lobbed the defender and the keeper to place the ball nicely in the back of the net.
Oldtown got their second penalty in the 31st minute when a Strand defender’s trailing leg caught an Oldtown man and he went down, letting Kevin Mc Grath to score again. The second half was as tight with both sides making a few changes. Strand pushed hard to level the score-line once again. But it wasn’t to be for the Maghery men this week as a corner for the away side was not cleared by the Strand defence and Mickey Hawe cooly dispatched it into the bottom corner.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 0 Ramelton Mariners
In a tightly contested match, Swilly secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Mariners in a display of cautious and methodical gameplay. The lone goal of the match came around 25 minutes in when Daniel Mc Ateer capitalised on a defensive lapse, passing the ball to Ryan Moore who blasted the ball past Russell in the Mariners’ net. Both teams displayed a defensive mind-set, with both midfields working hard to not let anything through. Possession was evenly split, with neither side willing to take unnecessary risks. The second half saw few goal-scoring opportunities as both teams continued to prioritise their defensive shapes. Mariners made a late surge in the final 10 minutes but the Swilly defence and keeper were able to deal with the pressure.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Gweedore United Reserves 2 v 3 Erne Wanderers
A confident Erne side sitting at the top of the league came to Gweedore maybe thinking that it was going to be an easy day at the office, however the Gweedore lads had other ideas for them. The home side set up defensively in the opening half, trying to create something on the counter attack. They worked well and saw decent chances through James Mc Glinchey. Erne took the lead in the 12th minute when United couldn’t clear after a corner and Jakub Naderski hit a good shot from 10 yards to make it 1-0. Chances were few and far between until half time. In the second half Erne went out and pressed the United defence and got their reward in the 64th minute when Philip Patton finished well to make it 2-0. The home side went at Erne and pulled a goal back in the 77th minute with Ronan O’ Donnell finishing well after a good run. The home side were back on level terms when Taegan Coyle finished from close range after a good free kick delivery by Brian Mc Fadden. Stephen Mulhern had a chance to put United ahead but the keeper saved well. Erne saw half chances fall to Philip Patton and JC Mc Garrigle. The visitors got the winner in the 92nd minute when Josh Richie came in at the back post to shoot into the back of the net to claim the three points. It was a good battling display by a youthful United side with Thomas Ferry and Ronan O’ Donnell excelling on the day. Josh Rickie and Philip Patton played well for Erne. Referee: Barry Tourish.
Sunday 29th October 2023
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps 2 v 1 Raphoe Town
Deele welcomed neighbours Raphoe Town to Ballindrait in fine conditions on Sunday afternoon. A very youthful Raphoe side were well in this game throughout. David Arthur was called into action early on making a smart stop. As half time approached Declan Lafferty slid a through ball to Tom Mullan who dragged his shot just wide. The second half started the same as the first with goalkeepers David Arthur of Deele and Robbie Dolan of Raphoe on top form. On 51 minutes, as Tom Mullan raced clear and rounded the keeper, he was pulled down. Mullan stepped up and rifled home the penalty. Deele extended their lead on 69 minutes when Jordy Duffy was slipped through and he made no mistake firing home from just inside the box. Raphoe’s young guns to their credit kept going and Oisin Kelly scored the goal of the day on 85 minutes, running through from midfield and finding the top corner from the edge of the box. David Arthur was best for Deele and team performance from a good young Raphoe team.
Referee: Seamie Ferry.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 v 4 Curragh Athletic
(No Report Submitted)
Whitestrand United 0 v 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Whitestrand welcomed Kerrykeel to Mc Garvey Park on a brisk afternoon. The game started off evenly with few clear-cut chances for either side. Whitestrand were dealt a blow in the first ten minutes when their talisman Micheal Sweeney was forced off with injury. Kerrykeel took the lead on 30 minutes when Jamie Mc Ateer finished at the back post. Whitestrand had a penalty shout before half-time, apart from that not much to report. Wasteful corners and set pieces from both sides. A few tactical changes at halftime spurred Whitestrand into life. Whitestrand playing some nice football, pushing for an equaliser, unfortunately to no avail. Kerrykeel left with three points. Best for Whitestrand, Kevin Mc Carry, Cormac Shovlin & Paddy Sheridan. Team performance from Kerrykeel.
Ulster Junior Cup
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 0 Ballybofey United
Castlefin advanced to the next round of the Ulster Cup after a hard-fought victory over Ballybofey under the lights at the Aura Centre. A Brian Dooher strike midway through the second half secured the victory for the Premier Division side. Both sides created numerous half-chances with neither able to convert.
Cockhill Celtic 3 v 0 Glenea United
(No Report Available)
Cranford United 2 v 8 Donegal Town
(No Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. 2 v 2 Monaghan Town
(a.e.t. Monaghan won 5-4 on Penalties)
(No Report Submitted)
Fanad United 3 v 1 Kildrum Tigers
Fanad United progressed to the next round of the Ulster Junior Cup after a 3-1 victory over Kildrum Tigers at Traigh-a-Loch on Saturday evening. It was an open game and despite the blustery conditions both sides played some decent football. Fanad had the first chance after 5 minutes when Keelin Mc Elwaine found Eddie O’Reilly in the box but he curled just wide. Ten minutes later Kildrum had a chance when William Lynch headed wide when well placed.
