Donegal Woman's League round-up as Letterkenny Rovers defeat Raphoe Town

Raphoe Town 2 Letterkenny Rovers 3

A goal in the last minute from Ciara McGarvey saw her clinch her hat-trick as Letterkenny Rovers took all three points in a cracking game of football at Drumineny against Raphoe Town.

The hosts came into the game on the back of a big defeat last week while Rovers had a good win over Cockhill. 

But things were much more evenly balanced here and while the visitors had great spells of early possession, it was the home side that carried the early threat.

Indeed, Tanya Gillen in the Rovers goal was smartly off her line on three occasions to snuff out early Raphoe attacks as the home side went in search of an opener. 

Cassie Tinney, making her debut at senior level, was industrious in a midfield holding role, giving Rachel Lawne and Vanessa McHugh the freedom to link up with wingers Lauren O’Donnell and Sarah Jane Kelly and centre forward Orlaith Connolly.

Lucy Canning and Erin Doherty marshalled the Rovers defence superbly against that early threat but Raphoe finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when a Rovers defender handled in the box and Connolly stepped up to rattle home from the spot.

The hard-working striker, who had a brilliant game for the home team, might have scored a second only to see her shot go inches wide of the post and the let-off seemed to kick Rovers into gear. 

A quick counter-attack then saw a clever ball played in behind the Raphoe defence and McGarvey raced away and steered the ball past Aimee Kelly in the Raphoe goal.

Both teams pressed after that, but with Alannah Kee, Rocha McCullagh, Anna McFadden and Alicia McCullagh all in fine form in the Raphoe defence, and the Rovers back line in equally determined mood, the sides went in at the break level.

Following the break Aine O’Flanagan and Mollie McGroarty came in for their competitive senior debuts for Raphoe and it was the home side that struck first again, this time with a long-range effort from Lauren O’Donnell.

But once again Rovers hit back, having taken control of the game for a spell they won a free-kick on the edge of the box that McGarvey fired into the net to tie the game once more.

With Vanessa McHugh a constant threat for the home side they were not done however and when she was fouled, a quick free kick was well saved by Tanya Gillen and Rachel Lawne’s strike from the rebound flew inches past the post. 

There were more debuts for the home side, Aoibhin Marley Kelly and May Hastings making appearances while Kyomi Gillen came in to lead the attack, but just when it seemed as if the game was heading for a draw, McGarvey raced clear once more to score a fine goal and give Rovers the lead.

Even then Raphoe pressed again and in the dying seconds, Rocha McCullagh saw her shot fly just wide and the visitors held on to the win in a super game well refereed by Patrick Martin.

Under 14 

Finn Valley 3 Drumbar United 0

On a perfect evening for football, Finn Valley came out on top with a 3-0 victory over a strong Drumbar team. 

Finn Valley started well with the wind at their backs and had a few chances before Ella Udoku gave them the lead on the 20-minute mark with a tidy finish after a great through ball from Brooke Byrne. 

Sarah Campbell was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after she rounded the keeper but saw her effort cleared off the line. 

Valley started the second half strong and on 46 minutes Udoku got her second with a super finish after a strong run through the middle. 

Drumbar battled bravely as they tried to get back into the game with the Valley defence holding firm several times. Kate McMenamin got the third and final goal at 61 minutes with a great individual run and finish. 

These two teams will battle again later on in the year no doubt. Thanks also to referee Alaister Gourley for keeping the game flowing.

U-16

Cappry U-16 girls hosted Drumbar at the riverside pitch on Wednesday. The away side got off to a flying start when Michaela Hannafin got in behind the Cappry defence. 

Hannafin doubled the Drumbar lead shortly after with a great strike. Teagan O’Reilly and Sarah Colhoun made it four just before the break. 

Cappry showed spirit and forced a number of good saves from the Drumbar goalkeeper before half time but Drumbar defended well.

Drumbar showed their dominance as Sarah Colhoun got a second and Amy Ward scored a brace in the second half as Michaela Hannafin and Teagan O’Reilly completed their hattricks in a dominant display.

Illistrin 2 Keadue Rovers 1

Illistrin took the lead after 10 minutes in this one when Sophie McLaughlin burst through and slotted the ball beyond the keeper.

