Donegal League: Kilmacrennan Celtic state intentions with victory over Fanad Utd

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Castlefin Celtic 0-2 Gweedore Celtic

Gweedore registered their first points on their return to the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over opponents Castlefin. 

The game began at a hectic pace with both sides playing an open attacking game. Midfield and defences were to the fore with clear-cut chances at a premium. 

Gweedore managed the two best chances of the opening half. The first came in the thirtieth minute when a deep cross from full-back Caolan Laux beat the defence but the inrushing Ryan Greene misjudged his timing and the ball went harmlessly wide. 

The second, and more clear-cut opportunity, came in the fortieth minute when Ryan Doherty headed Padraig Gallagher's cross to the back post but Ryan Greene saw his effort go over the bar.

The second half saw Na Ceiltigh gain the upper hand in the midfield area with Ciaran Mc Hugh, Jamie Doherty and Liam Mc Fadden dominant and with Colin Mc Nichols and Liam Wiggins controlling things at the back Castlefin found it hard to create clear-cut chances. 

The introduction of Youth players Cronan Mc Fadden and Darragh Mc Gee played a huge part in the fortunes of the game when they both contributed to the two goals for Gweedore. A pin point pass from Mc Fadden set Mc Hugh through on goal and when Gallagher in goals brought him down the referee had no choice but to give the spot kick. 

Defender Liam Wiggins despatched the penalty to give the home team the lead. Castlefin pushed hard for an equaliser but were caught out when Darragh Mc Gee got the better of two defenders and he unselfishly set up Cronan Mc Fadden for a tap in. 

A game of fine margins but it was the home team who were the happier at the final whistle. Liam Mc Fadden and Colin Mc Nichols were outstanding for the winners with Micheal Dunnion and Jason Mc Kinney best for the away team. Referee: Mick Lagan.

Fanad United 1-2 Kilmacrennan Celtic

The Champions of the last two seasons clashed at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday and a last gasp goal gave Kilmacrennan Celtic the win.  

Overall it was a game of few clear-cut chances. The first half-chance fell to Fanad in the 10th minute when Eddie O'Reilly's excellent cross just evaded Daibhid Lynch and was cleared by the Kilmacrennan defence. 

On the half hour mark Paddy McGinley rose highest in the box from a Keelin Mc Elwaine corner but his header was easily saved by Kilmacrennan keeper Oisin Farrell. Kilmacrennan missed a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring five minutes before the break when Paul Bradley's dangerous cross evaded all incoming attackers. 

Five minutes after the interval Fanad took the lead. A clearance from Oisin Farrell was intercepted by Daibhid Lynch who executed a superb lob from all of 35 yards. The lead only lasted five minutes as Kilmacrennan got an equaliser. 

A James Doherty free into the box resulted in a scramble and eventually the ball was fired home by Sam Harvey. Fanad did have a chance to go ahead five minutes later when Carlos O'Reilly found his brother Eddie but he shot just wide under pressure. Deep into injury time Kilmacrennan got the winner. Gerard Mc Grenaghan chased down a ball and his cross to the back post was headed home by Paul Bradley. Referee: Dessie McLaughlin. 

Keadue Rovers 2-1 Rathmullan Celtic

Keadue Rovers overcame Rathmullan thanks to a dramatic comeback in the closing five minutes of this hard-fought game at Central Park on Sunday. 

In very warm conditions, it was the away side who did most the probing in the opening fifteen minutes, pinning Keadue back to the edge of their own area. 

As the half went on, Keadue began to create a few openings, Matthew Comiskey had a fine effort saved from 30 yards and five minutes before the interval, Chris Greene did well to get a shot off which again was well dealt with by the Rathmullan keeper. 

The first half in general was a scrappy affair, with both sides cancelling each other out. At the start of the second half, the home side began very brightly on the front foot. They used the wings to good effect but again the final ball was well dealt with by the Rathmullan defence. 

Just after the hour, Keadue made a big move with four substitutions and it had the effect desired as they pushed the visitors right back and they looked the more likely to score. Substitute Oran Fallon went on a mazy run just after being introduced and shot over. 

In the next ten minutes, further chances fell to Aidan Brennan and Chris Greene and ten minutes from the end, Paul Yank Boyle headed just over. 

While Keadue were dominant at this stage, Rathmullan took the lead against the run of play, when a cross from the right wing was headed in at the near post by Ronan Morris to give the visitors the lead. Back came Keadue with Martin Ferry heading over the bar. 

Just when it looked as though the visitors were going to emerge victorious, substitute Oisin Mc Kelvey flicked in after an initial shot was blocked to give Keadue a deserved leveler. 

