Addidas Donegal Junior Football League
Saturday 20th February 2010
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 1:
Fintown Harps 1 Ramelton Mariners 2
In lovely sunny but cold conditions at the comp field in Glenties, Fintown put massive pressure on the Ramelton defence from the word go. On the 10th minute J.Campbell gave a great through ball to J.Mc Fadden but he was unlucky not to score as the Ramelton keeper did well. On the 20th minute after great work from J.Mc Fadden, M.Corney scored a great goal to put the home side one up. Fintown celebrations were short lived as Ramelton got a corner kick which came off a Fintown man and went into the net making it all level in Glenties.
Second half was very quiet with both teams making great scoring opportunities but it was Ramelton that got the break though when P. Braninghan scored for Ramelton with only 15 minutes left in the game. Fintown pushed hard to get the equaliser but to no avail.
Team Performance from both teams.
Ref – D O Donnell
Drumbar United 0 Glencar Celtic 7
A very one sided game at Drumbar, Glencar put in a strong and assured performance and were well worth their win. A hat-trick for Paddy Raferty and two goals a piece for Michael Molloy and Steve Haughey and in truth they could have had more.
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 2:
Gweedore Celtic Res.2 Glenree United Res. 6
Played at Maghergallon in good conditions, Glenree managed to get off to a flying start, scoring two goals in quick succession, Robert Moore got the first in eight minutes and Marty Mc Loughlin scored the second on ten minutes. Gweedore replied quickly with a Kieran Ferry thirty yard free on fifteen minutes. The away team scored two more before half time, Patrick Mc Groddy on thirty five minutes and Marty Mc Loughlin on forty three minutes. John Sweeney scored the second goal for Gweedore on the stroke of half time.
In the second half Glenree were well in control and scored two more goals by Patrick Mc Groddy on sixty minutes and Hughie Riley on eighty minutes to seal a deserved victory.
Referee Gerry Crerand
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 3:
Gweedore United 0 Downtown United 1
Downtown confirmed their spot in the next round of the League cup following this tight encounter with Gweedore United at Carrickboyle. The visitors got off to a good start with some good football, putting the home defence under pressure for the first 15mins. This pressure paid off in the 14th minute when a goalmouth scramble was slotted into the bottom corner of Keller’s net by Kevin Devenney. It took that goal from Devenney to get the home side started and they began to play some good, neat football from then on. With the majority of the possession for the rest of the first half Gweedore saw good chances from Ciaran Mc Fadden and Cathal Mulligan, however it remained 1-0 until the interval. The second half saw more of the same with the home side continuing with the majority of the play and the Downtown keeper the busiest of the two keepers. The Downtown defence and keeper did enough to ensure the score remained 1-0 until the final whistle. Damien Waters played well for Downtown with Keith Sweeney and Eugene Noel Ferry playing well for Gweedore
Dunfanaghy Town 3 Milford United 0
Dunfanaghy started the game well with James McMullen having two chances early on but just couldn’t find the target. Great play by James on the 10th minute forced Milford into giving away a free kick just outside the area. Barry Mc Ginley stepped up and placed a fine shot into the bottom left corner of the Milford net. Dunfanaghy pressed hard but couldn’t find a second until the 72nd minute when a fine through ball from Barry Mc Ginley found Nicholas Nelis who rounded the keeper and slotted home. Dunfanaghy finally put the game to bed in the 79th minute when a fine cross-field ball from Damien Nelis was passed on by Stephen Doak to the impressive Brendan Rodden and he made no mistake in putting the ball into the Milford net.
Man of the match: Barry Mc Ginley
Team performance from Milford.
Sunday 21st February 2010
Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Premier League:
Dunlewey Celtic 2 Milford United 1
Dunlewey entered this game on the back of a two all draw last week and needed to pick up some points, and playing a Milford side who had knocked five goals in last week it wasn’t going to be easy. Both teams started the game brightly playing some wonderful flowing football which was a joy to see. The first half chance fell to Eamon Cannon who struck wide but it wasn’t long before the home side took the lead. A deflected free kick found Daniel Cannon who rounded two players to score from a acute angle aided by the post. It could have been two when Sean McCafferty latched on to a defensive clearance only to shot wide. The visitors remained calm and nearly got on level terms when a Peter Doherty header was saved by Joe Rodden. It looked as if the home side were going into the break one nil up only for a lack of concentration in midfield gave Peter Doherty a defence killing pass for Gary Merritt to latch onto to score.
