Jamie Doherty lauds Cappry Rovers effort as they gain promotion back to the big time

Cappry Rovers clinched promotion to the Brian McCormack Sports Premier Division of the Donegal Junior League following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Milford United in Moyle View Park. 

So three years after dropping down to the Temple Domestic Division One, followers of the red and black are looking forward to top-flight football again at Cappry Park.

READ NEXT: Cappry Rovers see off Milford United to make it back to Premier Division 

“It is brilliant, I’m really delighted for the boys, said Rovers boss Jamie Doherty. “They worked hard at it all season and they got their reward today with promotion.

“We’ve certainly come a long way since we were relegated three years ago and only last year we won a relegation play-off to stay in the division.

“They are a great bunch of lads and we have a lot of pace and skill in the team and we have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad.

“We came here today needing at least a draw with one game to go to remain on course for promotion.“We are now, as I see it, still on the top of the table, three points ahead of Kerrykeel who have a game in hand on us.

“We are away to Convoy Arsenal in our last game while Kerrykeel have Gweedore Celtic away to play and are home to Swilly Rovers.

“Both ourselves and Kerrykeel are promoted after today and the league title may come down to a playoff between ourselves and Kerrykeel.”

The final scoreline and the two-goal winning margin might suggest it was plain sailing for the men from Cappry Park. 

It was far from easy against a well-drilled and organised Milford United side led by Cathal McGettigan.

“It was tough out there today and no less than we expected coming down here. Milford had a lot to play for too. 

“They were in third place and also in the race for promotion. But they needed a win to stay in the race and they really put it up to us.”

Cappry got off to a dream start when Jack Byrne headed the opening goal inside four minutes. 

They led 2-1 at half-time after Luke McGlynn provided the finish for the second on the strike of the halfway mark.

Kyle Black scored the Milford goal after being sent clear by Cathal McGettigan on the half hour mark. And before that Eoin Gallen pulled off a spectacular save, diving full length to his right to deny Darren McLaughlin from close range.

“McGlynn, who displayed lively footwork in the close exchanges throughout, struck for the third goal ten minutes into the second period for a 3-1 lead.

“I’m delighted for Jack, he is only 15 years of age and it was a brilliant ball in from Luke McGlynn.

“And what can one say about Luke only that he has been brilliant for us right up from his underage days playing with us.

“He scored two of the goals today and set up the opening goal and overall had a very good game and was a constant threat.

“It is good to be looking forward to playing back up in the Brian McCormack Sports Premier Division once again. We will celebrate this evening and then hopefully look forward to a crack at the league title.”