Here are all of the match results and reports from this week’s Donegal Women’s League fixtures.
Under 12
Group 1
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0-3 Mulroy Academy
On a perfect evening for football it was the visitors that emerged victorious from a closely fought match in which the scoreline didn’t really reflect the overall game. Lurgy Park was in fantastic condition and both teams tried to play free flowing football at every opportunity, the home team dominating possession in the early stages with Mia, Aoibhinn and Hayley pressing forward and keeping the mulroy backline busy. With 20 minutes on the clock a long throw from Jorjamae released Hayley and she surged past 2 defenders but her shot cannoned back off the post and away to safety as the game started to open. Just minutes later and Mulroy were in front, a long ball out of defence set Alice free and she outpaced the kilmacrenan defence to score into the far corner. A shot from distance by Clodagh was brilliantly saved by kilmac keeper Eimear but from the resulting corner kilmac conceded a unfortunate own goal to leave it 0-2 at the break. The 2nd half again saw the home side have the better of it in terms of possession and territory but just couldn’t create anything clear cut with the Mulroy keeper making 2 or 3 routine saves from efforts by both Aoibhinn and Hayley. With kilmac pushing hard Mulroy broke on the counter and Alice completed the scoring when she seized on a poor clearance and ran clear to shoot home high in to the net and maintain their push for this year’s league title. Game was superbly marshalled throughout by Sinead Hagan.
Ballyraine Harps 1-3 Gweedore Utd
Ballyraine lost only their second home game of the season, coming out on the wrong side of the scoreline against an impressive Gweedore United side in a very evenly matched game. Both sides have struggled for goals at times this season, but Gweedore took their chances on the night to make the difference. Defences were on top at both ends of the pitch in the first half, but towards the interval the home side began to find their groove and created some good scoring opportunities. Millie Toland found space on the edge of the penalty area, but her low drive was well handled by Sheena Ferry in the Gweedore goal. The impressive Chloe Byrne shot wide, and wing wizard Hanna Carty had a fine strike sail inches over the crossbar, but despite a strong finish to the half the game was scoreless at half time. And the home side would rue those missed chances as Gweedore started the second half with high energy, and within ten minutes of the restart they took the lead, as a cross from the right was deflected into the path of Erin Ferry who made no mistake firing into the roof of the net. Ballyraine pressed hard but the visitors defence was resolute, and they added a second goal ten minutes later after a corner on the right was only partially cleared and again dropped to the Gweedore forward in a good position, this time Darcie Boyd with the clinical finish. But the Ballyraine girls never game up, and worked hard as a team to get back into the game, piling on the pressure at the other end, and they were rewarded when Hanna Carty tapped home a rebound after great work by Cate Lannon with just 3 minutes left to play. Fired up, Ballyraine pressed for an equaliser, but their hopes were dashed almost immediately when Rose Harkin, who had been superb for Gweedore throughout, burst through the Ballyraine defence on the counter firing home from close range giving Holly Gordon in goal no chance. The three points went west, with Gweedore deserving winners having made the most of their scoring chances when they arose.
Cappry Rovers 5 – 0 Convoy Arsenal
The Cappry u12 A girls team were playing Convoy in Riverside tonight. The girls had a number of chances before Abbi Lyons scored with a nice volley. This settled the girls and 2 goals from Alison Imbuli and 1 Molly Gallagher left the girls 4 up at half time. The second half was more open with Convoy not giving up and battling hard. They were unlucky not to score. Some good runs from Caoimhe McNeill came close a number of times. Crona McMenamin was solid in defence, with Nia Markham making a great run into the box before being fouled. Nia stepped up to take the penalty and scored her first goal for Cappry. Well done to a young Convoy side who showed some nice skills. Thanks to Con McLoughlin referee. A very good team performance tonight. These girls have been brilliant all year. We have 1 game left in the league away to Kedue Rovers next Tuesday and have a chance to finish top.
