Donegal Youth league
Rathmullen Celtic v Bonagee United
With league leaders Fanad United having the weekend off, these two sides will see it as an opportunity to make up some ground on the Tri a Lough men. Bonagee after an opening day defeat bounced back to beat the champions last time out and will be high on confidence ahead of this one.
Rathmullen on the other hand lost for the first time away at Fanad in weekend 3 and will be doubly determined to avoid another reversal this time around.
Donegal Youth league
The Champions Letterkenny Rovers got their title defence under way last Thursday but had to settle for a point at Central park against Rosses Academy, who themselves remain unbeaten.
Rathmullen Celtic are also on 4 points as they backed up last weeks draw with a resounding home win against Glenea United. Fanad United however are the early leaders as they won away from home for the second week running. Read more
Donegal Youth league
The Donegal youth league got under way on Saturday, due to the uneven number of teams defending champions Letterkenny Rovers had a free weekend so it was up to the pretenders to stake an early claim for the title.
Rosses Academy long time leaders last season got off to the perfect start with a good win away to neighbours Glenea. Fanad United under new management also got of to a flyer winning away from home against Bonagee. Their was no result submitted for the game between Rathmullen and Gweedore. Read more
Donegal Youth league
Fanad United 9
Gweedore Celtic 0
Fanad United finished off a disappointing season with a well earned win against the visitors from Gweedore.
It wasn’t all plain sailing at the start for them however and they had to rely on Oisin Barrett to produce a top class save from the Gweedore centre forward clawing the ball away to safety from an attempted lob.
Donegal Youth league
Letterkenny recorded their 8th league win of the season at home to Glenea on Saturday, a result that means Rovers will play off against Rathmullen/ Milford in May to decide the winners of this years league title.
Jaime Doherty scored the all important goal in the first half to secure a 1-0 win. Bonagee finished their league campaign in disappointing fashion going down by the odd goal in five against Gweedore Celtic. Fanad United and Ballybofey played out a nine goal thriller, with the twin towns club profiting by 5 goals to four. Elsewhere on Sunday Galway Youth league captured the Interleague cup, beating Donegal’s conquers Wicklow by 3 goals to 1 in the final at Salthill Devon’s in Galway. Read more
Donegal Youth league
Rathmullen/ Milford 3
Letterkenny Rovers 3
The race for the Dick Duffy cup will go down to the final weekend as two second half goals from captain Josh Mailey rescued a point for Letterkenny who trailed 3-1 with 30 minutes left.
The visitors had Josh Mailey back from injury and also included Monday nights EA Sports cup goal hero Garbhan Grant in their starting line up, while Rathmullen/ Milford welcomed goalkeeper Seamus O’Donnell back into their line up after the keeper had missed the last 3 games through injury.
Read more
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.
Fixtures.
Saturday 3rd April 2010.
Bonagee United v Fanad United.
Letterkenny Rovers v Rosses Academy.
Rathmullen/ Milford v Ballybofey United.
Previews.
Letterkenny Rovers v Rosses Academy.
This is undoubtedly the tie of the weekend as it pits two teams still in the race for the Dick Duffy Memorial cup. Rosses have been sitting on 13 games for some time, and although title hopes are probably gone, they will still be looking to pick up the win that will keep their mathematical hopes alive. Letterkenny will be looking to bounce back, after last weekend’s Youth cup defeat and will be going all out for the title. Johnny Robb has been in sensational form recently, and Liam O’ Donnell will hoping it continues over the next 4 games. These 2 met recently in the Ulster Youth cup and it was a tight affair going all the way to penalties, this won will be equally as tight and it would be no surprise if the points were shared.
Rathmullen/ Milford v Ballybofey United.
The combined alliance are just 2 games away from winning the title for the first time in either clubs history as the entertain the league’s form side. Ballybofey under Gary Foy’s stewardship have turned their season around, after going through the first half of the season without winning a game the twin town men are still unbeaten in 2010, and are still alive in both cup competition’s. Rathmullen/ Milford themselves are in great form and enjoyed a nervy win over Bonagee last weekend. Liam Mc Loughlin and Eugene Mc Cafferty will be fully aware that this is no time for complacency, as if the seasiders aren’t at their best Ballybofey are just the team to capitilise.
Bonagee United v Fanad United.
Two sides at the wrong end of the table meet at Dry Arch park as the battle to avoid the ‘wooden spoon’ intensify’s. Fanad will be particularly motivated after they lost controvesialy to Glenea in the Cup last weekend. At full strenght and on their day Fanad are a match for anybody and will depend on Seamie Friel and Paul Mc Veigh, although Shea Coyle’s absence through suspension may prove crucial. Bonagee have had a terrible year and Peter Moran will be hoping that they can pick up a win soon. Fanad won a recent Cup tie between the two, so the hosts will be out for revenge.