With injury time drawing in, Keadue kept up the pace and two minutes over the ninety, from an initial shot saved, Oran Fallon calmly slotted home the winner to great joy from the home support. 

A good win for Keadue and a first three points of the season. Best for Rathmullan were David Boal, Ronan Morris and Sean Gallagher, while best for Keadue were Daniel McHugh, Mark Forker and Aidan Brennan. Referee: Patrick Martin.

Milford United 1-2 Kildrum Tigers

Kildrum Tigers went away with the three points from a tight encounter at Moyle View Park. 

Both sides were defensive in the opening half in the intense heat, letting each other come out with the ball. Chances in the first half were limited and the best fell to Corey Lee Mc Conigley after good combination play by Eoin O’Donnell and Joey Cullen, but Chris O’Donnell was on hand to deny a goal. 

On 38 minutes Milford failed to deal with a long ball and the clearance fell on the edge of the box to the impressive Ronan Mc Kinley whose powerful shot, with the help of a slight deflection, beat Mc Gettigan in the Milford Goal.  

At the start of the second half Milford started slow and dropped deep as Kildrum put a few passes together and Mc Kinley’s cross from the right was struck home by Oran Higgins on 48 minutes. 

As the game looked to be gone for Milford, they still fought hard to get back into it and on 85 minutes Joey Cullen headed home from six yards. 

As Milford pushed for an equaliser their best chance came in the 96 minute when Liam Donnelly’s quick shot was cleared off the line with the keeper beat. A tough encounter and a sign of how things will be in the Premier Division for both teams. 

St. Catherine’s 1-0 Swilly Rovers 

An entertaining game in Emerald Park with number 10, Ryan Cunningham, in the 72nd minute scoring the winner to keep the Saints unbeaten at the start of this Premier League campaign. 

Swilly played a nice passing brand, out from the back, but the home team held their shape throughout the game. Chances were minimal as both teams were very well-matched. Two good team performances 

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Cranford United 2-2 Glenea United

The points were shared in a great day at Cranford Park with the home side being most disappointed not taking all three. 

Cranford started the game on the front foot playing some good football and took the lead after 20 minutes from a brilliant Shane Coll header. 

Glenea scored two goals in quick succession against the run of the play, the first coming on 30 minutes when a long kick from the keeper was misjudged by the defenders and the Glenea attacker finished well. 

Five minutes later they took the lead after another mistake at the back, Glenea again finished well. Cranford came out the strongest again for the second half and got a deserved equaliser again from a Shane Coll header. 

With 15 minutes to go Cranford were very unlucky not to take the lead when Jack mc Auley hit the crossbar.  The Last ten minutes were end to end but neither side could get the winner. 

Gweedore United 0-4 Donegal Town

This game, played in warm conditions in Gweedore, saw the Donegal Town men claim the three points after a good strong second half display. 

It was a case of whoever scored first would go on to win this one. In the first minute Cathal Gillespie could have given United the lead, however his shot went just wide of the post. 

The visitors had decent chances in the 10th and 12th minutes through Glenn Harron and Mark Jordan respectively, however the home defence did well on each occasion.

It was a tight affair with both sides giving very little away. A good move by the home side in the 28th minute fell to Fionnan Coyle and his well hit shot was excellently saved by Gavin Mulreaney. 

Mulreaney again pulled off an excellent save from a Stephen Doyle Mc Fadden shot from outside the box to keep the score at 0-0 until half time. In the second half United started brightest and in the 47th minute Fionnan Coyle brought the best out of Mulreaney again. In the 51st minute Donegal were awarded a penalty which was taken by Steven Graham and Orin Craig in the United nets saved well. 

Donegal took the lead in the 55th minute when Mark Jordan finished from close range to make it 1-0. Graham Harron doubled the visitor’s lead with a shot from close range. 

Gary Mc Fadden went close for United in the 69th minute, his shot went just wide of the post. Mark Jordan and David Graham added another two goals for the visitors to make it 4-0 at full time. Gavin Mulreaney was excellent for Donegal while Shaun Mc Fadden and Michael Mulhern excelled for the home side. Referee: Seimí Ferry.

Lagan Harps 3-1 Cappry Rovers

Lagan started the better of the two sides and after 12 minutes Kenny Doran came close to scoring. Matthew Doran then went close for Lagan, from a Philip Doran cross, but his header was just wide.

Later in the half Josh Hay headed an effort wide from a corner.  Lagan took the lead on 44 minutes after a scrabble from Eamonn Cannon's corner was finally headed into the net by Dylan Mc Elhinney.  