Lagan Harps 1 – 1 Keadue Rovers
The teams shared the points after a very hard fought game. Lagan off to a great start with a goal from an unexpected goalscorer. Keeper Ella Sharkey hit a long ball down the field which took a bounce over the Keadue keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Both teams went at it until the end of the half, but both defences were solid. Ella pulled off a number of good stops as did Keadue keeper Ciara Gallagher. With the aid of the breeze Keadue pushed Lagan back in the second half but their backline of Kelsie Mc Menamin, Thea Rodgers and Julianna Crockett were excellent. With Julianna probably shading it for Lagan’s player of the match. Lagan did have some counters through Emily Mc Mahon, Katie Gildea and Caoimhe Sweeney but weren’t able to create too many chances. Keadue’s Jessica Keys and Lena O’Donnell were causing all sorts of problems. Lagan had to defend a lot of corners and Lena O’Donnell twice struck the crossbar. They grabbed an equaliser when Ella Sharkey saved a shot but Shauna Mc Govern scrambled home the rebound. Both teams went for a winner but there was no further score. The game was well reffed by Shaun O’Donnell.
Donegal Town 1 – 4 Finn Valley A
No joy for Donegal Town u 12 girls on Tuesday night as they went down 4-1 to an excellent Finn Valley team. Finn Valley were fast out of the traps and were 2 up after 5 minute, they made it 3 a few minutes later, half time 3-0. The town girls didn’t drop their heads though and pulled 1 back from Ava following a corner. Town had a few chances after this but Finn Valley broke and scored a fourth with 5 mins left. Well done to Both teams on a great game.
Group 2
Letterkenny Rovers – Glenree (Letterkenny Rovers win)
In a tight first half Caithlin McBrearty put rovers into the lead but was cancelled by Mia McGettigan for Glenree in the stroke of half time. Caithlin McBrearty got her hattrick, followed shortly by a great goal by Lily Gallagher. Erin Caldwell pull one back for Glenree with 10mins remaining, however Savanna Keys score a hattrick in the last five mins. Some great football was played by both teams.
Raphoe Town 2 – 3 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny left Drumineny with the 3 points after a hard fought competition game. The visitors started brightly with Caitlin McBrearty and Savannah Keys testing Emily Donnelly in the Raphoe goal. The deadlock was broken when the impressive Aoise Diver cut in from the left and with powerful shot put Rovers in the lead. Raphoe replied with Sheridian McGonagle threatening but the danger was cut out by Mary Stan Mako. Erin Mcann went close with a snapshot but Rovers keeper Szvdelko was equally to it. Raphoe finally got the equaliser when quick thinking from and Evana Roulstone corner kick allowed Catherine Caldwell to set up Amanada Caldwell to fire home. As the second half progressed Letterkenny Rovers begin to dominate but Raphoes defence of Aoife Hirrell Ciara McCrory and Molly Tinney stood strong. Rovers eventually got the break through whith 2 quickfire goals from Savannah Keys and a second from Aoise Diver. Raphoe introduced Fearne Quinn, Abbey Reynolds and Jessica Meehan in search of a comeback. Raphoe got back into the game following good play from Amanada Caldwell to close down The Lettereknny defense and fire home. Raphoe pressed hard for an equaliser but the Letterkenny defence held out. Special mention to Clodadh Gallagher who was introduced late on to make her debut. Thanks to Gavin Doherty for reffing and best wishes to Letterkenny Rovers for the remainder of the season.
Drumbar United B 1-2 Raphoe Town
Drumbar United welcomed Raphoe Town for their last home game of the league season in what turned out to be an exciting encounter. Drumbar started the brighter of the two sides, applying pressure on the hardworking Raphoe defense from the outset. Their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when a well-executed play found Ella Dorrian in space at the back post, and she finished confidently to give Drumbar a well-earned lead. As the first half progressed, Raphoe began to grow into the game and started enjoying some good spells of possession. However, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer before the halftime whistle. The second half saw Drumbar maintaining good shape and possession, coming close to extending their lead on several occasions. However, Raphoe remained dangerous and got their reward in the 40th minute when Catherine Caldwell reacted quickly to break free from the Drumbar defense, leveling the score at 1-1. In the dying minutes of the game, Caldwell struck again, securing the lead for Raphoe. Drumbar pressed hard in search of an equalizer, but the resilient Raphoe defense held firm, ensuring the final scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Raphoe Town. It was a well-fought match, with both teams putting on a fantastic display of football on a pleasant evening in a busy Drumbar. Well done to Raphoe Town on their comeback victory and to both teams for an entertaining game!
Illistrin FC 3 – 0 Gweedore Celtic
Illistrin went 2 nil up in the first half with both goals scored by Éabha McKinney. Illistrin made it 3 nil in the second half with Éabha scoring her 3rd goal of the game.