They then doubled their lead on 20 minutes when Ciara Daly hit the ball from 25 yards into the roof of the net. Keadue responded with a goal at the start of the second half but Illistrin managed to hold on for the victory.

U-12

Letterkenny Rovers 2 Bonagee United 1 

Rovers hosted Bonagee U-12s in what was a really competitive local derby. Rovers got off to a great start with two early goals from Caitlin McBrearty and Scarlet Graham. 

A determined Bonagee came out the second half pushing Letterkenny back and creating a number of good chances. 

As Bonagee pushed, Rovers nearly caught them out on the counter attack with Savannah Keys coming close a number of times. 

In the last minute, Bonagee were rewarded for their hard work with a goal from Eabha Gribben. 

It was impossible to single anyone from both teams as every player played their part. Well done to both teams.

Lagan Harps 0 Ballyraine Harps 2

Two goals in the first ten minutes decided this keenly fought contest. Ballyraine started strongly and early goals from Cassie Diffley and Maria Wenelski put them in a strong position. 

Lagan struggled to get going against a physically stronger Ballyraine side. As the half wore on they got more in it with Emily Mc Mahon and Katie Gildea combining well on a couple of occasions. 

Clodagh Kavanagh started to impress in midfield. Ella Gibson Hamlyn had a good effort but Holly Gordon dealt well with anything that came at her. 

The introduction of Caoimhe Sweeney pepped up the Lagan attack and the game went really end to end. 

Both keepers pulled off some top saves as the second half really livened up. Emily Mc Mahon went close for Lagan before Caoimhe Sweeney hit the post. 

Ballyraine replied at the other end with Ella Sharkey pulling off a couple of good saves from Millie Toland and Hanna Carty. However, despite some near misses there were no further scores.  

Glenree United 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 

On a blustery night in Glenree, it was Kilmacrennan that came away with the victory. 

The visitors started brightly and took the lead when a shot from distance that was saved by Abbie and the in-rushing forward finished to the net. 

Glenree were finding it hard getting past the Kilmacrennan defence. Kilmacrennan doubled their lead on 20 minutes with a good finish. 

Glenree had a great chance that forced a good save from the Kilmacrennan keeper from Eilis’s shot. Erin also went close with a free kick near the end of the half.  

Glenree got on top at the start of the second half and Eilis with a brilliant run forced another good save from the keeper. 

A great move released Eilis and her ball across the box was met by Erin Caldwell and unfortunately, her effort went over the bar. With Glenree committing to attack 

Kilmacrennan, on the break, scored number three with a good finish.

Swilly 1 Milford 3 

Swilly Rovers  U-12 girls battled it out in Swilly Park against a well organsied Milford United. 

Despite a good amount of pressure, Swilly could not find the net early on. Milford settled into the game and soon the balance of the match began to shift from team to team. 

It was Milford however who made the breakthrough as Swilly failed to clear a corner. Milford came out fighting in the second half and Swilly sustained a lot of pressure in the first ten minutes but managed to break a few times but Milford’s defence held strong. 

Milford got one more after this and then a third after a bad kickout from Swilly. Substitutions were made on both teams and some of the younger players got their chance. 

Swilly kept battling and got their goal in the end through Kiri Sweeney.

Finn Valley B 0 Drumbar United B 0

The Finn Valley U-11 team welcomed Drumbar for their second home game of the season on Tuesday evening and both sides left with a point apiece after a hard fought battle. 

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges with Emily McMenamin and Niamh McNulty both going close. Khulani Mtetwa almost got her first goal of the season at the start of the second half but her shot was just wide. 

Niamh McNulty went close again shortly after but her shot was also just off target. At the other end Lily Ellen Byrne reacted sharply to turn a well struck snapshot just over the bar. 

In the end a draw was a fair result on the night and both teams went home happy after a good night's work. 

Ballyraine Celtic 3 Gweedore United B 0

On Tuesday Ballyraine Celtic took on Gweedore United in the DWL U-12 B league. 

After 17 minutes it was Ballyraine Celtic who took the lead with a well taken goal scored by Maisie Duffy, this was quickly followed on 22 minutes with another goal scored by Eva O'Toole.  

Gweedore played well but couldn't find a way past the Ballyraine defence who were well managed by Sophie McHugh and Ella Louise O'Toole. 