Donegal Youth league
FAI Youth Cup
Newbridge Town 4 Letterkenny Rovers 2
Dick Duffy Youth League
Rathmullen/ Milford 2 Bonagee United 1
Ulster Youth Cup
Ballybofey United 0 Gweedore Celtic 1
Colm Breslin Youth Cup
Fanad United 1 Glenea United 2.
It was a strange mixture of games this weekend, with one league game, Letterkenny Rovers away on FAI youth cup duty, while both outstanding cup Quarter- finals were played, one in the Ulster cup the other in the Colm Breslin. Letterkenny made the long journey down to Newbridge in the tie of the weekend,with a place in the last 4 at stake, it wasn‘t to be however as Liam O‘Donnells side despite a spirited display went down by 4 goals to 2. Holders Glenea United advanced in the Colm Breslin cup, after a controversial away win over Fanad United by 2 goals to 1. Meanwhile Gweedore Celtic avenged their recent league defeat with a single goal win at Ballybofey United, to progress in the Ulster youth cup. Rathmullen/ Milford capatilised on their rivals cup exploits, Barry Mc Namee
Clincing all 3 points in the final quarter against bonagee in the weekends only league fixture.
Reports
FAI Youth Cup – Quarter-Final.
Newbridge Town 4
Letterkenny Rovers 2
Two goals in the final ten minutes ended Letterkenny Rovers’ FAI Youth Cup challenge as they eventually succumbed to Newbridge Town in Saturday’s quarter-final clash at Station Road, Kildare.
Leading 1-0 at the break through a Johnny Robb goal after just four minutes, the hosts turned the game around in the second half to lead 2-1 after seventy-three minutes before Robb then drew Rovers level. However, midfielder Ciaran Aspell grabbed two decisive goals late on to book Newbridge’s place in the semi-final.
It was a gallant display from Liam O’Donnell’s men who had to adapt quickly to playing on the 4G synthetic grass surface but, in the end, the Donegal Youth League outfit came up short and are left to focus on the title challenge for the remainder of the season.
The Letterkenny men could not have asked for a better start when a decisive ball from Michael Doherty put Johnny Robb through on goal after just four minutes and he fired his effort beyond Dan Purcell.
Inevitably, the visitors found themselves on the back foot for large periods of the first half with their front men of Gary Shaw – who has agreed to join Leeds United at the end of the season – and Michael Norris proving a handful.
That said, Rovers probably created the best opportunity to score again three minutes before the break when Robb failed to get a proper connection on the ball after good play from the hard working Garbhan Grant.
The home side were level on 63 minutes when Ciaran Thorpe capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area and ten minutes later Norris had them ahead when he drilled home a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.
To Rovers’ credit, they responded well and drew level twelve minutes from time when Robb scored his second goal of the game showing superb composure in front of goal placing his effort past Purcell.
The lead was short lived – 90 seconds to be precise – as Aspell regained Newbridge’s lead before they completed the victory two minutes into stoppage time with another goal from Aspell as Rovers went in search of a goal to force the game into extra-time.
Newbridge Town –
Dan Purcell, Cathal McLoughlin, Liam Thomas, Matthew Byrne, Craig McLoughlin, Ciaran Aspell, Ciaran Thorpe, Dan Nea, Gary Shaw, Michael Norris, Keith Egan. Subs used – Niall McCormick and Billy Houghton.
Letterkenny Rovers –
Thomas McLaughlin, Daniel McCauley, Dan O’Donnell, Joshua Mailey, Chris McLaughlin, Ryan Lonergan, Michael Doherty, Jamie Doherty, Johnny Robb, Garbhan Grant, Barry O’Donnell. Subs used – Anthony Appiah, Mark Forde, and Anthony Browne.
Colm Breslin Youth cup; Quarter- Final.
Fanad United 1 Glenea United 2
Treble holders Glenea Utd arrived in tri a lough expecting a stiff contest and thats what they got from a young energetic Fanad side. Fanad without a few key players started the brightest and created numerous chances in the first half with Shaun Mc Govern having an excellant game up front. in the 38th min somewhat against the run of play Glenea drew first blood. Fanad failed to clear the ball and Darren Mc Geever who looked off side smashed the ball bast Oisin Barrett. on the stroke of half time the talented Paul Mc Veigh picked up the ball in mid field and after beating 4 defenders and cooly drilled the ball into the bottom corner. Glenea started the second half much stronger and created a few chances. The game changed dramatically mid way through the second half when after a Glenea seemed to raise his hand to an opponent the referee sent of Shea Coyle for a second bookable offence somewhat to the amazement of both sides. Glenea got their break when a long hopeful ball was spilled by the Fanad keeper and was stabbed home by an in coming Glenea forward. Fanad pushed hard for the equaliser and indeed hit the cross bar three times but to no avail. Tom Coll’s troops will be hard to stop in this competition while Fanad will be disappointed with there missed chances. Darren Mc Geever was best for Glenea while Paul Mc Veigh Joe Gallagher and Shaun Mc Govern were best for Fanad
Ulster Youth cup; Quarter- Final.
