Donegal League: Letterkenny Rovers defeat Fanad United to close gap at top

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

St. Catherine’s 1-1 Kilmacrennan Celtic

Those who set their alarm clocks for this early kick-off were not disappointed.

Both teams were in bad need of 3 points and the home team thought they were off to the perfect start when Ryan Cunningham slotted calmly home from an over-the-top long ball but Dessie McLaughlin blew for offside.

Matty McLaughlin was proving to be the danger man for the visitors with some excellent strikes from long distance but always just off target.

The Saints thought they had the lead on the stroke of half-time as the Cunningham cousins combined neatly up front with Ryan slipping Josh free for a super strike that beat the keeper but the excellent Shields seemed to appear from nowhere to head miraculously over the bar.

The second half turned into a feisty affair. The opening goal was quite simple in the end and came on 55 minutes. A throw-in from the right landed on the boot of Matty McLaughlin who swivelled unchallenged in the box and fired past the helpless home keeper.

With so many on yellow cards the inevitable happened on 60 minutes with a second booking for Dillon saw him marching to the dressing rooms and his teammates down to 10 men.

The home side tried to take advantage of their numerical advantage but lacked composure in front of goal.The home crowd stayed till the dying seconds and got rewarded for their patience on 93 minutes.

Great work from Odhran McGuinness saw him float an inviting ball to the back post where the experienced Arron Byrne rose highest to nod home for the equaliser.When all was said and done a share of the spoils was the fairest result for this encounter.

Glenea United 1-1 Bonagee United

Both teams came into this fixture at opposite ends of the table, however, points were just as important to both for very different reasons.

The first half saw few chances for either side and both defences handled any threats that came their way. It was scoreless at the break and both teams began the second half feeling they could get something from the game. The first goal of the game went to the visitors in the 70th minute.

They almost doubled their lead but Padraig Coyle was on hand to clear off the line. Glenea got a well-deserved equaliser in the 85th minute. A Stephen Doak free kick was headed down to Cathal McGeever.

His half-volley from 18 yards flew into the top corner. Neither side looked to be content with a point and both pushed for a winner making the closing exchanges exciting to watch. The game ended 1–1 and both teams went away with a point. A good team effort from both sides on the day. Referee: Mick Lagan.

Letterkenny Rovers 5-2 Fanad United

Letterkenny Rovers produced a dominant display at home as they swept aside Fanad United with an impressive 5–2 victory.

A flurry of first-half goals set the tone, and although Fanad pulled one back from the penalty spot, the hosts controlled the match throughout.

The breakthrough came early in the 21st minute when BJ Banda headed in, with Joel Gorman providing the assist. The winger doubled his tally just 14 minutes later, smashing home from a Rory Gallagher pass to make it 2–0.

Letterkenny continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 35th minute Keith Cowan added a third from some excellent play by Lee McMonagle inside the box. Fanad United managed a lifeline in the 39th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

Eoin Logue stepped up and tucked it away calmly. Letterkenny struck again in the 45th minute. This time it was Simon McGlynn who found the net from the corner of the box, once again laid on by the influential McMonagle, putting the home side 4–1 up heading into stoppage time.

Changes came on 70 minutes, with Gareth Doherty replacing Adrian Delap, and Zach Gorman coming on for BJ Banda. Rovers had several chances in the second half but failed to make it count and Carlos O'Reilly made it 4–2, finishing well with 10 minutes to go.

In the final moments of stoppage time (90+7’), Zach capped off the performance with a superb finish from 25 yards, assisted by Gareth Doherty—a perfect impact from both substitutes.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Castlefin Celtic 2-2 Rathmullan Celtic

Castlefin and Rathmullan played out a 4-goal thriller. In an even opening half Kevin Doran put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time.

A Kevin O’Donnell free kick somehow found its way into the back of the net which put Rathmullan two up. The hosts responded, Jude Patton & Dan Foy goals brought the hosts level with 20 minutes to go.

Gweedore United 0-3 Gweedore Celtic Gweedore Celtic secured all three points and the bragging rights in the much-anticipated Gweedore derby at Carrickboyle.

Gweedore Celtic were the first to settle and Dylan Clift made comfortable saves against Cronan McFadden and Jamie Doherty respectively early on. Francis Gallagher and Darren Ferry with the best chances for the hosts in the first half.