Lagan doubled their lead a minute later when, after some fine work down the left by Matthew Doran, the ball fell to Taylor Cassidy to dispatch an unstoppable shot. 

The second half started with Lagan pressing again. Matthew Doran came close from an Eamonn Cannon cross. Ciaran Quinn made it 3-0 16 minutes into the second half after Dylan Mc Elhinney's headed effort was saved by the Cappry keeper.  Cappry pulled a goal back with 13 minutes to go through Alan Getins.

Letterbarrow Celtic 1-3 Convoy Arsenal

Both teams met at a very warm Tymeen to try get their first points on the board. Letterbarrow started best but failed to put the ball in the net. 

They were soon punished when Convoy were awarded a penalty which they nicely converted to put them in the lead. Shortly after they doubled their lead giving Letterbarrow a lot of problems coming into half time. 

The home side were awarded a penalty of their own on the stroke of half time which Daniel Meehan neatly converted.  The second half was much the same. 

Letterbarrow dominated possession but couldn’t find a way to put the ball in the net. As they pushed to equalise, they left space open and Convoy grabbed a third to put the game well out of reach of Letterbarrow. 

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Ballybofey United 6-0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.

Ballybofey United followed up their opening day victory over Drumkeen United by hitting Kerrykeel for six at Dreenan. 

They led 2-0 at the interval through goals from Aaron Mc Auley and Mark Griffin. Daithí Mc Mahon extended their lead five minutes into the second-half. 

Mc Mahon was having another good outing for the home-side and it was his shot that rebounded off the post before being turned into the net by an unlucky Kerrykeel defender. 

Jude Patton set up Damien Glackin for Ballybofey’s fifth and a first ever Senior Goal for Dean Walsh completed another good outing for PH Bonar’s side. The blend of youth and experience is certainly working for United at the minute.  

Curragh Athletic 2-0 Whitestrand United

Curragh had their first home game of the season against Whitestrand at the Oaktree Complex. In a very tight opening 30 minutes Whitestrand had the best of the chances. 

Curragh took the lead on 30 minutes when a cross from Conor Galvin was deflected in off a Whitestrand defender. Whitestrand pressed hard in search of an equaliser but Curragh held the lead coming in a half time. 

Whitestrand started the second half putting Curragh under pressure with long balls which the Curragh defenders dealt with. Curragh doubled their advantage on 68 minutes with a superb finish from the edge of the box from Anthony Bruton after some good link up play from Oisin McCool and Marc Devine. 

Whitestrand continued to work hard and got a penalty on 80 minutes which hit the post. Ryan Duffy pulled off two great saves from corners to keep their two-goal lead. Ryan Duffy was best for Curragh. A good battling team performance from Whitestrand. Referee: Mick Slate

Dunkineely Celtic 1-6 Drumkeen United

A minute’s silence was observed before the fixture in honour of Eoin Brosnan from Bruckless who passed away in Australia. 

The game was played in warm and humid conditions at Darney Park and it was Drumkeen who started brightly forcing a save from the Dunkineely keeper after 9 minutes. 

Lee Guthrie opened the scoring for Drumkeen 6 minutes later when he got on the end of a low cross from the right. Lee doubled the lead on 19 minutes with another fine strike. 

Drumkeen pressed their advantage home and were three ahead two minutes later from the foot of Eoghan Kennedy. 

Dunkineely got themselves back into the game and on 23 minutes Aaron O'Shea struck from distance only to see his attempt go narrowly over the bar. Minutes later Pauric Cunningham earned his side a penalty when he was taken down in the box, Adrian Nesbitt converted from the spot to take Dunkineely back within two. 

Lee Guthrie completed his hat-trick on 35 minutes and that was how it remained until half-time.  The 2nd half was less frantic as both teams felt the effect of the heat and humidity, Drumkeen added two more goals courtesy of Keelan Markey and Davhin Doherty for the three points and a deserved win.

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Cappry Rovers Reserves 1-2 St. Catherine’s Reserves

In a game played at the Finn Valley Centre it was the youthful Cappry team who took the lead mid-way through the first half when Kyle Ruttledge found the bottom corner from inside the box. 

St. Catherine’s struck back in the 35th minute through a Josh Cunningham header. It was an even enough second half but it was St. Catherines got the winner from a late penalty. 

Glencar Celtic 1-3 Oldtown Celtic

Glencar started the game well and thought they had gone 1-0 up with a goal from Gio Peoples only for the referee to disallow it for a foul on the goalkeeper. 

They then did take the lead when Paddy Collins slotted past Micheal Gibson. Oldtown struck back when centre half Chick Mc Laughlin found himself up the field and he took the ball on the chest and slotted past Decky Mc Dermot to equalise. 