Group 3
Finn Valley WFC B 0 – 4 Bonagee United
Bonagee continued their dominance of their U12 section with a convincing victory in their reversed fixture at the Finn Valley Centre on Wednesday evening. The visitors started brightly with Leila Coyle and Eabha Gribben linking up well and causing the Finn Valley defence lots of problems. Emma Dempsey put Bonagee in front on 6 minutes with a well taken finish from close range. The visitors extended their lead after intense pressure saw Leila Coyle find the bottom corner from a tight angle. The home side stuck at their task however and a Niamh McNulty snapshot just before half time almost saw them come back into the game. There was no let up from the visitors after half time and after some good work on the right from Gribben, Coyle grabbed her second of the game with a well struck shot that left the keeper with no chance. Saoirse McMenamin and Hannah May Browne linked up well at the other end but couldn’t get past the Bonagee rearguard. Eabha Gribben put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes with another good finish from close range.
Letterkenny Rovers B 1 – 0 Gweedore Utd B
Chloe Strain got the only goal of that game after 10 mins. Both teams played done great football, but just couldn’t create any clear chances.
Kildrum Tigers 3 – 1 Drumbar United
Kildrum had the pleasure of hosting Drumbar at station road this evening. Kildrum started out well with a few early chances from Molly Toland and Aine Bovaird. The opening goal finally came on the 18th minute when Molly Toland hit a great strike past the Drumbar keeper 1-0. Kildrum quickly secured their second goal with Aoife Foy making a clear run through Drumbar’s defence and finished it well finding the back of the net on the 20th minute 2-0. Drumbar fought back immediately and on the 23rd minute Drumbars Grainne Kelly broke through and scored 2-1. Kildrum were quickly back in possession and on the attack. On the 27th minute Sophie McCrabbe showed some great ball control and made a superb cross to Jessica Mc Crossan Gallagher who finished it well and scored, bringing the score to 3-1 at half time. Kildrum started the second half well and had a few good passages of play but just couldn’t get the ball past Drumbars keeper who made some great saves. Kildrums defence worked well together tonight and Drumbar found it hard to get through Abaigh Bovaird, Emily Toland, Hannah Lynch and Beth Mc Crossan who stood firm and didn’t give Drumbar any chances. It was a great game of football and both teams battled hard. Stand out player for Kildrum was Aoife Foy. Thanks to our ref Eunan Brolly.
Drunkeen United B 0 – 4 Cappry Rovers B
Drumkeen worked hard but they were beaten by Cappry. The goal scorers were Tina Coyle and Fia McNulty with a hattrick.
Under 14
Group1
Bonagee United 1 – 2 Finn Valley
Bonagee United welcomed league leaders Finn Valley to Dry Arch Park and it was the home side who struck first when Tara McDaid headed home from an Ellen Temple corner after five minutes. As the half progressed both teams started to grow into the game but neither team could break down the other’s defence. The game opened up in the second half with Ellen Temple’s shot dragged off the goal line by the stand-in keeper for Finn Valley Caoimhe Sleigh. Finn Valley grew into the game with Ella Udoku and Kate McMenamin causing Bonagee problems out wide and it was Ella Udou who got onto a through ball to slot home the equaliser for the visitors. Finn Valley looked to press on but Shannon Sibbald and Kayla Watson did their best to hold them at bay. Finn Valley breached the Bonagee defence once again through Lucy McCormick whose initial shot was saved by Lillygrace Harvey who took on the gloves after Bonagee keeper Sarah Peoples got injured. The game was end to end as it came to a close with Isla Larkin and Tara McDaid doing their best to grab a point for Bonagee. Finn Valley had chances to seal the game through Sarah Cambell and Kate McMenamin but their efforts went just wide of the post. Finn Valley held on deserving of their win and a special thanks to Marty McGarrigle who had a good game as the man in the middle.
Milford United 0 – 0 Glenea United
Mulroy Academy 4 – 2 Gweedore Celtic
Letterkenny Rovers – St Catherine’s (St Catherine’s win)
Rovers hosted St Catherine’s this evening in a fine display of football by St Catherine’s against an under-strength Rovers side. Sienna Gillespie scored a hattrick, Emma Cunningham score twice and Saoirse Gillespie all got on the score sheet in the first half. However, Rovers never game up and after Saoirse Gillespie scored her second, a good corner by Aisling McGinley found Savanna Keys to pull one back. Orla O Donnell with two more for St Catherine’s, before Savanna Keys ran through to score after a good ball from Aoise Diver, Caithlin McBrearty pulled of quite a few good saves to the disappointment of St Catherine’s, good displays from Faye Casburn, Laila Devenney and Roisin Hegarty in the Rover’s defense who keep battling throughout the game.
