Fanad Utd edge closer to capturing Premier Division title

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Castlefin Celtic 0-4 Fanad United

Fanad United cemented their place at the top of the Premier Division after a convincing victory in Castlefin. A Paddy Carr brace and a James Gallagher effort in the opening 30 minutes had Fanad in front at half time. Castlefin missed a second half penalty and Fanad extended their lead when Darren Mc Elwaine pounced on a loose ball.

Kildrum Tigers 1-0 Rathmullan Celtic

The home side edged a very close contest to pick up three points at Station Road, a goal from Gareth Colhoun with just six minutes remaining. A game played in difficult conditions with moments of quality were few and far between. 

Mc Ateer was dangerous throughout for the visitors and carved some openings however couldn’t find the net. Both keepers O’Donnell for Kildrum and Rathmullan’s Gallagher made some big saves to keep the scores even. 

However, it was Kildrum who nicked the all-important winner in a keenly contested game played in good spirits at Station Road.

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Keadue Rovers Reserves 2-0 Cappry Rovers Reserves

Keadue Reserves emerged victorious from Central Park after a tight encounter which was scrappy in the first half but more open in the second. 

In blustery, difficult conditions, the home team had wind advantage in the opening salvo but didn’t achieve much from their supremacy. Cappry were the more composed outfit for large parts with chances only coming to Keadue from outside the area. 

They had a decent spell after twenty minutes, with a shot wide from Mikey Mc Fadden and then two minutes later from Michael Greene, who had a shot well saved. The visitors however gained a good foothold in the last fifteen minutes of the half and although still scoreless at half time, they would have felt the happier at half time knowing wind advantage was to be with them in the second half. 

However, Keadue, to their credit, started against the wind, pinning Cappry back and within a few minutes Mikey Mc Fadden had an effort saved. However, they were not to be denied and on 50 minutes. A good run by Mikey McFadden ended with a shot saved and from the rebound Aidan Yank Boyle blasted to the net. 

They maintained their composure and good play and were good value for doubling their lead which they did on 65 minutes. Oisin Mc Kelvey was to the fore, his shot was parried by the keeper and from close range Jack Doherty finished the ball to the net. 

Back came Cappry and on 67 minutes they hit the crossbar with a good effort and in the last twenty minutes they took a chance and pushed more men up front but only forced one save from the Keadue keeper. A decent team effort from Cappry, while best for Keadue were Mikey Mc Fadden, Michael Greene and  Aaron Neely. Referee: Sean Ferry.

Kildrum Tigers Reserves 1-0 Donegal Town Reserves

In a tight contest it was all square at half time an Kildrum started the second half lively and got their reward after a bad tackle in the box resulted in a penalty which William Lynch converted to win all three points for the home side

Strand Rovers 2-1 Dunlewey Celtic

There was a strong wind blowing straight down the field in Strands’ favour for the first half. It was Dunlewey who took the lead however on 17 minutes when a corner was swung in and was missed by everyone at the front post and deflected in off a Strand player making it 1-0 to Dunlewey. 

Both sides created chances but to no avail until a long throw-in from Ryan Brennan caused havoc in the Dunlewey box and there was a bit of pinball until it fell to Jordan Saville who made no mistake and stuck it in the back of the net making it 1-1 at the break. 

Dunlewey had the wind for the second half but didn’t use it to their advantage with a lot of through balls getting carried over the end line. Strand created a few chances and finally got the breakthrough when a cross from Cian Mc Gee deflected off a Dunlewey defender and caught the keeper off guard and ended up in the net making it 2-1 to Strand. 

Both teams pushed to try and get the next goal but both defences held tight and the game ended up 2-1 to strand

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

St. Catherine's Reserves 3-0 Fintown Harps AFC

St Catherine's strengthened their position at the top of the Old Orchard Division Two with a comprehensive three nil win over Fintown. 

The visitors started well without creating any clear-cut chances and it was the home side who opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a clever overhead kick by Josh Cunningham. St Catherines doubled the lead ten minutes later with a fine volley by James Callan from the edge of the area. 

Fintown rallied briefly and Logan Quinn shot narrowly over after a run from the half way line. The home side continued to press, going close on several occasions and Aaron Byrne almost got a third when his 25-yard shot was tipped over by Dylan Mc Glynn. 

In the second half Fintown pushed forward in an effort to reduce the deficit but were undone on the hour mark when JP Mc Guinness made it three nil with a superb 20 yard shot. At this stage, the game was effectively over as a contest and while both sides had a number of chances the home team ran out deserving winners. 

Best for St Catherine's were Conor Knox, Christy Cunningham and Josh Cunningham. A team performance by Fintown. Referee: Gerard Devine