Here are all the scores and match reports from this week’s Donegal League soccer action.
Friday 10th November 2023
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Lagan Harps 2 v 0 Convoy Arsenal
Lagan took all three points following an entertaining encounter played under the lights in Convoy on Friday night. They opened the scoring on ten minutes when the ball found its way to Codey Brogan in the box following a throw-in an he made no mistake from close range. For the remainder of the half Convoy dominated play but didn’t create many clear chances. On the stroke of half time the home side went close when a good chance fell to Gary Brolly. Ten minutes into the second half the visitors added another following a great strike from Philip Doran. Convoy responded well but didn’t threaten the Lagan goal enough. Good team performances from Lagan and a youthful Convoy side.
Gweedore United 1 v 0 Bonagee United
This game, reversed to Dray Arch Park, and played on Friday night saw the Gaeltacht men come away with an excellent result against a strong Bonagee side. The game started well with both sides playing nice football. Bonagee saw an early chance for Dan O’Donnell however his shot went well over the bar. Stephen Doyle Mc Fadden saw a good shot well saved by John Carr in the Bonagee nets. The game was played at a quick pace with Gweedore seeing the best chances of the opening half falling to Darren Ferry in the 18th and 32nd minutes however Carr in the home nets did well on each occasion. Bonagee also saw two decent chances fall to Aaron Wasson but Oran Craig in the Gweedore nets was excellent on each occasion. Just before the break, the home side were reduced to 10 men. In the second half the visitors, with the advantage of the extra man, went at Bonagee and their defence was left exposed on some occasions where Bonagee looked dangerous on the break. Bonagee made a few changes to their formation and it was effective as they began to put Gweedore on the back foot for a spell in the second half. The pace of the Bonagee wingers was causing difficulties for the visitors and Bonagee saw excellent chances fall to Jordan Armstrong, Fintan Hasson and Emmet Friel however the Gweedore keeper Oran Craig was on top form on the night to keep a clean sheet. The visitors got a foot hold on the game as the half went on and saw decent chances by Ethan Harkin, Stephen Donna Mc Fadden and Fionnan Coyle. As the game progressed, it looked like it was going to end in stalemate but in the 91st minute Stephen Doyle Mc Fadden put young Brian Mc Fadden through and he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of Carr’s goal to make it 1-0 securing a huge three points for the visitors. It was a good game with both sides playing nice football with Oran Craig in the Gweedore nets was man of the match in this tight affair. Referee: Allister Gourley.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Fanad United Reserves 4 v 1 Gweedore United Reserves
Fanad United continued their good recent form with a 4-1 victory over Gweedore United Reserves at Traigh-a-Loch on Friday night. Fanad attacked from the start and on 8 minutes Cormac Sweeney sent a lovely through ball to Alex Gerwatowski but he just failed to get his shot away. In the 15th minute a Darragh O’ Doherty corner caused problems in the Gweedore box and it seen the Gweedore defence twice clear off the line. Just a minute later Dylan Mc Glone was unlucky to see his fine strike come back off the crossbar. Their pressure finally paid off just after the half hour mark. Darren Lynch broke from the back and his excellent cross was flicked home by Dylan Mc Glone. 5 minutes later Fanad got their second. A cross from Dylan Mc Glone was headed goalwards by Eoin Logue, when it was blocked Logue reacted quickest to fire home. On the stroke of halftime Fanad got their 3rd. A Darragh O’Doherty cross was met by Eoin Logue but the Gweedore keeper made a fine save, from the rebound Daibhid Lynch was quickest to react and fired home. The second half was a quieter affair with chances few and far between. 7 minutes into the half Fanad extended their lead further. Cormac Sweeney showed great skill to go round the keeper and when he pulled the ball back Alan Mc Ateer fired home. Gweedore to their credit kept going and got a consolation goal 20 minutes in with a superb strike from the edge of the box. Fanad did have another chance but Daibhid Lynch’s beautiful strike forced a brilliant save from the Gweedore keeper. Referee: Sean Houston
Saturday 11th November 2023
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 1 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 2 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 4 v 2 Glenea United Reserves
