Donegal Junior League: Letterkenny Rovers easily see off Keadue Rovers 

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Keadue Rovers 0-3 Letterkenny Rovers

Letterkenny Rovers remain at the top of the Premier Division Table after a routine win over Keadue Rovers at a gloriously sunny Central Park on Sunday. 

The visitors had the brighter opening, moving the ball around against the home team, who were largely content to sit in and defend, given the number of players missing for different reasons. 

Chris Greene had the first shot on target of the day, which was saved easily by Mc Ginley in the visitor’s net. Letterkenny kept probing away, getting a few set pieces around the Keadue box and from one of these set pieces on twelve minutes they took the lead. 

BJ Banda caused the home defence a good few problems and won the free kick twenty-five yards out. This was well dispatched by the right foot of Joel Gorman through a wall of Keadue defenders low to the right corner of the net. Greene again had a shot blocked by the Letterkenny defence but as the half went on Letterkenny kept better possession and started to up the ante.

BJ Banda was through on goal from a breakaway attack but Adam Boyle in the home nets saved well at his feet. Chris Malseed, impressive in midfield hit a shot just wide on twenty-three minutes, then on twenty-six minutes, his long-range effort hit the crossbar. 

By the half hour, the game had got a bit scrappier and this was to Keadue's benefit as they managed to keep chances to a minimum. 

A one goal deficit would've been manageable for the home team going into the second half but Letterkenny pounced for their second with three minutes left to the half time whistle. BJ Banda striking from close in after a corner wasn't cleared. 

At the start of the second half again the visitors started the brighter and they pushed the home team back. To their credit Keadue kept a good disciplined line in both defence and midfield with less possession. 

Aidy Delap was wide with his shot on fifty minutes. After the hour, good work from BJ Banda down the right-hand side, led to a cross and the inrushing Chris Malseed fired home after a run the length of the pitch. 

On seventy-five minutes, Banda was again through but keeper Adam Boyle narrowed the angle well and he shot wide. Late on, through a couple of subs, Keadue brought a little bit more energy but never really threatened to pull back a goal. 

Calum Boyle had a decent free kick effort which was saved by Mc Ginley and that proved to be the last chance of the game as Letterkenny comfortably secured the three points in their bid to win the Donegal Premier League. 

Best for Letterkenny were Chris Malseed, BJ Banda and Joel Gorman while best for Keadue were Maurice Mc Gee, Adam Boyle and Brian Proctor. Referee: Gerald Devine.

Kildrum Tigers 0-0 St. Catherine’s

Kildrum started brightly and had a few half chances early on. They nearly broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Shane Mc Ginty played Brian Breslin through but his effort hit the post. 

St Catherine’s came into the game well in the second half which was very even. Both teams had chances but no one could get the winner. Battling performances from both teams 

Kilmacrennan Celtic 1-1 Gweedore Celtic

Honours even at Letterkenny Community Centre and both teams will feel disappointed as both had some good chances to claim the three points.

Kilmacrennan controlled the first half and were in 1-0 up at half time. Paul Bradley sent in a great cross in 36th minute and Conor Black calmly finished from inside 6-yard box.

Kilmacrennan had few more chances but failed to convert them. The second half belonged to Gweedore Celtic and on 70 minutes Darragh Mc Aoidh scored at the back post from a Gweedore corner. Both teams had good chances to win it and a draw was a fair result. Team efforts from both sides.  Referee: Marty mc Garrigle

Swilly Rovers 0-4 Bonagee United

Bonagee United started the game strongly, controlling most of the possession. The Swilly Rovers defence stood firm, limiting Bonagee to a few corners and long-distance shots.

Swilly began to gain momentum with Ian Ward making a good run and delivering a cross to Toby Taylor who couldn't connect properly. A free kick for Swilly found Damien Friel with a headed chance.