The visitors began to exert more pressure in the last 30 minutes of the first half with efforts from Cian McBride, Aidan Breathnach and Darragh MacAoidh. Cronan McFadden should have put the away side in front, his shot from six yards out was saved by Dylan Clift.

On the 19th minute, Gweedore Celtic finally broke the deadlock. Cian McBride's long ball split the United defence and Aidan Breathnach dispatched from close range.

The visitors extended their lead on the 36th minute, an excellent through ball from Jamie Doherty to Cronan McFadden. Cronan McFadden placed the ball past the advancing Dylan Clift.

The visitors sealed the points in the 52nd minute after a Jamie Doherty corner was finished by Darragh MacAoidh in a heavily congested United penalty area. Darren Ferry had a couple of efforts to pull one back for the hosts but Lorcan Coyle was equal to them.

Gweedore Celtic had further opportunities through Ciaran McHugh, Charlie Gallagher and Cronan McFadden, but they were unable to convert them.

The home side's best opportunity to grab a consolation goal came from Cathal Gillespie. His effort rattled the crossbar with Lorcan Coyle beaten. Jamie Doherty, Cronan McFadden and Aidan Breathnach were all instrumental in the visitors leaving Carrickboyle with the win. Darren Ferry, Roan Turk produced good performances for Gweedore United. Referee: Diego Rainey.

Milford United 2-2 Kerrykeel ‘71 F.C.

Milford and Kerrykeel played an entertaining game at Moyle View Park. Milford dominated the first half and went ahead through Lorcan Friel on 20 minutes.

Kerrykeel played a lot better in the second half and equalised through Shaun Kerr and Mark Friel scored a good goal to put the visitors 2–1 up.

Milford equalised on 87 minutes when Darren McLaughlin scored a header from 5 yards after a good free from Cathal McGettigan. Caolan McGettigan produced a few great saves as Kerrykeel dominated, but a share of the spoils was a fair result.

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Deele Harps 4-3 Cranford United

Deele welcomed Cranford for their first visit to Marty Duffy Park. The away side started brightly and took the lead on 7 minutes following a goalmouth scramble from a corner with Kyle McFadden taking advantage.

Deele equalised on 15 minutes when Declan Lafferty received the ball deep in his own half, played a ball into Tom Mullan who flicked it back to Decky who had continued his run and Lafferty finished off a superb individual goal.

The home side took the lead 3 minutes later when Scott Macbeth was hauled down in the area and Jordy Duffy dispatched the penalty with ease.

The Cranford keeper then produced a superb save on 37 to deny a Scott Macbeth header. Half-time 2–1. Cranford introduced Philip Buchanan at the break but it was Deele who extended their advantage on 55 minutes when a Tom Mullan cross was flicked on by Adi Gallagher for Jordy Duffy to score from close range.

The evergreen Philip Buchanan pounced on 60 minutes to reduce the deficit. On 80 minutes, a through ball from Tom Mullan set Jordy Duffy free and as Jordy rounded the keeper he was brought down for the clearest of penalties. Jordy stepped up to complete another hat-trick to seemingly seal the game.

Cranford though had other ideas and Philip Buchanan scored again on 82 minutes to set up a nervy finish for the hosts. David Arthur produced several top class saves including one from a free kick right at the death. Deele held on for the three points in a pulsating game of football in Ballindrait. Team performances. Referee: Marty McGarrigle.

Letterbarrow Celtic 3-0 Curragh Athletic

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off for the Burke and Kennedy family. Barrow got off to a great start when Darragh Burke finished off an attack after great work by Alex McNelis and Christian Ward.

The lads upped the pressure and Alex made it 2–0 from the penalty spot. The chances continued to flow for the home side but the woodwork and good keeping kept it 2–0 at half-time.

The second half continued in similar fashion. Alex McNelis was unlucky to see his effort saved and twice in quick succession Barrow hit the bar through Christian Ward and Daniel McIntyre.

The lads pushed for the third goal and won a penalty after a great run by Des McGroarty. Christian Ward stepped up to seal the win and continue his great run of form.

Whitestrand United 0-0 Raphoe Town An injury-hit Whitestrand started well and nearly scored when Michael Sweeney fired narrowly over. The game then was quite tight and there weren’t many chances and the game went in 0–0. The second half followed a similar vein to the first, very few clear-cut chances for both sides and the game ended 0–0.

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4-0 Donegal Town Reserves

Kildrum were miles better on the day and fully deserved their 4–0 win. From the very start, they were on top—winning tackles, keeping the ball, and pushing forward repeatedly.