Group 2
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 – 2 Illistrin
This was a keenly contested local encounter between Kilmac and Illistrin with some lovely football played. Kilmac were unable to break down a strong Illistrin defence in the first half and it was nil- nil at half time. Kilmac had the better exchanges early in the second half and took the lead following a Tara McGarvey penalty when Katelyn Fay was brought down in the box. Megan McFadden provided the second goal for Kilmac then after good running from Grace McCafferty.
Illistrin persevered and Orlaith Doherty took a goal back for Illistrin. Ella Brennan then scored from an Illistrin corner. Kilmac pressed but couldn’t find a winner, Illistrin will be pleased to take a point away.
Ballyraine 1 – 2 Gweedore United
Ballyraine welcomed Gweedore United to Orchard grove for the third time this week. It was the turn of the under 14s and the game didn’t disappoint. Ballyraine had the better of the first half possession and were unlucky when Eadaoin Kennedy’s shot from range just missed the Gweedore United keeper’s right-hand post. It was the Gweedore side who took advantage of their chances in the first half, however. Lilly Rodgers latched onto a long ball that evaded the Ballyraine defence and she powered a shot that beat Aine McDaid in the Ballyraine goal, despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Gweedore United doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Nease Diver tapped the ball into the empty net after a cut-back from Rodgers after the Ballyraine defenders had stopped thinking the ball had gone for a goal kick. A lesson in playing to the whistle for Ballyraine. In the second half Gweedore had most of the possession, but it was Ballyraine who scored the only goal when Kellie Carty won possession in midfield and Eadaoin Kennedy shot past Nuala Doherty in the Gweedore United goals. The Gweedore side continued to have the majority of possession with captain Ciara McFadden impressing. Ballyraine had a chance to equalise with a minute to go when Hanna Carty was fouled on the edge of the box, but Aoife Kenna’s free kick went narrowly past the post. Neither keeper was troubled in the match apart from the goals, with all the girls working very hard throughout the match. Thanks to Daniel Doherty for refereeing.
Lagan Harps 1 – 4 Keadue Rovers
Both teams were missing a number of regulars, which gave other players a chance to step up. With the aid of the breeze Keadue were on top in the first half and took the lead on fifteen minutes when Ella Campbell struck home after a good cross. Lagan had some good attacks through Mikaela Breen and Amy Lateef. Keadue got a second just before halftime after a scramble in the box from a corner, Orla Barrett finishing well. Lagan came out strong at the start of the second half with some good combination play between Sinead Mc Loughlin and Teaghan Doherty in midfield and u12s Emily Mc Mahon and Caoimhe Sweeney up forward. Lagan got one back with a good finish from Amy Lateef. Lagan almost equalised when Emily Mc Mahon got through, but she couldn’t get enough power in to her shot. Keadue then got the decisive third with a good finish from Maria Mc Gee. Teaghan Doherty had a couple of good efforts just over as Lagan pushed forward. The ever-dangerous Rebecca Reetsang got the final goal for Keadue in the last minute. Both teams played some good football throughout with Lagan putting together some great moves in the second half. However, they found it hard to break down a solid Keadue defence. Both teams deserve credit for a really entertaining game. The game was well refereed throughout by Caolan Mc Garrigle.
Group 3
Cappry Rovers 2 – 0 Raphoe Town
Under 16
Group 1
Drumbar United 2 – 1 Raphoe Town
A slightly understrength Drumbar side welcomed Raphoe on Sunday evening. Drumbar started the stronger, forcing a couple of corners that they were unable to capitalize on. Raphoe grew into the game and almost equalized when their striker latched on to a long diagonal ball but the Drumbar defence snuffed out the danger. It was a fairly open encounter with few chances until a Michaela Hannafin cross found Sarah Colhoun who swivelled and struck a perfect shot high into the Raphoe net to make it 1-0 to the home side at the break. Raphoe started the second half strongly and worked their way back into the game when the Drumbar keeper parried a shot into the path of Daisy Leeper who tucked home to make it 1-1. The game really opened up after that and both sides came close on several occasions. The game was finally settled when Cora Cassidy’s excellent first-time pass over the Raphoe defence found Emma McNulty who controlled with a fantastic first touch and slotted home. Raphoe pressed for an equalizer, but Drumbar held out to claim the three points that keeps their league campaign firmly on track. Drumbar scorers Sarah Colhoun x1 and Emma McNulty x1, Raphoe scorer Daisy Leeper x1.