Bonagee finished the half stronger, forcing the Swilly keeper into several saves. Halftime score 0-0. Bonagee started the second half applying pressure on the Swilly defence, the best effort being Mullen having a shot against the face of the goal.

The best chance of the game came in the 60th minute when Daire Fennell played a long ball that split the Bonagee defence, Ward was unable to control his shot.

Bonagee finally broke the deadlock half way through the second half when they took a quick free kick that caught the Swilly defence by surprise with Jamie Harris applied the finishing touch.

Things then got worse for Swilly when they had a defender sent off.  This changed the dynamic of the game with Bonagee were then able to score two goals in quick succession. Eoghan Doherty completed the scoring for Bonagee near the end.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Cappry Rovers 0-1 Donegal Town

In a game that was played in glorious sunshine in the Finn Valley Centre things often became ill tempered as both teams had a lot at stake. 

A fine move sent Matthew Mc Geehan through on goal only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post and back into play.

A few half chances were created by both teams but nothing of real note until the Donegal Town right-back picked up a loose pass inside the Cappry half and went unchallenged to the edge of the box and his shot went in off the inside of the post. 

The second half started with Cappry coming more into the game but both teams struggled to find any rhythm. In the last 15 minutes Cappry piled on the pressure and had two good chances through Conor Mc Daid and Aaron Kelly but neither could find the net.

At the other end, young Calum Long made a great goal line clearance to prevent Donegal making it 2-0 with their only chance of the second half. 

Glenea United 8-2 Cranford United

in perfect conditions for football Cranford were the visitors to Pairc Joe. 

Glenea took the lead after 12 minutes when Darren Mc Geever played a one-two at the edge of the box and his resulting strike left the keeper with no chance.

Glenea got their second shortly after when PJ Doogan scored from just inside the box. Cranford were awarded a penalty just before half time and made no mistake from the spot.

Cranford came into the game well after their goal and the final moments of the half were well contested by both teams. Glenea got their 3rd through great work from Doogan, he slipped Luke Mc Carry in and he unselfishly squared it for the incoming Kevin Mulhern to score.

Darren Mc Geever got his second of the day when he rose highest to head home a corner leaving Glenea 4 -2 up with 30 minutes still to play.

Glenea were awarded a penalty shortly after the restart when Darren Mc Geever was fouled in the box, Calvin Murray stepped up to take the penalty and calmly finished down the middle.

Glenea got their 6th through Shaun Curran’s well struck free kick from the edge of the box. Seamus Duggan took a free kick from the edge of the box in the dying minutes and it went straight in off a Cranford defender. Shortly after Doogan rounded the keeper for his second and Glenea’s 8th. Cranford pushed hard and didn't give up but were unable to trouble the Glenea defence

Referee: Sean Ferry

Lagan Harps 4-0 Ballybofey United

Lagan picked up three huge points after some clinical finishing saw them overcome a good Ballybofey side. The first half was a really tight affair with few clearcut chances.

Daithi Mc Mahon went close with a free for Ballybofey early on. While for Lagan Codey Brogan shot narrowly wide and Philip Doran forced a good save from Chris Patton. Lagan broke the deadlock right on halftime. 

Kyle Martin received a long clearance from Bryan Da Costa. He made room between a couple of defenders before firing a superb shot in to the far corner. The second half started much the same but began to open up a bit.

Lagan began to threaten more as the half wore on. Faolan Gibson put a Matthew Doran cross over the bar. Ballybofey replied with Damien Glackin getting a shot away but it went straight to Bryan Da Costa.  Matthew Doran then had another cross headed over by Codey Brogan. 

Lagan introduced a few subs and this freshened up the team. They got the vital second on sixty-eight minutes. Codey Brogan headed an Oisin Harkin cross towards the back post and Josh Hay knocked it in. Sub Ryan Mc Neill then confirmed the win with another superb finish.