Fintown Harps welcomed Glenea to Páirc Acla on a dry cold afternoon. Fintown broke the deadlock on 15 minutes with man of the match Declan Roper finding young Jamie Mc Monagle at the edge of the box and he made no mistake to find the bottom corner of the net. Glenea responded and had a great chance to equalise on 20 minutes but the effort went just wide. Harps went two nil up with a wonder strike from the edge of the box from Declan Roper. Glenea got back into the game with Jamie Mc Monagle giving away a foul inside the box and the ref gave the penalty. Glenea made no mistake from the spot. Harps pushed hard again but it finished 2-1 at half time. The second half started brightly for the away side but they couldn’t find the leveller. On 60 minutes Harps went 3 -1 up after some great play from the Fintown front men and big Aidan Mc Cahill, back for Fintown after a long break, in the right place at the right time and he slotted it home. Glenea got back In it again with a goal against the run of play. In a tight battle, Harps’ Keelan Mc Monagle went on a great direct run through the Glenea defence to hit a great shot to the bottom corner to put harps 4-2 up. With time against Glenea they keep going and had a few half chances but all to no avail. Good sporting game by both teams. Referee: John Duffy
Keadue Rovers Reserves 1 v 2 Glencar Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 0 v 2 St. Catherines Reserves
On a perfect day for football it was the men from south of the county that took home all three points after a solid and workman like display saw them over the line. Goals early in the 1st half and late in the 2nd gave them the win though Kilmacrennan will feel disappointed at the end given their dominance in the 2nd half which should have yielded more for their efforts. Catherine’s took the lead after 15 minutes when Cian Kennedy pounced on some real hesitant defending on the edge of the Kilmacrennan box and he finished well into the bottom corner. Whilst Kilmacrennan held the advantage in terms of possession and territory they created very little of note to trouble a stubborn Catherine’s rearguard and it remained 1 – 0 at the break. The 2nd half saw the home team ramp it up from the restart and they controlled large spells of the game but just couldn’t find the net, Gibson, Brown, Mc Laughlin, Mc Sharry and Mc Fadden all going close to equalising but a combination of poor finishing and dogged defending kept them scoreless. With only minutes remaining the impressive Dean Mc Ginley forced a corner after a quick counter attack and from the resulting kick, centre back Aaron Byrne rose unchallenged to head home and seal the win. A good three points on the road for the Emerald Park men while Kilmacrennan will feel it’s a game they let slip in the end. Referee: Rory O Gorman.
Strand Rovers 4 v 2 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Lovely day in Strand Park as we welcomed Cappry Rovers to Maghery, with both teams looking to gather some points and get up the table away from the relegation zone. The first of 6 goals in Maghery came from an excellent free kick taken in the 16th minute by James Mc Cole, it was headed straight in over the keeper by Matthew O’ Donnell to get the home side off the mark. It was tight at both ends for the next 10 minutes until the Strand back line slipped up losing the ball to a Cappry midfielder and he passed it to Matthew Mc Geehan who slotted it low into the bottom corner to level the score line. Only 4 minutes later Cappry were awarded a free kick that found the unmarked Freddie Cullen at the back post and he headed it into the back of the net putting Cappry ahead for the only time in this game. A speculative shot from 40 yards by David Mc Carron for Strand was not held by the keeper and despite his best efforts the ball crossed the line for the equaliser 10 minutes from half time. The second half started with both sides looking hard for that next goal, and it looked like the Cappry men were going to get ahead in the 61st minute when a foul in the box awarded them a penalty but Strand Keeper Cormac Hanlon guessed the right way he palmed the ball out wide and it was eventually cleared. Strand finally got ahead once more on 72 minutes as Dylan Boyle took a corner and Matthew O’ Donnell was first up to head the ball in the back of the net for his second goal of the day. Daniel Ward, at the back post, secured the much needed win for the home side with a goal near the end.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves P v P Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Drumbar United 3 v 1 Cranford United Reserves
(no Report Submitted)
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 0 Swilly Rovers Reserves
The game started off at a slow place, neither side creating many chances with Swilly enjoying more possession but it was Drumoghill who took the lead midway through first half through Eunan Kelly after a great cross to the back post from Cahill Mc Gowan. Cahill Mc Gowan, minutes later, missed a great chance to make it 2-0 but his effort went just over the bar, 1-0 at halftime. Swilly came out in second half and again dominated possession but Drumoghill looked dangerous on the break. Swilly pushed hard for an equaliser but Ryan Lockhart in the Drumoghill goal made an unbelievable save in injury time to keep it at 1-0. Ebby Philips went close to scoring in injury time for Drumoghill. A great defensive performance from Drumoghill with Richard Tinney and Shaun Wogan looking impressive. Great team effort from Swilly also. Game played in a good sporting manner. Referee: Zac Mc Laughlin.