Milford United 2-3 Drumbar United
Drumbar clinched their second league in a row with a hard-fought victory in Milford. Drumbar took and early lead when an excellent delivery from a corner wasn’t cleared and Sarah Colhoun was quickest to react to tap home. Despite the early setback Milford grew into the match but found it hard to get past Nicola in the Drumbar goal. Milford attacked from the off in the second half and Ria Hardiman equalised with a well taken goal from 20 yards. Chloe Blaney put them in front with a speculative free kick on sixty minutes. Drumbar came back strongly and equalised through Michaela Hannafin on seventy minutes. Drumbar were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and Sarah Colhoun stepped up and scored a piledriver. Milford threw everything they had to try and equalise but couldn’t find a way with only minutes left. An absolute cracker of a game and congratulations to Drumbar on winning the league.
Illistrin 2 – 1 Finn Valley
A great game played by both teams in windy conditions. Illistrin took a deserved lead in the first half after a penalty from Maeve Brady. Finn valley then equalised with another penalty in the second half. But with ten minutes to go Ciara daly scored the winner with a free kick. Thanks to Finn Valley for a very tough game and to the referee con McLaughlin who had a very good game.
Bonagee United 3 – 4 Raphoe Town
Twelve minutes into Bonagee v Raphoe U16 game, Ellen Temple put the Letterkenny side ahead. Bonagee’s goalkeeper Ruth Hopkins was tested in the first half with Raphoe’s Hannah Goudie suffering a near miss. Raphoe’s Erin O’Donnell put the sides even as the first half finished. As the second half kicked off Bonagee’s Isla Larkin scored a fantastic goal making the scoreline 2-1. Erin O’Donnell had a few near misses with her team mate Cliodhna Kelly finding the back of the net leaving the sides with two goals each. Bonagee’s Ashling Mugan nearly put her side ahead again but was just off the mark. Raphoe’s Brooke Johnston found her efforts successful with her two strikes finding the back of the net, leaving the score 4-2. However, the Bonagee girls were not finished yet with 5 minutes to go Ellen Temple bagged her second goal of the night. Final score; 4-3 to Raphoe. An exciting game between these two teams this evening.
Ballyraine – Gweedore United (Gweedore Win)
Gweedore United had a good win at Ballyraine with goals from Cassidy, Ferry, Rodgers (2), Boyd and McFadden. Ballyraine got a consolation goal from McKinney. The match was closer than the scoreline suggested with Ballyraine hitting the woodwork several times.
Group 2
Lagan Harps 0 – 5 St Catherines
The scoreline didn’t reflect the overall balance of the game where a clinical St Catherines really took their chances. Playing with the wind Lagan dominated the first half but went in 3-0 down at the break. Lagan had loads of possession and plenty of shots, but didn’t really test St Catherines keeper, Naoise Gillespie. Jodie Rodgers, Sinead Mc Loughlin and Claragh Gallagher all had good runs but just couldn’t find a finish. St Catherines through the excellent Heidi Mc Hugh, put away what chances they had. Heidi scoring the three first half goals. Catherines had more possession in the second half and a good finish by Emma Cunningham on forty one minutes killed off any hopes Lagan had of making a comeback. Lagan kept going with Siobhan Curran and Sinead Mc Loughlin pushing on the midfield. Sinead forced a good save from Naoise Gillespie while Teaghan Doherty and Amy Lateef had some good wing play. However St Catherines scored another good goal at the end through Sienna Gillespie McMenamin. While St Catherines were thoroughly deserving winners, Lagan would regret their wastefulness in front of goals and some shaky defending. The game was well refereed by Daniel Doherty.
Letterkenny Rovers – Mulroy Academy (Mulroy won)
U16’s Mulroy travelled to Rovers this evening and came away with full points. Kacie Gallagher for Mulroy was inspirational in centre mid. Mulroy was 4 up at halftime with goals from Amy McAteer, Erin Carlin, Meabh Sweeney and Una Sweeney. Aisling McGinley and Savanna Keys worked hard to try creating a few chances, but Mulroy’s defence were strong. Further goals from Meabh Sweeney and Eabha Doherty in the second half for Mulroy.
Group 3
Dunfanaghy Youths – Glenree (Glenree Win)