It was Fanad who opened the scoring on 20 minutes. Keelin Mc Elwaine sent Declan Mc Garvey away down the right and his excellent cross was met by Eoin Logue who scored from 6 yards. It was end to end stuff and it was Fanad who extended their lead 5 minutes before the break. Oisin Langan hit a free kick from his own half into the Kildrum box and when it fell to Eddie O’Reilly he made no mistake finishing into the bottom corner. On the stroke of half time Kildrum got a goal back. Matthew Crossan hit a dangerous free kick into the box from 35 yards and James Mc Nulty rose highest at the back post to power a header home. Playing with the wind, Kildrum started the second half on the front foot.
Ten minutes in William Lynch controlled the ball in the box but seen his curling effort go just wide. Two minutes later the same player saw his thumping effort from 25 yards fly just over the bar. Just after the hour mark Eddie O’Reilly went on a mazy run but his shot was easily saved by Chris O’Donnell in the Kildrum nets. Fanad continued to press and got their 3rd goal of the match with 15 minutes to go. Keelin Mc Elwaine showed great skill down the right and his pinpoint cross was met by Darren Mc Elwaine who fired into the bottom corner. On 80 minutes Paddy Carr and Keelin combined well down the right and when the ball fell to Eddie O’Reilly he was denied by a superb point blank save from Chris O’Donnell. Three minutes into injury time Eddie O’Reilly went on another good run but he fired his shot just wide. The two sides clash again next Sunday in the Donegal League at Traigh-a-Loch
Referee: Mick Lagan
Glaslough 1 v2 Swilly Rovers
Swilly Rovers clinched a hard-fought victory against Glaslough Villa in a challenging match on a less-than-ideal astro turf pitch. In the first half, Swilly dominated the game with close attempts by Ian Ward and Laurence Toland. They took the lead in the 25th minute when Shane Mc Namee released Matthew Mc Laughlin who clinically finished from ten yards out. The second half saw Swilly struggle to adapt to the pitch and Glaslough managed to equalise with a fine low drive into the bottom corner in the 70th minute. Unfortunately, Swilly lost their player-manager Laurence Toland to injury in the 75th minute, a significant setback. Jordan Mc Daid replaced Toland. Swilly secured the win in the 80th minute when Shane Mc Namee embarked on a brilliant run and found Kyle Black who stylishly finished. Glaslough had an effort blocked on the line and Swilly held on. Despite challenging weather conditions and missed opportunities Swilly advanced to the next round.
Gweedore Celtic 0 v 6 Buncrana Hearts
(No Report Submitted)
Keadue Rovers 4 v 0 Illies Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 v 1 Gweedore United
(No Report Submitted)
Letterkenny Rovers 6 v 0 Clonmany Shamrocks
Letterkenny Rovers put on a dominating performance against Clonmany Shamrocks, finishing with a resounding 6-0 victory. The first half saw Rovers controlling the game, but they only managed to find the back of the net once. The action began early, a free kick from Zach Gorman just three minutes in, but it sailed wide. Moments later, a well-executed throw from Gorman found Conor Tourish whose header struck the right post. Clonmany Shamrocks had their first attempt at the 6-minute mark as Aaron Porter delivered a precise ball into the box and Jason Devlin’s shot was saved by Rovers’ keeper Mark Mc Ginley. Rovers had their share of opportunities.
On the 20-minute mark Rovers finally broke through. Zach Gorman drove at the Clonmany defence and placed the ball into the left corner of the net, giving Rovers a 1-0 lead. Joel Gorman had a spectacular long-range attempt that struck the top of the crossbar in the 23rd minute and Rovers had a goal disallowed for a foul on the 24th minute. Clonmany had their chances too with a corner going unchallenged across the Rovers goal and Shane Mc Caul’s shot straight at Mark Mc Ginley. The first half ended with one final free kick for Rovers delivered by Joel Gorman but Liam Mc Gonigle made the save.
While Clonmany were dangerous on the counter, Rovers gained strength in the second half. Nathan Plumb nearly scored on 48 minutes with a shot that narrowly missed the right post. On 51 minutes, a free kick from Joel Gorman found Conor Tourish’s head but hit the crossbar. Nathan Plumb was in action again on 54 minutes, but his shot was stopped by the Clonmany keeper. The second goal of the match came on 55 minutes during a goalmouth scramble. Nathan Plumb managed to get the ball over the line after a Zach Gorman ball was cleared by the defence. Clonmany had a chance on 59 minutes but Aaron Porter’s shot went wide to the right. On 60 minutes, a great ball by Zach Gorman from the right wing found Lee Mc Monagle, who headed straight into Mc Gonigle’s hands. The third goal came on 69 minutes after great work on the right wing by Leon Doherty who set up Lee Mc Monagle for a clean finish. Rovers continued their scoring spree with a fantastic 40yd free kick from Joel Gorman on 78 minutes making it 4-0. On 81 minutes a goal kick from Mark Mc Ginley started a well-timed run by Nathan Plumb who delivered a perfect cross to Lee Mc Monagle who extended Rovers’ lead to 5-0. Mc Monagle secured his hat-trick on 90 minutes, chesting down a cross from Zach Gorman and slotting into the left of the goal, sealing a commanding 6-0 victory for Letterkenny Rovers.
Referee: Stephen Laird
Milford United P v P Bonagee United
(No Report, Match Postponed, Rescheduled for Tuesday 31st)