Dunlewey Celtic 1 v 3 Ramelton Mariners
Ramelton Mariners visited Glentornan Park on a fine winters afternoon. It proved to be a fine afternoon for Ramelton who inflicted Dunlewey’s first defeat of the season to leapfrog Dunlewey in the league. Both sides started well but it was Ramelton who took the lead after a mazy run from Evan Hewitt who ran through the Dunlewey side from near the half way line and finished well around the Dunlewey keeper. Ramelton doubled their lead when Finn Robinson scored well for the visitors. Darren Gallagher pulled a goal back from Dunlewey following a spell of pressure from the hosts. 2-1 the score at half time. The second half started with Ramelton continuing to press the home side and created several chances and a Ramelton striker broke the lines and rounded the keeper who clipped the Ramelton man outside the area to see red. Dunlewey suffered a second sending off when the stand in keeper committed an identical foul and he also saw red seeing Dunlewey reduced to 9 men for the last 15 minutes. Dunlewey pushed to try and get back into the game but Ramelton defended well and kept the hosts at bay. While Dunlewey pushed, they got caught on the break and Finn Robinson made sure Ramelton were taking the spoils from this one. 3-1 the final score in favour of Ramelton.
Milford United Reserves 0 v 1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
(no Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves 4 v 3 Erne Wanderers
(No Report Submitted)
Drumkeen United Reserves 0 v 7 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
Drumkeen have had a difficult league campaign so far and they knew another tough assignment was on the cards on Saturday afternoon. This game went according to the form book with Letterkenny running out comfortable winners on the day to take home all three points. The visitors were three ahead at half time with goals from Jordan Nugent, Gareth Temple and Conor O Donnell giving them a healthy lead. The second half was pretty much the same with Jason Doherty adding number four and Danny Hall adding number 5. Jordan Nugent got his second goal to make it 6-0. James Gallagher rounded off the scoring with a simple tap in with ten minutes left. Drumkeen were always going to be under pressure in this fixture and so it proved as the visitors were just too strong for them on the day. Referee: Con mc Laughlin.
Sunday 12th November 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Castlefin and Kilmacrennan shared the spoils after an entertaining game in Castlefin. In the first half both sides couldn’t find a breakthrough with Paul Bradley going closest for the visitors and Jordan Mc Kinney for the home side. In the second half Castlefin started on the front foot and were rewarded when Dan Foy rifled home after a Corrie Lee Bogan corner. The lead didn’t last long, Connor Curran played through Chris Flanagan who slotted home. Both sides went in search for a winner but both keepers stood firm.