Lagan got the last in injury time on a breakaway. Kyle Martin crossing for Philip Doran to smash home. A great second half performance by Lagan, but the scoreline was harsh on a battling Ballybofey side. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin. 

Milford United 2-3 Gweedore United

Gweedore grabbed a victory at Moyle View Park with two late goals to collect three valuable points. Milford took the lead on 10 minutes through Niall Murray and the equaliser came on 35 minutes from Cathal Gillespie.

Milford went ahead on 65 minutes when Cathal Mc Gettigan scored from the penalty spot. Gweedore scored the equaliser on the counter attack by Brian Mc Fadden.

Veteran Ciaran Mc Fadden scored the winner on 90 minutes, again on the counter-attack from a Milford corner to seal victory. Referee: Daniel Carlin

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Drumkeen United 1-5 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.

The visitors arrived in Drumkeen needing a win to close the Gap on leaders Convoy and keep their own League Title chances alive. 

Kerrykeel got the points they needed after a strong first half performance saw them build up a big lead. The visitors started well and dominated proceedings and Jonathan Friel had them two goals up after 15 minutes.

Drumkeen were under pressure struggling to get into the game and things got worse as the half went on as Patrick Friel, James Kerr and Brandon Mc Clafferty added further goals to make it 0-5 to the visitors at half time. Drumkeen were glad to hear the half time whistle and a chance to get back into the dressing room and try and regroup for the second half. 

They knew the game was now probably beyond them but the home team did improve in the second half and managed to keep Kerrykeel scoreless for the rest of the game.

The Home team battled away against the odds and got a goal back through Martin O’ Rourke just before the hour Mark. Drumkeen kept trying for another but it wasn't to be. Referee: Damien McFadden. 

Drumoghill F.C. 4-2 Curragh Athletic

Liam O'Donnell and Keelan Bogle struck late to decide this contest after Drumoghill had looked like they would have to settle for a point from this must win encounter.

Anything less than three points would all but end any remaining hopes of promotion and Drumoghill began with this very much their intention. They started well and took the lead through an excellent Liam O'Donnell strike in the 16th minute.

They had chances to extend this lead but Richard Moore, Karol Mc Ginley and Gareth Hamilton were all denied by Jason Woods in goals for Curragh. Woods was having an inspired game and it seemed to inspire his team-mates when a quick-fire double from John Chambers turned the game on its head midway through the first half.

Chambers tapped past Lockhart to level the scores on 24 minutes before the striker latched onto Conor Galvin’s pass to exploit a mix-up in the Drumoghill rearguard to put his side into the lead shortly afterwards.

Drumoghill though restored parity on the stroke of half time when Gareth Hamilton headed home a Karol Mc Ginley free kick that was adjudged to have crossed the line, despite the best efforts of Dillon Murphy to keep it out.

It was now game on and Drumoghill were dominant throughout the second half as they chased the win that was needed. However, Robert Mc Shane, Aaron Toner and goalkeeper Jason Wood were proving to be difficult barriers to breakdown.

As the game wore on, Curragh sensed their own opportunity to win it and had the best chance of the second half when Caolan Duffy sent Chambers through on goal, but a brilliant save from Ryan Lockhart denied him his hat-trick.

As the game approached the final minutes, Drumoghill threw everything in search of the winner that was needed and their efforts were rewarded in the 89th minute when referee Ryan Carlin spotted a handball and awarded a penalty.

Liam O'Donnell made no mistake sending Woods the wrong way from the spot on 89 minutes. Drumoghill made absolutely sure of the points when Keelan Bogle fired home after good work from Gareth Hamilton to make it more comfortable than it really was.

Credit to both sides for an entertaining encounter played in perfect Spring weather conditions.

Raphoe Town 0-5 Whitestrand United

The scoreline didn’t reflect this game at Drumineney. With both teams having a good start Raphoe could have struck first if the crossbar hadn’t stopped Oran Kelly’s shot. 

