BJ Banda's delight as Letterkenny Rovers clinch Premier Division title

Letterkenny Rovers will lift the Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division Title after their game against Kilmacrennan Celtic on Friday night.

A 2-1 victory over Rathmullan Celtic clinched top spot in the league for the unbeaten side, and while a goal from Jay Dee Alawiye may have made things tense in the end. 

But efforts from David O'Donnell and BJ Banda in each half ensured that the league winners medals would be adorned by the Letterkenny Rovers squad and coaches.

Individually, Banda has had a terrific season in front of goal, with 16 in league, and 28 in all competitions, and that's not including all the goals he set up too.

The former Finn Harps player netted the second goal of the day, which ultimately proved to be the winner and on another day, he could have scored more.

“In the first half, I had a couple of chances,” he said. “I fluffed my lines, and I hit the post too, but I had a feeling I would get something and luckily Joel Gorman put one on the money and I was there to head it in.”

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Rovers have only suffered one defeat all season and that was in the FAI Junior Cup to Mervue United. 

On the local scene, wins have been the norm, and that remarkable unwavering form has been unmatched. 

“We're over the moon to get it over and done with, with three games left,” he said. “It was a big season for us, we were very consistent throughout the year. 

“We had two mishaps against Kildrum Tigers, where they put it to us in both games, but overall we showed a lot of consistency.”

Having played after their nearest challengers this weekend, Rovers knew the lay of the land. 

Bonagee United occupied top spot for a portion of the season, but were leapfrogged in recent weeks and defeat on Friday night in Traigh-a-loch meant Rovers had their target in sight, however, it wasn't all plain sailing. 

“Credit where credit is due, Rathmullan Celtic made it difficult for us,” he started. “The final ten minutes was cagey, and to be fair, we were lucky enough to hold through until the end.

“We were down watching the Fanad game against Bonagee on Friday and we knew that if Bonagee had a bit of a mishap, we could take the title today, and in the end we got over the line.”