Keadue Rovers 2 v 1 Kildrum Tigers
Keadue Rovers kept up their fine record of late with their fourth win on the spin and moved into the top four after defeating Kildrum at Central Park in wintry conditions. The game was made difficult by a swirling breeze but both teams found playing against the wind to their favour. The home side, with the wind against them in the 1st half, were pinned back by Kildrum in the opening minutes but there were no chances for them, while Keadue had an opening on six minutes when Peter McGee broke free on the left, crossed to Chris Greene, whose shot was well blocked. On ten minutes, Kildrum had a shot but it was easily saved. Keadue were hitting well on the break and deservedly took the lead when a free kick was whipped in by Brendan Mc Cafferty and Paul Yank Boyle sneaked into the near post to flick home well. They continued to probe the Kildrum defence and were good value for their lead. Kildrum came back and on the half hour from a cross, Matthew Crossan headed into the side netting. Keadue continued to probe and both wings were being used to good effect. Brian Proctor almost extended Keadue’s lead on thirty eight but his shot was blocked but the home side didn’t have to wait too long as on forty one minutes, they went 2-0 up, when excellent work on the right wing led to Aidan Brennan crossing well and Peter McGee superbly dispatching low to the corner. Kildrum came back and had a shot from William Lymch just wide before the break. At the start of the second half, Kildrum came out all guns blazing, pinning Keadue back in the first ten minutes and dominating possession. They got a goal back on fifty five minutes, when following a defensive error, Ronan McKinley picked up a loose ball and expertly fired a swerving shot into the home net. It was well deserved and further pressure was applied from a few set pieces with Matthew Crossan pushing up well for Kildrum, winning plenty of ball. Keadue started to get a bit more of a grip on things midway through the second half and a decent effort by Aaron Ward went just wide and just after that substitute Jordan Saville caused some concern in the Kildrum defence with some strong running and he had a shot just wide ten minutes from the end. As the game entered the final ten, it became very scrappy with a lot of broken play and a few bookings for both sides. In the end though, Keadue hang on for a vital 3 points which leaves them fourth place in the table. Best for Kildrum were Matthew Crossan and Ronan McKinley, while best for Keadue were Peter McGee, Martin Ferry and Michael Greene. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.
Milford United 0 v 0 Swilly Rovers
(No report Submitted)
St. Catherines 2 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
Both teams were finding it hard to settle with the ball remaining in the midfield sector for long periods and either keeper having little to do. The game eventually sprung into life on 30 minutes with the posts of the home and away goal being tested within 90 seconds of each other. The opening goal arrived on 40 minutes when Ryan Cunningham judged the bouncing ball better than any of the Gweedore centre halves and caught the loose ball sweetly with his left and found the roof of the net for a 1-0 lead and a real settler for the home team. The score reminded at 1-0 until the break. It was 2-0 on 52 minutes when the excellent Alex Mc Ginley drove down the right flank, swung in a super cross that was met by the brave head of Josh Cunningham. Gweedore had to push on now and Padraig Mc Bride was getting some joy down the right for the visitors but could never really test the home keeper. St. Catherines we’re now finding bigger gaps in the Gweedore defence as they pushed on for a goal and should really have put the game to bed on several occasions as the combination of good saves and squandered chances mounted up. Gweedore we’re competitive opponents but the youthful home team had enough in the tank to see the game out and a final score line of St Catherines 2 – Gweedore Celtic 0. Odhran Mc Neilis had a great game for the visitors while the return of Paul O’ Hare was an excellent boost for the Saints.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United 2 v 1 Cappry Rovers
Cranford claimed a vital three points at a wet and windy Cranford Park. Cappry came out of the blocks quick and put Cranford under pressure but the Cranford defence stood strong. Cranford took the lead after 25 minutes after they won a free kick 25 yards out. Chris Carr stepped up and smashed the ball into the top corner. Both sides had chances before the half but 1-0 it was at half time. Cranford extended their lead after 60 minutes when a ball was played up to Paddy Sheils who did well to hold it up and Domhnaill Sweeney ran in behind and finished well after rounding the keeper. Cappry got a goal back with ten minutes to go to put the pressure on but some good defending and a few good saves from Jason Hegarty secured the three points.
Letterbarrow Celtic 0 v 2 Donegal Town
Donegal made the short journey to Tymeen in an effort to maintain their lead at the top of the league. Letterbarrow are still looking for their first win and knew it would require a big effort to stand a chance against their high-flying neighbours. Donegal got an early lead when Joe Campbell finished a well worked goal. Letterbarrow battled hard but failed to find the net. Daniel Meehan was unlucky not to find the net after his long-range strike hit the bar. Eoin Slevin doubled the lead for Donegal with a great free kick meaning the three points were secured for the home side.