Minutes after Whitestrand got awarded a penalty for handball and it was 0-1. They struck again 2 minutes later and it was 0-2 at the break. Raphoe came out strong in the second half and came close to scoring again when Oran Kelly hit the post this time. 

It just seemed it wasn’t the young Guns day. Following a mix up from a corner Craig Kelly scored an OG and ended any chance of a comeback. But this young team never gave up and kept pressing and the crossbar stopped Oran Kelly again for his third time hitting the woodwork. Whitestrand hit two more late goals and the game finished 0-5. 

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Convoy Arsenal 3-2 Deele Harps 

Convoy and local neighbours Deele Harps produced a 5-goal thriller in Orchard Park under the lights on a Friday night and the home side were pushed all the way by a hard working Deele team that wouldn't give up.

In a cagey enough 1st half where chances were at a premium it was Convoy who led at the break when on the 37th minute Oran Paterson was deemed to be fouled by the Deele keeper Arthur and up stepped Anthony Bogle who made no mistake from 12 yards. Convoy finished the half strong but it remained 1-0 to Convoy at half time.

Deele started the 2nd half the brighter side and Lafferty got their equaliser when his free kick found the back of the net. But Convoy’s response was immediate and after a few half chances were missed by the home side their advantage was restored when Oran Paterson, who was a constant threat throughout, got Convoys 2nd goal with a great finish from just inside the box.

Jamie O’ Donnell then hit the crossbar with a great strike from 18 yards and Bogle was unlucky not to see his shot hit the back of the net from distance.

But back came Deele, after great work down Deele’s left-side the ball was put into a dangerous area and after a scramble Jordy Duffy capitalised to level things up going into the last 15 minutes of the contest.

Convoy to their credit didn't stop, this young side showed a bit of guts and character to find a way of getting another win in their campaign and in the 81st minute it was that man Paterson who got the winner, picking up the ball out on the right side he danced past three players before unleashing his effort from the edge of the box that went into the bottom right-hand side much to the delight of the home support.

A real cracker of a game on a great night and a great advertisement for local football, credit must go to both teams for a great contest especially in the 2nd half, Deele who fought hard and never gave up but also to Convoy who equally worked hard and this young team showed great resilience to come away with the 3pts. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin.

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 7-0 Castlefin Celtic Reserves 

Letterkenny Rovers put on a dominant display under the lights at Leckview Park, securing a 7-0 victory over Castlefin in a one-sided encounter.

After an evenly contested opening 10 minutes, Rovers began to assert control, and they took the lead in the 19th minute when Oran Winston headed home a pinpoint Adam Murphy cross.

Winston then turned provider in the 26th minute, setting up Jordan Nugent, who made it 2-0. The home side extended their lead further in the 38th minute when Kian Mc Grath was fouled in the box, allowing Conor O’Donnell to step up and convert the penalty.

Just before halftime, O’Donnell struck again to make it 4-0. Castlefin started the second half brightly, forcing a corner early on, but Rovers continued their attacking dominance. In the 52nd minute, O’Donnell completed his hat-trick after an assist from Jordan Nugent.

Nugent then grabbed his second goal in the 67th minute, finishing a well-worked move down the right involving Kieran Doherty.

Castlefin’s challenge became even tougher around the 70th minute when they were reduced to 10 men. Rovers rounded off the scoring in the 88th minute, with Jack Duff finishing off a great passage of play from Adam Murphy to make it 7-0. Referee: Leo Devenney

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Drumbar F.C. 4-2 Arranmore United 

Drumbar United welcomed Arranmore United for league action on a sun-kissed afternoon at Drumbar. It was the visitors who struck first, with Arranmore’s Phil Boyle finding the net in the 7th minute, converting their first effort on target. Drumbar responded well, settling into the game and dominating possession.

The Drumbar persistence paid off in the 31st minute when Eoghan Gallagher fired home the equaliser, ensuring the sides went into the half-time break level at 1-1. 

