Fanad United eyeing league revival after FAI Junior Cup progress

As the second half of the Donegal Premier Division season commences, Fanad United hope to turn their run of form around.  

Their typically robust league form which has seen them win back-to-back Premier Division titles over the past two years has hit a bump, with inconsistency and injury issues leaving them struggling to keep pace with the division's frontrunners.  

However, a dominant 3-0 victory over Harding FC in the FAI Junior Cup last weekend at home in Traigh-a-Loch has provided a much-needed boost as they hope to carry that dominant cup performance from last week back into their league season. 

Despite holding a slender one-goal lead for over 75 minutes, there was little doubt that the Donegal Premier Division champions deserved their victory over the Dublin side. A first-half goal from Peter Carr gave Fanad the advantage in what was largely a one-sided contest. 

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Two late strikes, one from Eoin Logue from the penalty spot and another from substitute Martin McElhinney, sealed the win and sent Fanad through to the last 16 of the Junior Cup. 

They now stand as the only Donegal side remaining in the national tournament, following defeats for Letterkenny Rovers and Cockhill Celtic over the weekend 

The air of confidence was surely present following the match with many believing Fanad could’ve landed more goals on the day. 

"I think all our thoughts at halftime was that we were 1-0 up and we could’ve been two or three with the number of chances we had,” goalscorer Eoin Logue said.  

“We had chances across the box that we just couldn’t connect with or some we didn’t gamble on, then we had a few that hit the post, but I think overall we were well worthy of a 3-0 win in the end.” 

While the league remains their main focus, the FAI Junior Cup has become a significant goal for the club this season, especially after their struggles in this competition in recent years.  

"I think the last three or four years in the FAI Junior Cup, we probably underachieved which was unfortunate. Last year Buncrana knocked us out in the first round, so to be the only Donegal side left in the competition is great and this cup competition is a big goal for us this season and to see us progressing is a good sign," Logue added. 

Yet, the challenges in the league have not gone unnoticed. Fanad United are currently in seventh place in the Premier Division, with just six points from seven games — a far cry from their dominant performances in previous seasons.  

And Logue admitted that the side has not hit the heights they’re accustomed to: "I think we’ve probably underachieved so far in the league. I think we’ve been a little bit off the pace, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break on weeks like this from the league competition and put our focus into something like the cup." 

But this Fanad side now turns their attention back to the league, with a crucial clash against Gweedore Celtic looming. Logue is fully aware of the challenge ahead, stressing that consistency is key to making a pushback towards the top of the table.  

"Now our attention as a side turns to Gweedore Celtic in the league this weekend,” he said. “We know we have a lot of points to gain to be back near the top. 

 "I think in any league campaign, the fittest team usually wins the league which is what we’ve prided ourselves on over the past few seasons. This year, we’ve had a few injuries which have affected us but that’s probably the same with every team. 

"If we can get our consistency back, then we will try and challenge near the top. That’s the aim but we’ll just have to see and take it game by game." 

As the season continues, Fanad United will be looking to translate their cup form into league success, hoping to reclaim the dominance they’ve enjoyed in recent years and restore their place at the summit of Donegal football.