Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League fixtures.
Saturday 24th February 2024
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 0 v 2 Arranmore United
It was a six pointer at Leckview on Saturday afternoon as Cappry Rovers hosted Arranmore United with both teams scrapping for points at the bottom of the league. It was nip and tuck in the beginning with both sides creating half chances but it would be the Islanders who would stamp their authority on proceedings. Finnian O’Donnell was quickest to react to a loose ball to tap into an empty net to put Arranmore one up. An excellent strike from Damian Webber soon after gave Arranmore a comfortable advantage going into the break. Cappry battled hard in the second half to try to get back into the game but were struggling to break down the solid away defence. A Sean O’Donnell header was the closest the home side came to getting a goal back as Arranmore ran out deserved winner.
Glenea United Reserves 0 v 0 Glencar Celtic
In fine conditions, Glenea and Glencar played out a hard-fought draw. It was the home side that started brightly and almost took the lead on 10 minutes when Calvin Murray’s through ball released Sean Geaney but his effort cleared the crossbar. Glenea continued to put the away side under pressure and came close again with an effort from Michael Ferry. Declan Mc Dermott in the away goal had to make a good save from a Luke Mc Carry free kick on 35 minutes. But as halftime approached Glencar came more into the game and on 43 minutes, after some good interplay, Russel Forde broke clear but dragged his effort wide of the goal. In the 2nd half it was the away side that started the strongest and Russell Forde twice came close to opening the scoring . As the 2nd half progressed both sides continued to push for an opening goal with Joe Coll making a fine save from a Gio Peoples header on 65 minutes. Glenea had a chance on 70 minutes when a long clearance found Calvin Murray but he saw his effort just go wide of the post. Joe Coll came to the home side’s rescue on 85 minutes when he made a fine save from a Liam Doherty header. As the game came to a close, neither side were able to find a winner. Best for Glenea were Robbie Murray and Kevin Boyle while Gio Peoples and Russell Forde were best for Glencar. Referee: Vincent Mc Loughlin.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 2 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 1 v 4 Keadue Rovers Reserves
When it comes to derby day anything can happen and with just 20 seconds gone on the clock, the gulls were off to a flying start when Daire Gallagher slotted one in the back of the net. The home side took their time to get into the game allowing Keadue the space to have another few shots narrowly missing the target. Up next Oran Fallon got the ball at the edge of the box and he cooly dribbled the ball past the Strand defence and it went through the legs of one of the Strand defenders into the net. The Strand lads may have been two goals down but it was this reality that spurred them into starting to play some football, they created a few good chances. Disaster stuck in the last 5 minutes of the first half with Strand Captain James Mc Cole giving away not one but two penalties to the travelling side. Up came Oran Fallon for both penalties with keeper Cormac Hanlon pulling off one great save, but unfortunately, he couldn’t get his hands to the second penalty doubling Fallon’s tally for the day. The second half saw Daire Gallagher again getting past the Strand defence and finish past the onrushing Cormac into the open net. Strand got a consolation goal midway through the second half when a good cross from Cian Mc Gee was played in from the left wing and Aaron Ward was the first to react and get his toe to it to poke it passed the Keadue keeper. Good clash between two Rosses teams but the better team on the day came out on top. Referee: George Clinton
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 3 v 4 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Drumoghill started the game fast and had two early chances but Daniel Crawford made a few great saves to keep the game at 0-0. Ballybofey then started to get on top and had chances of their own, first from Oran Gallen who’s effort was cleared of the line, and then Darren Kelly, who saw this half volley just fly over the bar. With 33 minutes on the clock, Kieran Thompson got on the end of a great flick on from Karlos to finished well with a left footed shot. The home side had two further chances before half time to double their lead through Oran Gallen and Kieran Thompson but they couldn’t capitalise. Ballybofey doubled their lead on 51 minutes when Colin Kearns squared the ball into Kieran Thompson who bundled the ball into the net. Thompson then turned provider on 56 minutes when he played through Kearns who showed great composure to lift the ball over the keeper to put Ballybofey 3-0 in front. Drumoghill then started to kick into gear and pulled one back from a shot inside the box which came off the post and into the net. They then got their 2nd of the day from a close-range header. With 8 minutes left in the game, Drumoghill got the equaliser from a back-post header off an Inswinging corner. Ballybofey had a chance to take the lead once again but the Drumoghill keeper made a good save. As the clock struck the 90th minute the away side completed the comeback, once again from a header. Deep into injury time Ballybofey were awarded a penalty. Kieran Thompson stepped up but saw this shot saved to the keeper’s left.
Copany Rovers 0 v 4 Swilly Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 3 v 6 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Erne Wanderers 3 v 0 Bonagee United Reserves
Erne welcomed Bonagee to the lakeside on Saturday knowing nothing but a win would keep their hopes of winning the league alive. The first thirty minutes was tit for tat with no real chances for either team. On 35 minutes Adam Mc Glone picked the ball up on the right, played a quick one two with Spuddy and sent a rocket of a shot from 18yards that gave the Bonagee keeper Paul Crampsie no chance. Soon after a ball over the top from Philip Patton sent Jakub Naperski through and after beating Cian Clancy to the ball he curled in a beautiful effort to leave Erne two up at halftime. On 60 minutes Adam Mc Glone added another beauty to his collection with a rasper of a shot from all of twenty yards to leave the score 3-0. Faolan Gibson, Cian Clancy and Sean Hume were best for Bonagee while JC Mc Garrigle had a brilliant game at left back with Dylan Gallagher, Philip Patton, Jakub and Ryan Mc Kenna also worthy of mention.