The hosts started the second half with intent and were quickly rewarded. Vinny Breslin was brought down in the area by the Arranmore goalkeeper, earning a penalty.

Captain Daniel Bennett stepped up and made no mistake, dispatching his spot-kick to put Drumbar 2-1 ahead. Arranmore found their equaliser just minutes later, as captain Alan Stephenson poked home at the back post in the 51st minute to bring the game back to 2-2. 

Drumbar continued to dominate proceedings and regained the lead in the 63rd minute. Adam Gillespie’s strike from the left took a deflection off an Arranmore defender before nestling in the net, making it 3-2 to the home side. 

With Arranmore’s main threat coming from set pieces, Drumbar remained disciplined and defended well in the closing stages. The result was sealed in the 80th minute when Vincent Breslin’s effort slipped through the keeper’s grasp, securing a well-deserved 4-2 victory. 

Glencar Celtic 5-2 Donegal Town Reserves

Glencar hosted Donegal Town in a change of venue to Diamond Park. It was a fantastic day for football and Glencar started the brightest keeping the ball well and moving it around the pitch but were little threat to the “Town goal”, until Dualtach Molloy found the back of the net after a good Glencar move.

Donegal Town found their footing in the game and had two glorious chances to level things up before Jack Dwyer put the home side 2-0 up shortly before half time and Dwyer didn’t waste much time doubling his goal tally before the interval.  The sides went in at Half time 3-0 in favour of Glencar. 

Donegal Town started the second half on the front foot and pushed Glencar back into their half and Glencar struggled to get any rhythm going but they did go four up as the Donegal High-Press left space in behind and Forde latched onto Grieves’ ball over the top and set up Man of the Match Dualtach Molloy for his 2nd of the day. Donegal Town kept at it and got their reward after a good move to make it 4-1.

Glencar responded and Darren Hunter finished well from just inside the box after a great move down the left wing. Donegal Town substitute Angus Mac Sweeney pulled another one back for the visitors in the 90th minute. But it was Glencar who came away with the 3 points and good team performance. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin

Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 3-0 Dunlewey Celtic

On a sunny Spring Saturday Drumoghill welcomed the visitors to The Moss knowing three points was a must. Both teams started well and no clear chances really fell to either side.

Drumoghill then got a free kick in their own half on 32 minutes. It was well played into the Dunlewey box where Eunan Kelly headed it across the box and Brendan Devine made no mistake making it 1-0.

It stayed that way until the interval. Dunlewey came out fighting and fought hard looking for the equaliser but it was the home side that got the next goal. Drumoghill caught the visitors on the break with a great run down the right from Paddy Gallagher and he crossed it low and hard with great accuracy.

It was met by James Gillen at the back post with a tap in. It came on 57 minutes and the next was always going to be important goal. The next goal did come 5 minutes later when again Kelly drilled it past the keeper into the roof of the net, 3-0 to Drumoghill.

Dunlewey battled well and nearly got their reward when a header from the forward hit the post but came out and was cleared to safety. The visitors pushed in search of a goal but the home defence held firm and got a clean sheet. Great game of football from both sides. Great Team performance from everyone. Referee: Thomas Ferry.

Fintown Harps AFC 3-5 Erne Wanderers

In great conditions at Pairc Acla, Fintown with a depleted squad gave the Ballyshannon side plenty to think about after a poor start. Erne rushed into a two-goal lead after ten minutes with Gearoid Gallagher and Diarmuid Spratt finding the net.

Fintown dug deep and got back into it on 30 minutes, the legend Eoin Boyle found the range to beat ex Fintown keeper Karl O’ Brien with a great strike. Erne got caught again shortly after that when Joe Shanky supplied young Dylan Mc Glynn who made no mistake from 6-yards to level the game at half time 2-2. 