The second half was an interesting battle as both teams needed the points and a mistake was going to be critical as both teams defended in numbers. The visitors looked the more likely to score hitting the crossbar and making Joe pull of two fine saves to keep it all level. At the other end Enda McHugh was keeping his defence in check as the home side pushed for a winner as well. With a large turnout of spectators watching to see the outcome, the game didn’t disappoint with end to end action and the comments of ‘How did he miss that’ ringing out many times. It was the home team who struck, a Brendan McGeady shot was looking goal bound only for Enda McHugh to pull of a outstanding save but he was unfortunate as the ball landed at the feet of Eamon Cannon to score. The visitors continued to press with long throw ins but the home team held strong with strong performances from John Cannon and Michael Roarty. Best for Milford Enda McHugh and Gary Merritt
Drumoghill FC 3 Liffird Celtic 2
He always said that he was the man for the big occasion and Michael Lynch proved it once again with a double strike to ensure his side seized maximum points from this derby fixture with Lifford Celtic. Lynch is no stranger to creating headlines. Having played for Swilly Rovers in the FAI Senior, he can also boast winning Donegal’s first ever Strictly Come Dancing so he is no stranger to delivering when it really matters. His first half penalty had leveled the scores at 1-1 but it was his late volley that will live long in the memory as Drumoghill claimed a vital victory over their near neighbours and title chasing Lifford Celtic.
Not content with his 2 goals, Lynch was also the architect behind his side’s other goal when his defence splitting pass had sent winger Shane McIntyre through on goal in the 51st minute and he calmly placed the ball beyond the advancing Given to put his side 2-1 ahead. At this point, Drumoghill deserved the lead as they had started the second half in the ascendancy after an even opening half.
In a game that was switched from the Moss due to the snow covered pitch being deemed unplayable, Lifford looked to make the most of their home advantage and started much the brighter. Paul Colhoun and Damian Patton were linking well up front and were providing the Drumoghill rearguard with all sorts of problems and Neeson was dominant in midfield. A goal for Lifford looked inevitable and it duly arrived on 16 minutes when Jude Patton drove home.
Drumoghill made a few positional changes and restored Richard Tinney to the centre of defence, a move which released Michael Lynch into a more offensive position alongside Liam O’Donnell. Drumoghill started to dominate the midfield areas with Jonathan Wilson starting to keep the previously effective Neeson quiet in midfield. The game was now a much more even affair and chances were in short supply. In fact the only chance during the remainder of the half came from the penalty spot after Liam O’Donnell raced away onto Colin Watson’s through ball and his legs were taken from under him by the advancing Given after having rounded the goalkeeper. Referee Whoriskey had no option but to award the penalty and Given can consider himself a lucky man to avoid the being shown the red card. Up stepped Lynch to level the scores in the 41st minute, calmly driving the ball passed the fortunate Given.
Having grabbed the lead early in the second half, Drumoghill seemed content to soak up the pressure and catch Lifford on the break. Liam O’Donnell was a constant threat and only the narrowest of offside decisions prevented him on more than one occasion. Although dominant in possession, Lifford struggled to create any chances of note but eventually drew level with a penalty of their own as Damian Patton drew the foul from Richard Tinney inside the area. Whoriskey pointed to the spot and Patton picked himself up to level the scores on 75 minutes. Almost immediately, Lifford thought they had taken the lead when a slick move down the right set up an opening for Colhoun but his diving header bounced back off the upright into the safety of McMonagle’s arms. The striker was so unfortunate and his misery was compounded a few minutes later when Lynch grabbed the winner for Drumoghill. There appeared little danger when the ball fell to Lynch around 30 yards out, but his first time volley, which took the slightest of nicks of a defender, left Given helpless as the ball sailed into the top corner to settle the contest in the 82nd minute. It was a strike that deserved to win any game and Lynch will know that this performance will have enhanced his own reputation, which is now bigger than his feet.
Referee – Gerry Whoriskey
Milford Inn Hotel Division One:
Ballybofey United 1 Keadue Rovers 2
Keadue Rovers came to Ballybofey on Sunday last lying second from the bottom of the Milford Inn Hotel Division One of the Donegal League having won only ten points from their previous matches this season. The three that they took back up the “Corkscrew” on Sunday evening halved the difference which had stood between them and their hosts at Finn View Park prior to the game. Two errors in the home defence presented the Rosses men with their two goal opportunities and up until they scored the first they had been confined to a couple of long range efforts. That first goal came from J.P. Campbell who took full advantage when he was left with only the keeper to beat. Ironically Ballybofey’s two most clear cut chances fell to Ronnie Carlin and both times it was just after the Keadue goals had been registered. Kieran Doherty played a great ball in behind the visiting defence to present Carlin with his first opportunity but he blazed over from eight yards with the goal at his mercy. Half time arrived with the score still one – nil to the visitors a lead which they doubled on fifty five minutes when Doalty Boyle capitalised on a defensive mix-up between John Gregg and Daniel Gallen giving the outrushing Chris Patton no chance in the Ballybofey net. Again Ballybofey responded but again Carlin’s effort didn’t trouble Packie Bonner’s successor in the Keadue goals. The home side did get a goal with seven minutes to go when Kieran Doherty rose highest in the box to head home from six yards. Paul Finn who came on as a sub for Ballybofey was causing panic in the Keadue rearguard and he created another chance for Doherty who’s shot was wide of the target and so the points were bound for Central Park. Normally found playing on the other side of the road in Ballybofey were he donned the Donegal colours with great distinction Adrian Sweeney worked tiresly for the Keadue cause as did Raymond at sweeper and James Boyle at left back. A Ballybofey team with numerous changes from recent weeks was well served by John Gregg, Daniel Gallen, Darren Sweeney and Conor Doherty. Joe Mc Hugh was the referee with the President of the Referees Society of Ireland, Mr. Bernard Foy, an interested spectator.