Fanad United Reserves 3 v 0 Gweedore United Reserves
Fanad were quickest out of the blocks creating several half chances early on. This pressure paid off when they took the lead in the 13th minute. Caolan Mc Elwaine done well to win the ball in midfield and he fed the ball to Dylan Mc Bride who showed good control before finishing well. In the 20th minute the ball fell nicely to Conor Blaney on the edge of the box but his well hit shot produced an excellent save from Gweedore keeper Cian Gallagher. On 25 midfield Conor Blaney sent Dylan Mc Bride through but he shot wide of the Gweedore post. Gweedore were well in the game and came close to an equaliser on the half hour mark. When a free kick was awarded 30 yards out, Caoimhin Lynch stepped up, his powerful dipping effort looked goal bound but Fanad keeper Brian Gallagher done very well to palm the ball away at full stretch. On the stroke of half time Gweedore keeper Cian Gallagher produced another outstanding save to deny Dylan Mc Bride. At the start of the second half, Cian Gallagher produced another decent save to deny Dylan Mc Glone. Gweedore were still creating chances and in the 50th minute, James Mc Glinchey saw his volley from the edge of the box saved at full stretch by Brian Gallagher. Five minutes later Fanad extended their lead. Daibhid Lynch advanced from centre back and his superb defence splitting pass fell to Cormac Sweeney who finished from 6 yards. With virtually the last kick of the game Fanad scored their 3rd. Dylan Mc Glone attacked down the left and when he played a neat one-two with Alex Gerwatowski he powered the ball home from just inside the box. Referee: John Duffy
Lagan Harps Reserves 4 v 1 Drumkeen United Reserves
Lagan started well with Conor Crossan bursting through drawing a good save. Lagan’s front two’s pace were causing Drumkeen’s backline problems. Drew shot wide and Damien pulled a good save from the keeper. Lagan went ahead when Conor played Damien in and his effort deflected in off the defender. Ten minutes later Callum Lynch played Drew through and he finished well to the bottom corner for his first goal at Senior level. Drumkeen were reduced to ten and Lagan were comfortable at the break. Straight from the kick off in the second half the ball fell to Ross thirty-five yards out and spotting the keeper off his line he finished well. Drumkeen got one back ten minutes later from a great cross that was finished well. Lagan got a fourth when Ryan Gallagher played Liam Kenny down the right, his cross was finished well by Caolan Crossan at the back post. Game fizzled out and ended 4-1 to Lagan. Referee: Seany Houston.
Sunday 25th February 2024
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Rathmullan Celtic 3 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Castlefin Celtic 1 v 1 Fanad United
Castlefin and Fanad played out an entertaining draw. Fanad were ahead at the break through Darren Mc Elwaine. Castlefin deserved the equaliser they got through Corrie Lee Bogan and were unlucky not to claim maximum points
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Glenea United 0 v 1 Bonagee United
Neither side could successfully gain the upper hand in the first half of this match. A Joe Coll penalty save on twenty five minutes was the only noteworthy event. It was Coll in fact who kept Glenea in the match but with five minutes to go Bonagee got what proved to be the winning goal. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Cappry Rovers 4 v 0 Lagan Harps
Cappry got off to the perfect start to this game when Michael Carroll tapped home from inside the 6-yard box. Cappry then doubled their lead when Conor Mc Daid was played through by Paddy Mc Nulty. Lagan kept pressing to get back into the game but the Cappry defence held firm. Cappry then added a 3rd before half time when Paddy Mc Nulty rounded the Lagan keeper to tap home into the empty net. Lagan started the second half brightly and were on top but couldn’t find a way through the Cappry defence. Cappry made it four when Jack Burke Mc Bride tapped home at the back post. Cappry had chances to add to their lead but Daire Quigley and David Carr couldn’t find the net.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United 3 v 2 Lifford Celtic
Ballybofey United took the lead on seven minutes when Daithí Mc Mahon played a great ball into Damien Glackin who finished neatly past Lee White the Lifford keeper. The home side continued to create chances, first from Niall Mc Closkey who’s shot from 20 yards was easily saved then Mc Mahon found himself in a great position but his shot was blocked. Lifford got themselves back in the game on 33 minutes from a Daniel Lindsay free kick from 25 yards which gave Christy Patton no chance in the Ballybofey goals. As the match ticked on Lifford were awarded a penalty after Gary Dunnion was deemed to have fouled the Lifford attacker inside the box. The penalty was struck well by Sean Ferry and saved by Patton but the ball rebounded back out off the post to Ferry who was successful at the second attempt.
Ballybofey started the second half well and were unlucky not to draw level when Niall Mc Closkey showed great feet inside the box but saw his shot blocked. Shortly after that Damien Glackin had another chance but saw his effort come off the cross bar. United continued to push for the equaliser with efforts from Glackin, who’s shot was brilliantly saved, and Bobby Hennigan who’s effort went wide. United’s pressure paid off on 85 minutes when Adam McCullagh’s cross come shot was deemed to have crossed the line despite White’s best efforts. Two minutes later Ballybofey made it 3-2 when Barrie Mc Ghee played in Mark Griffin who cut inside and fired an unstoppable left footed shot past Lee White to ignite wild celebration among the huge crowd who were attending the fixture. Ballybofey were duly crowned Division Two Champions and with only a few games to play they remain unbeaten for the season.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 v 3 Raphoe Town
(No Report Submitted)
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 1 v 0 Whitestrand United
Derby day delight today for the ‘71 with a well-deserved victory over local rivals Whitestrand. The ‘71 had the bulk of play in the first half but Charlie Crerand did well on numinous occasions from Kevin Loughrey and Johnny Friel. The second half was more open and Michael Sweeney tested Brendan Friel twice but Friel stood tall and made two brilliant saves. The ‘71 got the all-important winner on 85 minutes with a brilliant penalty from Kevin Loughrey.
Ulster Junior Cup
Gweedore United 1 v 3 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