Oldtown then took the lead straight from a corner from Luke Neilis. Glencar pushed and pushed for an equaliser only for to get caught on the counter-attack as John Mc Fadden killed the tie late on. Great performance from both sides in a great derby match.

Glenea United Reserves 1-1 Arranmore United

In fine conditions for football, Glenea reserves got their home league programme underway against Arranmore. 

It was the home side that started the best with lots of possession but they were finding it hard to create any clear chances. Patrick Mc Fadden went closest on 20 minutes when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box but saw his effort clear the crossbar. 

Patrick Doohan and Daniel Mulhern were next with efforts to open the scoring but both were denied. As the half progressed Arranmore came more into the game and their best chance was a free kick from Martin Proctor that just cleared the bar. 

In the second half it was the home side that started the brightest with the vast majority of the possession but similar to the first half they failed to convert this possession into goal scoring chances with Patrick Mc Fadden and PJ Doogan going close to opening the scoring. 

On 85 minutes, against the run of play, Arranmore took the lead from a corner which the home defence failed to deal with and despite the efforts of Robbie Murray to clear the ball off the line the referee signalled a goal. 

In the remaining minutes the home side pushed hard for an equaliser and in the dying moments, after some good interplay all the way from the defence, Patrick Doohan’s through ball released Kevin Mulhern and he slid the ball past the Arranmore keeper for a deserved equaliser. 

Best for Glenea were PJ Doogan and Patrick Doohan while John Roper and Martin Proctor impressed for Arranmore. Referee:  Rory O’ Gorman

Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 7-2 Fintown Harps AFC

These two newly promoted teams locked horns at the Letterkenny Community Centre and it was Kilmacrennan that started the sharper, taking the lead directly from the kick-off with Conor Gibson slotting home. 

The lead was doubled soon after with Oisin Harkin opening his account before Fintown got a goal back in a hectic seven-minute spell. Further goals from Harkin and Cormac Brady extended Kilmacrennan’s lead with Harps pulling one back to leave it 4 - 2 at the break. 

In warm conditions, the 2nd half belonged to Kilmacrennan as further goals from striker Gary Mc Gettigan (2)and a deft finish from center half Reuben Grimes meant the Lurgysiders ran out comfortable winners. Referee: Seany Houston 

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Drumbar United 0-0 Dunlewey Celtic

Drumbar welcomed Dunlewey for round two of league action and it was Drumbar who started brightest of the two sides, getting at the Dunlewey defence early on. 

Drumbar had the best of the first half chances with Jack Byrne forcing the Dunlewey keeper into a fine save and Paul O'Donovan hitting the post.

In the second half it was Dunlewey who were on the front foot but they never created any clear-cut chances. It ended scoreless in a very entertaining and hard fought battle.

Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1-1 Ballybofey United Reserves

Drumoghill got their first point on the board in this season’s Saturday League as their reserve side played out an entertaining draw at The Moss. 

Christy Smith’s first half goal had put the home side in the driving season but Josh Presto’s equaliser early in the second half ensured a point for the visitors. 

In a game played in excellent conditions, on a surface to match, both sides went looking for the goal that would seal the points but goalkeepers Ryan Lockhart and Odhrán Bonar proved to be obstacles that were not going to be beaten. 

Philip Gallagher was lively in midfield as both teams tired, but even his efforts weren’t enough for the reds to grab the points. Referee: Zach Mc Laughlin

Gweedore Celtic Reserves 5-2 Cranford United Reserves

Gweedore grabbed all three points in this encounter to record their second victory in the campaign. Their first goal arrived after thirty minutes when Martin Coyle got on the end of a long kick out which deceived the Cranford defence and he calmly rounded the keeper for the first goal. 

The second goal came minutes into the second half when Cronan Mc Fadden extended the home team's lead and the same player scored his second from the penalty spot shortly afterwards. 

Martin Coyle extended the lead to four but Cranford got a lifeline when Dale Mc Fadden scored from the penalty spot but all thoughts of a comeback ended when Coyle completed his hat-trick in the eightieth minute. 

Ben Fox got his side’s second in the dying minutes of the game. Best for Gweedore Martin Coyle Caolan Laux and Micheal Mc Cole. Best for Cranford Shane Coll and Dylan Mc Fadden.

Ramelton Mariners 3-2 Milford United Reserves

A tightly contested game at the Flagpole Field, Rathmullan, the new home of Ramelton Mariners as the home side battled in the second half to come away with a hard earned three points against local rivals Milford United Reserves. 

Despite missing an early penalty Milford took the lead through Eoin O'Donnell who finished well from a corner. 

