Donegal League reports: St Catherine's remain top in Saturday League Division 2

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Dunlewey Celtic 1-0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves

Dunlewey Celtic secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Drumoghill in a closely contested match played in beautiful sunny conditions at Glentornan Park. 

Despite a frantic start to the game, it was Dunlewey goalkeeper Daniel Roarty who stole the early headlines with a brilliant save to deny Drumoghill from the penalty spot after just 40 seconds of play. 

The home side then gained a foothold in the game, creating several chances but failing to break the deadlock before the end of the first half, with both teams having a few half-chances but nothing of note. 

Dunlewey came out strongly for the second half, with Paul Coll playing a crucial role in the middle of the field. A diagonal ball played to Conor Mc Mahon led to a foul about 25 yards from goal, giving Eamonn Mc Bride the chance to step up and take the free-kick. Mc Bride made no mistake, striking the ball beautifully to find the top corner of the net and give Dunlewey the lead.

Drumoghill were then reduced to ten men after having one of their midfielders sent off for a second yellow. Despite this setback, they knew they needed to get something from the game and pushed hard to get back into it. However, Dunlewey's defence held strong with solid performances across the backline.

Dunlewey had a few chances to extend their lead, the best of which, again, was a long-range effort from Eamonn Mc Bride. Unfortunately, Mc Bride's second free-kick was saved well by the Drumoghill keeper. 

In the end, Dunlewey held on to secure a vital 1-0 victory which closes the gap to Arranmore to just three points with the two teams set to meet next weekend in Glentornan Park in what promises to be a huge fixture.

Keadue Rovers Reserves 1-0 Arranmore United

Keadue Reserves overcame local rivals Arranmore United in ideal conditions at Central Park on Saturday. 

It was a bright start from Arranmore who, for the first ten minutes, created some decent chances and the home team were pinned back in defence. 

Keadue then started to create a few chances, especially down the left side with Oisin Mc Kelvey prominent. As the game went towards half time, play became scrappier and it felt like an end of season encounter. In the second half, Keadue brought on a few substitutions and it made a difference as they half wore on. 

They took a deserved lead on seventy minutes when David Ward slotted home the only goal of the game. It was a comfortable end to the game for the home side who saw it out to claim the three points. Referee: George Clinton

Strand Rovers 0-3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves

A lot of the first half was played in the Strand half with Kildrum going close on numerous occasions. Cormac Hanlon saved a penalty on twenty-two minutes to prevent Kildrum from taking the lead. 

Strand defended resolutely throughout the opening period as Kildrum constantly threatened to break the deadlock. A Jordan Saville free-kick was heading towards the top left-hand corner of the Kildrum net but the visiting keeper was equal to it and they went in level at the break. 

Within the first minute of the second-half Kildrum hit the crossbar and set the tone for the rest of the game as Kildrum went on to win 3-0. Micheal Lynch and Jamie McKinney were the Kildrum scorers while an own-goal added a gloss to the scoreline from Maghery Park.

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Fintown Harps AFC 2-0 Castlefin Celtic Reserves

A very cagey start to this match saw both teams give very little away. Fintown had a chance with an Ethan O’ Donnell header on 10 minutes but the ball went wide. 

The deadlock was broken on 40 minutes when Logan Quinn converted a penalty won by Arron Mc Glynn. The second half was shaded by Fintown and Dermot Gallier tucked away their second on 55 minutes to give Harps all three points.

St. Catherine’s Reserves 1-0 Milford United Reserves

St Catherine's maintained their position at the top of the table with a hard-fought win over Milford. The home side created several chances and almost went ahead on the half hour mark when Conor O' Rourke rattled the crossbar with a tremendous shot from 20 yards. 

A minute later they did go in front when Aaron Byrne got up highest to head home from a corner. The home side started the second half on the front foot and the lively JP Mc Guinness was just inches wide on two occasions as they looked to secure the crucial second goal. 

St Catherine's continued to go close with attempts from Josh Cunningham, Niall Campbell and Paul "Feet" Murrin but were unable to add to the scoreline. Milford, to their credit, played very well and with strong performances from Ciaron Gibbons and Darren Mc Laughlin were in contention until the very end. 

Best for the Saints were Aaron Byrne, a rock in defence and Donal Mc Guire. Referee: Rory O'Gorman

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Kerrykeel ’71 0-1 Donegal Town

The ‘71 went down to Donegal Town on Sunday by a goal to nil which means they will be in a playoff to try and stay in Division One. 

The first half saw Kerrykeel go close on a few occasions with Kevin Loughrey having two chances cleared off the line. Donegal Town rattled the crossbar on 30 minutes with a great strike. On the stroke of half-time the ‘71 missed a penalty which proved costly. 

Donegal went in front on 60 minutes when Roper fired home from close range. In the 95 minute Kerrykeel hit the crossbar with a Brandon Mc Clafferty header that had the keeper beaten. 

It just wasn't to be for the ’71 on the day. Best for Kerrykeel were Michael Mc Devitt, Shaun Kerr and Loughrey. Referee: Barry Hunter.

Letterbarrow Celtic 1-1 Convoy Arsenal

The game started with both sides struggling to break each other down. Letterbarrow took the lead however from a fantastic solo effort from Des Mc Groarty. 

Convoy fought hard and were awarded a penalty in the second half to give them a well-earned point. There was a minute silence prior to kick-off to remember Michael Jim Kenny, Thomas Meehan and John Mc Groarty. Referee: Tony Mc Namee.