The first goal came early after a good move down the right and a calm finish. Kildrum kept the pressure on and soon made it 2–0 with a strong shot from outside the box.

In the second half, it was more of the same. Kildrum stayed in control and didn’t give the other team a chance to get back into the game. A tidy passing move made it 3–0, and the fourth goal came following some quick build-up play and a cool finish. By the end, Kildrum had completely dominated from start to finish. 4–0 was exactly what they deserved.

Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 3-2 St. Catherine’s Reserves

Kilmacrennan started the game well but it was St. Catherine’s who took the lead after a fine cut-back from the right-hand side was well finished by Daniel Breslin.

Minutes later Kilmacrennan equalised after the ball fell to Ethan O’Donnell in the box and he finished well. Kilmacrennan took the lead 20 minutes into the second half when Terence Shields fired a free kick home from 25 yards.

Soon after they made it 3–1 when Gavin Gallagher pounced on a mistake in the Catherine’s defence. Catherine’s made it 3–2 in injury time but Kilmacrennan held on for the three points.

Oldtown Celtic 1-1 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves

The game began with Rovers dominating possession with Oldtown sitting off and playing on the break. The first chance of the game fell to Rovers but Michael Gibson was out quick to save.

From the resulting corner, they should have taken the lead. Bashar had a free header inside the 6-yard box but Gibson again kept it out. Oldtown were playing on the break but unable to create any chances of note except for a few dangerous corners. 0–0 at the break.

The second half began with Rovers again having more of the ball but Oldtown were growing into the game. Oldtown were thankful to Gibson who clawed an effort away before Rovers took the lead.

A cross from deep found Caolan McConnell who poked home at the back post. Oldtown threw bodies forward with Drew Connolly narrowly firing over from distance before Kevin McGrath tested Blake Forkan from the edge of the area with Forkan producing a great save.

The equaliser came from the resulting corner. Oldtown won first contact and the ball was headed towards Paul McLaughlin who nodded home to tie the game. Neither could make the breakthrough for the winner. Referee: Michael Connolly.

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Arranmore United 0-4 Fintown Harps AFC

Fintown made the trip overseas to Rannagh Park on a bitter cold but good day for football. Fintown started brightly and had plenty chances but Dan Ward stood tall and denied them on several occasions.

The first goal came when Aaron McGlynn converted a good through ball. Fintown quickly doubled their lead through a fine long-range strike from Aaron Thompson.

Jamie McMonagle-Quinn had his penalty saved by Ward but he scored the rebound. Fintown completed their rout when McMonagle-Quinn got his second of the game. A complete team performance from Fintown. Referee: Mick Lagan.

Fanad United Reserves 0-1 Copany Rovers

Copany Rovers made the long trip to Traigh-a-Loch on Saturday and left with all 3 points. The first real chance of the game didn't arrive until the 20th minute when Eoin Walsh robbed a Fanad defender on the edge of the box but his shot went harmlessly over the bar.

At the other end Caolan McElwaine saw his shot from 25 yards go just wide of the Copany post. Then just before half-time, Alan McAteer controlled the ball on the edge of the Copany box but was unable to keep his shot down.

Chances throughout the game were at a premium and the only goal of the game arrived 10 minutes into the second half. A ball forward was cleared and when it fell to Daire Quinn 20 yards out, his swerving shot found the top corner of the Fanad net giving Kyran Gallagher no chance.

Fanad did push for an equaliser without creating any clear chances. As the full-time whistle approached, Niall Toland found space in the Copany box but Stevie Doherty made a fine save with his feet to deny him the equaliser. Referee: Patrick McCauley.

Gweedore Celtic Reserves 3-0 Glenea United Reserves

Gweedore Celtic came out on top in the local derby at An Screaban. The first half was a tame affair with neither side creating any chances of note.

The greatest threat for Na Ceiltigh came from the runs of Charlie Gallagher who was a thorn in the side of the Glenea rearguard and it was from one of his attacks that Gweedore scored.

Joey College sent Charlie Gallagher on a run and his cross was finished to the net by full-back Michael McCole. Glenea should have equalised shortly before half-time but Thomas Coll's header was just turned around the post by keeper James Doherty.

The second half was a more attacking game from both sides but Gweedore's second goal with twenty minutes remaining helped the home side secure the points. Charlie Gallagher was again at the heart of it with Joey Collins supplying the cross for Cathal McGee to turn and shoot low to the Glenea net.