The second half started brightly for Erne who again went in front on 55 minutes with Spratt finding the back of the net. Fintown were fighting hard and sub Paul Molloy got on the end of a corner from Keelan Sean and levelled it again with still 20 minutes to go.

Erne pushed hard and got rewarded when Philip Patton hit a shot from 20 yards and Leon in the Fintown goal couldn’t prevent it from rattling the back of the net. 

Fintown won a corner in the last minute and pushed all forward, keeper and all, and they got caught when Gallagher ran onto the ball and scored into the empty net. Referee: Daniel Carlin.

Glenea United Reserves 2-1 Gweedore Celtic Reserves

In fine conditions for football, it was the home side that came out on top in this Gaeltacht Derby. Playing with the breeze it was the home side that started the quickest and took the lead on 2 minutes when, after some good interplay, the ball fell to Shane Coll on the edge of the box and his shot found the corner of the net via the post.

Glenea continued to push for another goal but as the half  progressed the away side started to come more into the game with Liam Mc Fadden starting to send through some passes. 

On 20 minutes Glenea almost extended their lead when the Gweedore defence were deceived by  Shaun Mc Clafferty’s long range free- kick and it came back off the bar.

Gweedore equalised on 25 minutes when Cian Mc Bride was released down the left and his initial effort was blocked but he was on hand to drill home the rebound.

Gweedore pushed on looking for a lead goal but were unable to create any clear chances. Glenea retook the lead on 40 minutes from a penalty after Darren Mc Geever had been fouled in the box and Michael Ferry converted the penalty.

In the 2nd half, despite playing with the breeze, Gweedore were finding it difficult to create any clear-cut chances as the home defence held firm.

Glenea were trying to play on the break but were unable to create any clear-cut chances with their best being Darren Mc Geever’s near post effort just going wide. 

As the half-progressed Gweedore kept pushing for an equaliser but the home defence held firm and were able to see out for a hard earned victory. Best Glenea were Neil Mc Geever & Shane Coll while Liam McFadden and  Aodhan Mac Gabhann were best for Gweedore Celtic. Referee: Ryan Carlin.

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three

Ballybofey United Reserves 0-3 Fanad United Reserves

Fanad opened the scoring after a good ball was whipped in from a corner and was met at the back post and finished well. They made it 2-0 just before half time with a great strike from a free-kick. Their third came from the penalty spot in the second half.

Gweedore United Reserves 1-4 Copany Rovers

The visitors had the perfect start in the 10th minute on a very mild, breezy and sunny day at Carrickboyle. Copany Rovers caught the home-side on the break, David Harron's cross from the left- hand side picked out Graham Harron who fired past Dylan Clift from 10 yards out.

Roan Turk and Owen Gallagher for the hosts had a couple of opportunities to level the game but were denied by Oisin Bryson in the away side's goal. Copany Rovers extended their lead in the 40th minute, almost a carbon copy of the previous goal.

Another break from the left -hand side when Emmet Doogan played in David Harron who picked out Graham Harron to finish from close range. 

The visitors made it 0-3 in the 55th minute after good play by Calvin Kiely and David Harron found Graham Harron who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

In the 66th minute, Copany Rovers scored their fourth of the day after an excellent pass from Glen Harron to Calvin Kiely who lobbed the advancing Dylan Clift just inside the Gweedore box.

The hosts enjoyed as good spell of possession and Francis Gallagher's snap shot was saved by Oisin Bryson. Stephen Mulhern was denied by the Rovers’ keeper after a good passage of play by the home- side.

Owen Gallagher smashed in a consolation goal for Gweedore United in the 87th minute from inside the visitor’s box. Dylan Clift pulled off a couple of saves from David Harron and Graham Harron.

Roan Turk had a great game and Stephen Mulhern along with Owen Gallagher worked hard to provide scoring opportunities for the hosts. Graham Harron along with David Harron produced superb performances and Calvin Kiely also excelled for the visitors today. Referee: Mick Lagan