Then on 43 minutes, Ballyraine got a penalty and this was well dispatched by the excellent Katie McDowell to make it 3-0. 

Great skill and determination was displayed by both sets of players. Thanks also to referee Sinead Hagan.

Friendlies

Convoy Arsenal 0 Drumbar United A 2

A very tightly contested match in Orchard Park saw Convoy Arsenal U-12 girls take on Drumbar United. 

Both teams put in a tremendous effort from start to finish. Two minor slip-ups from corners left the home team down by two goals. 

Goalkeeper Eleanor Tait did amazing to save a penalty keeping the scoreline at 2-0. Another great game of learning. Well done to Drumbarr United girls and coaches and good luck in your upcoming matches.

Illistrin 1 Mulroy Academy 3 

Illistrin U-12 girls played Mulroy Academy in a friendly game in Corry Park with Mulroy winning by two goals. 

The goal scorer for Illistrin was Ellie Black while Alice Gibbons netted twice for Mulroy with Clodagh McVeigh getting the third.

Keadue Rovers 4 Donegal Town 0

Keadue Rovers U-12 girls kept up their relentless start to the season with a fabulous home win over a strong Donegal Town side. 

Keadue had quite a lot of play in the opening period and from the off put tremendous pressure on the Donegal Town defence and it was no surprise when goal machine Lena O’Donnell opened the scoring on 9 minutes with a real poacher’s goal. 

Donegal Town came more into the game and made life difficult for Keadue at times without having any real chances until the last minute of the first half when they shot over when one on one with Robyn Duffy In the home goals. 

Keadue were the dominant team in the first half but it was a long way off the quality they had shown in previous games. 

The second half was a different story however and the girls were exceptional, even allowing for eight subs. 

Jessica Keys got the second goal of the game three minutes into the second half and there was no way back for Donegal Town. 

Keadue were rampant at this stage and playing some amazing football and with two goals in 2 minutes Lena got her hat trick, her third in four games to cap off another resounding victory and a tremendous display from all the girls.

U-16

Group 1

Ballyraine defeat Bonagee 

Goals from Clodagh Patton (2), Emer Cassidy(3) and Maria Mc Kinney (2) and a powerful goal from outside the box from Grace McGlynn sealed a fine victory for Ballyraine. 

In a thrilling game, which was end to end, at 4-4 within the final ten minutes. Ballyraine asserted dominance and pulled away. 

Milford United 2 Mulroy Academy 1   

On a perfect night for football, Milford came out top in the local derby. Milford started well playing some decent football. 

Anna Giles had the first shot on target with Mary Bridget doing well to get down smartly. Mulroy took the lead when Meabh Sweeney strode through the middle of the Milford defence and slotted home from close range.

Milford equalised on 23 minutes when Erin Neilis latched onto a through ball and scored from the tightest of angles. 

Mulroy pressed Milford from the beginning of the second half and created some good chances but found Megan McGinley in top form. 

Milford took the lead through a Chloe Blaney penalty with twenty minutes left. They did just about enough to hang on for their first win of the season.

U-14

Lagan Harps 2 Donegal Town B 0 

Lagan and Donegal played out a well contested game in Letterkenny Community Centre. 

The first half was very tight with defences on top. Lagan pressed more in the second half and took the lead through a good finish from Amy Lateef. 

They scored a second with Molly McGee scoring her first goal for the club. Donegal finished strongly with Niamh Brogan and Emmy causing problems.  

Lagan went close again through Mikaela Breen but there were no more scores. A good competitive game with referee Alistair Gourley letting the game flow.

Letterkenny Rovers 2 Bonagee Utd 5

Ellen Temple was on fire here for Bonagee scoring four goals for the winners. 

Emma Kelly was also on the scoresheet just before half time, Savanna Keys and Amy Moore scoring for Letterkenny Rovers. 

Isla Larkin and Tara McDaid were outstanding for Bonagee, With Clara Peoples and Aisling McGinley shining for Rovers 

Raphoe Town 1 Ballyraine 3 

A high-paced game in Drumineney saw Raphoe U-14 girls give an excellent account of themselves with a couple of U-12s called up due to low numbers. 

In the first half, both teams were edgy but it was Raphoe who settled the quickest with midfield three relentlessly working and creating chances. 

Soairse Deasley, out on the wing, eventually broke through, composed herself and sent a fine shot in to open up the scoring.  

