Donegal Youth league
With all eyes on the Ulster Youth Cup semi finals Letterkenny Rovers recorded a crucial win over old rivals Fanad United in the league to close the gap at the top with just 2 games left. Michael Doherty with a brace as the ‘rovers’ edged home 3-2. In the Cup Rathmullen/ Milford will meet holders Glenea United as both recorded wins on Saturday. The holders won by the odd goal in 5 away to Ballybofey United, a last minute John Mc Garvey goal proving decisive. The alliance had a convincing home win against Rosses Academy, to keep alive dreams of a double. The other game played between Gweedore Celtic & Bonagee United resulted in a home win.
Results:
Donegal Youth league:
Letterkenny Rovers 3 Fanad United 2
Gweedore Celtic 2 Bonagee United 1
Ulster Youth Cup. Semi- Finals.
Ballybofey United 2 Glenea United 3
Rathmullen/ Milford 6 Rosses Academy 2
Ulster Youth Cup Semi Finals:
BALLYBOFEY UNITED 2 V GLENEA UNITED 3
Glenea advance to the Ulster cup final after overcoming a determined Ballybofey Utd team at Finn View Park. The winner came on the 90th minute when a Mc Keever free kick was converted by John Mc Garvey to send the visiting support in good spirit for a long journey home. Glenea took the lead on 25mins when Kieran O’Brien found himself all alone in the Ballybofey box and smashed a thunderous volley past Conor Gallen in the Ballybofey goals. Both teams pushed hard after this, Ballybofey hit the post through a Ryan Duffy header but the ball bounced into the keepers hands just before half time. The second half Jordan Duffy should have equalized for Ballybofey but pulled his shot wide on 50mins. The equaliser came however on the hour when Calvin Bradley footed a kick from 25 yards into the top corner. Glenea took the lead from a disputed free kick on 70mins when Steven Roddins high ball floated over Gallen. Ten minutes later the game leveled again when referee Joe McHugh spotted a push in the box and Jordan Duffy made no mistakes from the spot. Then the late late show from McGarvey broke Ballybofeys hearts.
Referee Joe McHugh
Assistant Steven Toner & Con McLaughlin
Dick Duffy Donegal Youth League:
LETTERKENNY ROVERS 3 FANAD UNITED 2
Letterkenny Rovers set up a crucial clash with Rathmullan/Milford at the top of the Donegal Youth League this Saturday after recording their third consecutive league win with a 3-2 victory over Fanad United.
The home side needed all three points going into this game to remain in the title race and although Fanad fought back on two occasions, Rovers had enough quality in the end to secure the win.
Liam O’Donnell’s men got off to the perfect start when man of the match Jamie Doherty put them ahead after only seven minutes following a swift move involving Oisin Mulgrew and Anthony Browne.
However, Fanad drew level ten minutes later following a sustained spell of pressure when Paul McVeigh bundled the ball home from close range.
Rovers were back in front on 35 minutes. On this occasion, Garbhan Grant showed tremendous determination inside the box before firing the ball low across goal and Michael Doherty was on hand to drive home a fine effort.
The visitors came out the dominant side at the start of the second half and were rewarded when Shaun McGovern found the target at the back post following some hesistant defending.
Once again, Rovers had it all to do but for a third time in the game they managed to edge ahead. With seventeen minutes left on the clock, substitute Paul Gillen delivered a superb right wing cross and Michael Doherty’s cushioned header at the back post beat goalkeeper Oisin Barrett for the matchwinner and to keep the league title in the balance.
Referee – Con McLaughlin.