CT Ball Division Two:
Raphoe Town 5 Cranford Utd 1
This game was reversed to Cranford because of a snow-covered frozen pitch in Raphoe, but it didn’t upset Martin McLintock’s side in the slightest as they turned in one of their best displays of the season to grab all three points.
Indeed they stormed out of the blocks and were ahead inside the first minute when Gerard McMonagle blocked down a clearance and then raced through to score. It was a great start for Raphoe and they doubled their lead shortly afterwards when McMonagle headed Christy Bogle’s free-kick across goal and Colin Laird poked the ball home from close range.
The home side hadn’t managed an attack of note and went further behind in the 15th minute when Colin Laird and John Harvey combined brilliantly to send Emmett Kelly away and he slotted to the bottom corner to make it 3-0.
Raphoe continued to press and create chances but were made to pay for conceding a sloppy corner when Brendan Giles eventually poked the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.
A few minutes later keeper Paul Carbery made a brilliant save to deny Cranford a second, but Raphoe steadied the ship again after that and for the rest of the game were well in control with David Craig and Emmett Kelly on top in midfield.
Indeed Raphoe might have added a couple of more goals in the first few minutes of the second half as John Harvey and Gerard McMonagle continued to run the home defence ragged, while at the other end the Raphoe backline of Gary McCullogh, Stephen Conaghan, Christy Bogle and Seamus Bogle worked hard to snuff out any hint of a chance for Cranford.
And that hard work paid off at the other end of the pitch when John Harvey and John Sweeney combined on the left before Harvey finished off a great run with a super goal to make it 4-1 to Raphoe in the 60th minute.
Gary McCullogh cleared a header off the line following a Cranford corner, but that was one of the few threats there were on the Raphoe goal and Gerard McMonagle grabbed his second and Raphoe’s fifth in the 70th minute.
Raphoe suffered a setback when Colin Laird and John Harvey both had to go off but Christy Martin and veteran Liam Porter filled in admirably for the final twenty minutes as they cruised to their best win of the season.
FAI Junior Cup
Glebe North 2 Lagan Harps 1
Lagan Harps bowed out of the FAI Junior cup despite a battling performance in Balbriggan against Leinster Senior outfit Glebe North. Lagan got off to a dream start when Ronan Gibson headed home a Kevin Kelly corner after two minutes. Glebe equalised five minutes later after Lagan failed to clear a right wing cross allowing David Farrell to fire home from inside the area. Lagan continued to hold their own for the first half hour. Glebe took the lead on thirty two minutes when left back Aidan Mooney rose unchallenged at the back post to head home from a corner kick. Glebe pressed for the remainder of the half with Mooney and centre forward Jonathan Marx particularly impressive. Lagan had one final effort before the break but Chris Toner’s well struck effort went straight to Glebe keeper Darren Carr. Lagan started the second half well but Glebe gradually took control. The Balbriggan side played some attractive passing football as they sought to kill off the game. Right back Sean Robertson went close for Glebe on sixty five minutes when he cut inside before striking the post with a low drive. Glen Gallagher then hacked an Alan Moriarty effort off the line from another Glebe corner. Lagan were finding it hard to deal with Jonathan Marx as he continually dropped off the centre backs to pick up the ball. Lagan keeper Tony Blake was forced in to a few timely interceptions. Lagan were finding it hard to build attacks with Glebe centre half Gary Boylan dominant in the air. Lagan introduced subs Barney Bradley, Marty Brogan and youngster Ross Hamlyn to add fresh legs. Manager Jason Gibson pushed Glen Gallagher in to attack with Chris Toner and Ross Hamlyn as Lagan chased the game. Ross Hamlyn in particular added new zest to the attack. As long as there was only one goal in the game Lagan always posed a threat. In a nervy last ten minutes for the home side, Lagan almost grabbed an equaliser. Chris Toner’s cross was missed by Glebe keeper Darren Carr but Marty Brogan had stalled his run and the chance went a begging. Despite another few half chances Glebe held on for the win they deserved. Lagan Harps would like to thank Glebe North players and officials for their hospitality on the day.
Lagan Harps: Tony Blake, Ciaran Mc Carron, Paul Rodgers(Ross Hamlyn), seamie Peoples, Ronan Lennon, Kevin Kelly, Ronan Gibson, Glen Gallagher, Damien Mc Fadden(Barney Bradley), Chris Toner, Eddie Blake(Marty Brogan). Sub not used: Michael Toner.
Glebe North: Darren Carr, Sean Robertson, Adrian Mooney, Gary Boylan, Rory Dowd, Ciaran Eastwood, Colin Moonry, David Farrell(Ian Mooney), Alan Moriarty, Jonathan Marx, Martin Downes. Subs not used: Gary Pettigrew, Mark Patterson, Trevor Dunphy, Alan Mc Clare.