Mariners responded well when a looping cross from Luke Morgan found the head of Fionn Robinson for an equalizer. Milford were back in front before long with a left footed strike from Ciaran Blaney, followed shortly by the half time whistle. The Mariners came out of the traps brilliantly in the second half with Fionn Robinson quickly doubling his tally for the day to make it 2-2 with a close range finish. 

The game remained cagey for a spell with the Mariners dominating the ball, but unable to take their chances before Evan Hewitt got the ball on the right-hand side and brilliantly bent the ball into the top corner with his left foot to give the Mariners a well-deserved lead. 

Milford battled hard to try to get an equalizer but the Mariners’ backline did well to see out the game and ensure a first home win of the season.

Swilly Rovers Reserves 3-2 Copany Rovers

A hat-trick for Ryan Mc Daid saw Swilly Rovers take a 3-0 lead in the first half with goals in the 12th, 17th and 40th minutes. 

Copany got one back before half time, Ted Bustard finding the target.  The second half saw plenty of chances fall to both teams but Copany got the only other goal of the match through Alex Mc Neilis. Copany put on plenty of pressure to try to get the equaliser but Swilly stood firm to see the game out. 

Drumkeen United Reserves 2-2 Gweedore United Reserves

Drumkeen played their first home game of the Season as they welcomed visitors Gweedore United to a Sunny St Patrick's Park on Saturday Afternoon. 

Gweedore had several Big Tall strong players that a youthful Drumkeen team were struggling to complete with in the first half. Gweedore’s pressure paid off after 15 minutes when they were awarded a free kick out on the left wing. 

Owenie Gallagher sent his free kick in low and despite the efforts of Goalkeeper Evan Higgins it sneaked in at the near post. 

The visitors continued to dominate in the first half but despite all their possession they didn't really trouble Goalkeeper Higgins that much apart from the chance they scored and another fine save that he was forced to make.

Drumkeen had a chance to get back on level terms near the end of first half when Gavin Bonner was fouled and a penalty was awarded. Gavin stood up to take the penalty himself but saw his effort well saved by Gweedore keeper Eamonn Collum. 

Half time arrived with just a goal between the teams. Drumkeen made a couple of changes at the break with the introduction of Darren and Conor Bonner who joined their Brother Gavin who was already on the pitch. 

We don't know if this is a first for Drumkeen to have three Brothers on the same team in the same match but their introduction certainly made a difference. 

Drumkeen were much improved in second half and got back on level terms when Dabhan Doherty scored a great goal from just inside the box. Dabhan is only sixteen but he took his goal very well with a beautiful strike and he had a fine match overall. 

Drumkeen nearly added a second goal when a Darren Bonner corner, sent in low, was nearly turned into his own net by a Gweedore defender. 

Drumkeen were well in the game now but found themselves a goal behind again when Caoimhin Lynch scored with an effort from the edge of the box which ended up in the bottom left corner. 

Drumkeen kept their heads up and battled away and eventually they got their reward. The equaliser when it came was a combination between two of the Bonner Brothers, when Darren's effort rebounded off the keeper Collum and Gavin was there to fire it home much to the delight of the Home team. 

All in all, this was probably a good result for both teams who got their first point of the New Season on the board.

Lagan Harps Reserves 3-0 Fanad United Reserves

Lagan Reserves picked up their first win of the season with a battling performance against Fanad Reserves at Letterkenny Community Centre.  

Lagan took the lead on five minutes when Jack Duncan charged down keeper Brian Gallagher's clearance and the ball rebounded to the net. Lagan went close when Vinny Mc Laughlin got on the end of a Jack Duncan cross but Brian Gallagher pulled off a great save. 

He then pulled off a great block from Vinny from the resultant corner.  Fanad responded when Paul Nash went close after Callum Crampsie had punched out a corner. 

They went close again when, first Dylan Mc Glone shot narrowly wide, and then Dylan Mc Bride headed wide. There was a great battle in midfield with Paul Nash pushing Fanad on while Callum Lynch was having a great game for Lagan. Ross Hamlyn then had a free for Lagan just dip over the crossbar. 

Lagan went 2-0 up on thirty-five minutes when Shane Bonner fired home after hesitancy in the Fanad area, after a free-kick. Fanad pushed hard at the start of the second half but Conur Crossan and Seamie Cullen were solid in the centre of Lagan's defence. 

Lagan grabbed a crucial third when Vinny Mc Laughlin was fouled in the area and Ross Hamlyn put away the penalty. Sean Martin then headed just wide for Fanad but Lagan held on for the points. Referee: Barry Hunter.