Letterkenny Rovers 2 v 2 Glenea United
In miserable weather conditions at Letterkenny, the clash between Letterkenny Rovers and Glenea United delivered a gripping encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw. The early stages had both teams creating opportunities but it was Glenea United who were first to score. Sean Coll created the opportunity for Ciaran Coll in the 23rd minute, he calmly slotted the ball past Blake Forkan, giving Glenea a 1-0 lead. As Rovers continued to press, Glenea sat deep, relying on counter-attacks. Goalkeeper Shaun Mc Clafferty played a crucial role, saving in the 38th minute from a David O’Donnell shot. A promising counter-attack from Rovers just before half-time saw Zach Gorman’s attempt narrowly miss the mark, leaving the scoreline at 1-0 in favour of Glenea. The second half saw Rovers intensifying their efforts, dominating possession, and creating numerous scoring opportunities. In the 52nd minute, Rovers found the equaliser when Zach Gorman’s cross was headed into the net by Nathan Plumb making it 1-1. Rovers continued to assert control, and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute. A well-delivered free kick by Gareth Doherty found the head of Conor Tourish, giving Rovers a 2-1 lead. However, Glenea struck back in the 80th minute through a spectacular solo effort by Ciaran Coll. He navigated a tight angle and managed to level the game at 2-2. Despite Rovers’ relentless pursuit of a winner, the match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 3 v 0 Drumkeen United
It was a cold and wet day in Dreenan and the conditions certainly affected the game with neither team creating any chances in the first half hour. The first real chance of the game came to Drumkeen when their striker saw his effort bounce off the post and Ballybofey scrambled to clear their lines. First half 0-0. Ballybofey started the second half a lot better than the first and nearly found themselves ahead when Daithí Mc Mahon pulled the ball back to Paul Kelly who’s shot just went wide of the post. Ballybofey had another chance when Niall Mc Closkey played in Mark Griffin but his effort was saved by the keeper. Ballybofey broke the deadlock when Andrew Mc Closkey played it out wide to Daithí who busted up the wing at pace and finished well past the Drumkeen keeper. Soon after Damien Glackin found himself one on one with the keeper, he made no mistake and finished well to make it 2-0. Ballybofey sealed the win in the 85th minute when Niall slipped a ball through to Daithí who slotted home to get his second of the day.
Curragh Athletic 0 v 5 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
The game started off at a fast pace with both sides creating a few half-chances. Kerrykeel took the lead on 20 minutes when Mark Friel finished well from the edge of the box. Curragh came close to finding the equaliser on 35 minutes but Conor Galvin found the side netting. Kerrykeel doubled their advantage on 53 minutes when the Kerrykeel winger tapped home at the back post after good work down the right. Kerrykeel grabbed their third from a quick breakaway goal on 60 minutes. Johnny Friel wrapped up the game with two good finished to see Kerrykeel secure all three points. A team performance from Curragh. Kevin Loughrey was best for Kerrykeel. Referee: Leo Devenney
Dunkineely Celtic 1 v 4 Drumoghill F.C.
Both teams started well and created chances but it was Drumoghill who took the lead on 8 minutes from the boot of Karl McGinley. The lead was only to last 3 minutes when Brian O’Donnell was taken down in the box and Adrian Nesbitt stepped up to convert the spot kick. Chances were created as both teams sought to put their mark on the fixture and after 30 minutes it was Karl Mc Ginley who converted from a corner for his second and to restore Drumoghill’s lead. Dunkineely pushed for an equaliser before half-time but to no avail. Drumoghill started the second half brightly and were only denied in the first minute by an excellent save from Corey Byrne in the Dunkineely goal. The home team rallied and put the visitors under pressure but were again undone by a corner and again it was Karl Mc Ginley who converted for his hat -trick. Dunkineely did their best to get back in the game but a fourth goal from Lee Smith in the 85th minute put the game beyond them and sealed the points for Drumoghill.
Lifford Celtic 1 v 0 Whitestrand United
Whitestrand came to Greenbrae with a game plan to sit in and stifle Lifford. For long periods of the first half it worked although Lifford did have a few half-chances. Shay Lindsay forcing the Whitestrand goalkeeper into a save. Daniel Lindsay hit a free kick late on that cannoned back off the post. Halftime Lifford 0-0 Whitestrand. The second half was similar from Whitestrand who had only one shot on target for the whole game. It was Lifford who would deservedly get the three points when late in the game a free kick into the Whitestrand box was misjudged by the away keeper and he could only punch the ball into his own net. Despair for the goalkeeper who had done his best throughout the game to slow the pace of Lifford.