The girls pushed on to try and get a second but the Ballyraine defence and goalkeeper was quick of her line. 

The second half again saw Raphoe start brightly with Cara O'Connell and Iona McCarron getting in on goal just not able to finish off. 

A mix up soon after in our own box meant Ballyraine won a penalty. Up stepped Éadaoin Kennedy and Lylah went the right direction but just couldn't get anything on it. 

All square now and the girls worked tirelessly to keep it at that but Ballyraine wanted more as they pressed continually and were rewarded with a fine strike from outside the box by Lucy Fabisiak.  

They added a third just before the end through Finaly Doherty.  A great Competitive game, with the Raphoe girls giving a performance of the season so far. Well done to Ballyraine and good luck for the rest of the season.

U-14

Gweedore United 0 Glenea United 2   

This game played on a glorious evening saw a spirited Glenea side inflict the first defeat of the season on an under-strength Gweedore team. 

The game started with both sides finding their feet and took both teams a while to settle. The home side began to press the Glenea defence, but Lucy Doohan led her defence well and kept the visitors’ attackers at bay by restricting them to corner kicks on numerous occasions. 

Jenny Cocoran for the visitors was dangerous on the break and her hard work paid off in the 17th minute when Cocoran's pressure caused a defensive mix up which fell to Sarah Coyle who finished well from close range to make it 1-0. 

Gweedore pushed hard to get back on level terms with Lily Rodgers, Lucy Boyd and debutants Chloe McCauley and Kelsey Mc Fadden making the Glenea keeper save on a number of occasions. 

In the second half Gweedore had the majority of the possession but couldn't break down a tight defence with the keeper also making good saves. 

The home side had a good chance to equalise in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the keeper again saved well from Lucy Boyd to keep the one goal advantage. 

Three minutes later, Áine Mangan struck a lovely free kick from outside the box into the back of the net leaving Nuala Doherty in the Gweedore nets with no chance. 

Gweedore pressed until the end to no avail. It was a good tight match with 4 debutants Kelsey Mc Fadden, Lucy Mc Geehan, Leah Ward and Chloe Mc Cauley doing well for Gweedore and Lucy Doohan. 

Áine Mangan and Jenny Cocoran excelling for the visitors on the night. Well done to both sets of players for putting on a good entertaining game for the good turn out on a lovely evening. 

Referee: Mick Lagan

Fixtures

May 6, 7pm 

Interleague Cup Quarter Final (Senior Ladies)

Bonagee United v Rasheeny 

Raphoe Town v Greencastle

May 7, 6.30pm

U-12

Group 1

Lagan Harps v Bonagee United     

Letterkenny Rovers v Illistrin     

Group 2

Cappry Rovers  A v Donegal Town     

Drumbar United  A v Letterbarrow Celtic Youths   

Group 3

Drumkeen United  v Convoy Arsenal     

Raphoe Town v Finn Valley A 

Group 4

Dunfanaghy Youths  v Gweedore Celtic    

Keadue Rovers v  Gweedore United  A

Group 5

Glenree v Milford United  

Swilly Rovers v Mulroy Academy  

Group 6

Ballyraine Celtic v Drumbar United B 

Finn Valley B v Cappry Rovers B

Gweedore United B v Letterkenny Rovers B

Friendlies

Kilmacrennan Celtic v Ballyraine Harps

May 8, 6.30pm 

U-16

Group 1

Raphoe Town v Ballyraine     

Letterkenny Rovers v Bonagee United   

Group 2

Drumbar United  v St Catherines  

Cappry Rovers v Convoy Arsenal   

Group 3

Illistrin v Mulroy Academy    

Milford United v Keadue Rovers   

May 10, 6.30pm 

Under 14

Group 1

Donegal Town  B v Ballyraine    

Raphoe Town v Bonagee United     

Letterkenny Rovers v Lagan Harps   

Group 2

Convoy Arsenal v Cappry Rovers     

St Catherines  v Donegal Town     

Drumbar United v Finn Valley 

Group 3

Keadue Rovers  v Glenea United     

Gweedore United v Gweedore Celtic  

Group 4

Illistrin  v Swilly Rovers    

Milford United  v Kilmacrennan Celtic     

Glenree  v Mulroy Academy