The game was finished as a contest when Charlie Gallagher pounced on a defensive error to coolly finish past the keeper to cap a man-of-the-match performance. Remi Moran saw his long-range effort tipped over the bar by the Gweedore keeper whilst Coll had an effort cleared off the line by a Gweedore defender. Referee: R. Carlin.

Swilly Rovers Reserves 3-6 Keadue Rovers Reserves

Keadue took the lead in an eventful first half when a long ball over the top was controlled and finished by Evan McFadden in the first minute of the game.

Swilly bounced back in the 3rd minute when Louis Dube slotted home from close range. Swilly took a 2–1 lead in the 31st minute when good pressing from Przemek Kieloch saw him steal the ball from the Keadue defender and put the ball past the keeper.

Eleven minutes later Keadue got their equaliser after a ball played in from the left was met by E. McFadden who put the ball home for his second of the game. On the stroke of half-time Swilly took the lead again with Louis Dube getting his second of the game.

It was 3–3 in the 53rd minute after Adam McCaffrey found the top right corner from the penalty spot. Keadue got the lead for the second time in the game in the 69th minute when two subs, Dmytro Serhieiev assisted Darren Gallagher who hit a stunning strike into the far corner.

Keadue’s quality and fitness were shining through and Dylan Boyle got their fifth when he was first to react after the Swilly keeper parried the ball away in the 82nd minute. The final goal of the game came on 86 minutes when Serhieiev found the back of the net and the game was well put to bed. Referee: John Duffy.

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three

Cappry Rovers Reserves 12-0 Gweedore United Reserves

Cappry returned to winning ways with a comprehensive home win over Gweedore United. Cappry led 3–0 at the break thanks to two goals from Odhran O’Connor and a Ronan Coyle strike.

Gweedore had a couple of chances but a Shaun Ward save and last-gasp tackle from Eoghan O'Donnell kept the clean sheet intact.

Cappry started the half bright, with Ronan Coyle completing his hat-trick early in the second half. Rovers continued to dominate and a quickfire Ronan Carlin hat-trick soon followed. Goals from Niall Ryan, Jack Byrne and Reece Coyle finished off an impressive win for the home side. Referee: George Clinton.

Convoy Arsenal Reserves 2-2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves

Both teams started the game evenly. Ten minutes in, Castlefin were awarded a clear penalty for handball which Lee Kennedy made no mistake in finishing.

Convoy lifted themselves and pushed hard, keeping the pressure on Castlefin. Twenty minutes in they got their reward with John Callan getting on the end of a header won by Stephen Long.

Convoy continued to push hard creating several good chances. Castlefin battled back with long balls over the top. Eventually Lee Kennedy got his second in the 38th minute.

Convoy once again lifted themselves and got a well-deserved equaliser through Long just before half-time. The second half started with both teams battling hard.

Convoy were pushing hard, coming close on several occasions but Gordon in goal for Castlefin was in fine form in the second half. Castlefin looked dangerous at times on the counter but neither side could get the winner with Castlefin leaving the happier of the two sides to get a point.

Drumkeen United Reserves 5-0 Ballybofey United Reserves

Drumkeen United recorded their second win and second clean sheet in a row in the Finn Travel Division against Ballybofey United at a cold St Patrick's Park on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors made the better start in this game and probably had the best of the opening half an hour although neither side created any goal-scoring chances of any note in that time.

Drumkeen took the lead around the half-hour mark when a Sean Collum shot was saved by Ballybofey keeper Joe O'Donnell but the ball then fell to Lee Guthrie who tapped it home from close range.

After the goal Drumkeen got into the game a lot more for the rest of the half. We reached half-time with the home team a goal in front.

Drumkeen added a second goal early in the second half when Lee Guthrie was fouled in the box and Drumkeen were awarded a penalty.

Guthrie stepped up and calmly slotted home the penalty to give the home team a two-goal lead. Drumkeen added a third when a Nigel Hegarty kick-out found Lee Guthrie and he finished it well against the advancing keeper O'Donnell to complete his hat-trick.

The home team increased their lead further when Ciaran Devine scored from inside the box as his shot went across the keeper and in at the far post.

Ryan James added a fifth with a great free kick from out on the right side of the penalty box. That was the end of the scoring and it sealed a comprehensive victory for the home team. Both teams tried hard in this game and it was played in a good competitive sporting manner. Referee: Seamus McGrory.