Ballybofey United 0 V Gweedore Celtic 1
Gweedore advance to the semi-final of this cup with a hard fought 1nil victory at Finn View Park on Saturday. The last time these two teams met it was a feast of goals with the home team winning by the odd goal in 13. Both teams had chances early on but the 2 keepers were on fine form and it was a fortutious goal when it came for Gweedore. Shaun Cundy hit a speculative shot and the ball seemed to be heading for the keepers arms but took a wicked bounce into the empty net. So Gweedore are into the semis, and an understrength Ballybofey have only a respectable league position to play for.
Team Performances.
Referee Mick Langan
Donegal Youth League:
Rathmullan/Milford 2 – 1 Bonagee
Rathmullan/Milford maintained their excellent campaign in the Donegal Youth League with a hard fought won victory over Bonagee at a windwsept Flagpole Field on saturday. The victory keeps Eugene McCafferty and Liam McLaughlins charges on course for a strong title push as the season enters the end zone and pressure mounts.
Rathmullan got off to a flying start when Gary Merritt scored after 7 minutes. A sublime through ball from Barry McNamee was calmly finished by the yoing Milford man to give the some side a dream start. The lead was almost doubled on 12 mins when a flighted cross from Merritt was headed just over the bar by Cormac Friel.
The game was an even contest again before the half hour mark when a shot from Kevin Doran came back off the cross bar and fell nicely for Mutuorso to apply the finish.
Into the second half and Rathmullan attempted to up the tempo and regain the lead. Sub Ryan Vaughan had a shot a well saved by keeper in the 63rd minute as the home side pressed forward.
The winning goal arrived on 76 minutes and it was a goal worth of winning any game. Barry McNamee picked up the ball near the half way line and danced his way through the Bonagee defence before slotting the ball home from 12 yards to grab the all important winner for the home team..
Best for Rathmullan/Milford was Barry McNamee, with impressive performances for Bonagee from Kevin Dolan and Jamie McCarry.
Referee: Lawrence Duagan
Fixtures:
Saturday 3rd April 2010. 2pm
Letterkenny Rovers v Rosses Academy
Bonagee United v Fanad United
Rathmullen/ Milford v Ballybofey United.
Donegal Youth league
It was a weekend of shocks in the Donegal Youth league as both defending champions Glenea United and title favourites Letterkenny Rovers suffered shock heavy defeats. Letterkenny were beaten 5-1 away at a resurgent Gweedore Celtic. Glenea fell 3-1 away at Ballybofey United who continue their own excellent recent form. Rathmullen/Milford picked up a point in their derby with Fanad, a result that sends Rathmullen/ Milford top of the table and keeps the tri-a-lough men off the bottom.
Results:
Ballybofey United 3 Glenea United 1
Gweedore Celtic 5 Letterkenny Rovers 1
Rathmullen/ Milford Fanad United
Reports:
Ballybofey United 3 Glenea United 1
Ballybofey United Youth team emerged victorious from this hard fought encounter at Finn View Park, Ballybofey. The home side took the lead when Marty O’ Reilly cutting in from the left wing unleashed a thunderous shot which the visiting keeper failed to hold and Jordan Duffy was lurking nearby to put Ballybofey into the lead. The second goal came when Calvin Bradley slipped Jordan Duffy in behind the Glenea defence and his cutback from the endline was met by ‘O Reilly who made no mistake from inside the box. Glenea made some chances as well but they lacked the finishing touches that would have kept them in the hunt. Bari Duncan in the home goal had his best performance to date and right up till the final whistle remained a constant deterrent to any Glenea fightback. The only time his goal was penetrated was when Ballybofey were leading by three goals to nil and Darren Ferry’s shot from twenty-five yards was deflected past the netminder. That third Ballybofey goal came again from the boot of the ever active Jordan Duffy who scored from the penalty spot after his probing run into the Glenea box was halted by a rash defensive tackle. A sporting game played on a sunny Spring afternoon with Donal Mc Cafferty keeping order in the middle.
Gweedore Celtic 5 Letterkenny Rovers 1
This game was played in excellent conditions at An Screaban. In the first twenty minutes, most of the football was played in the middle until Odhran MacNiallais released a cross behind Letterkenny defence. Anthony Blair was first to the ball to tap it pass the keeper.Letterkenny pressed hard for the rest of the half but were unable to get the equaliser. In the second half, from one of the many corner Michael Doherty found the home net to even the score. After that Gweedore scored four more goals without reply. The first two from John Walsh who managed to break the offside trap twice. The forth was scored by Matthew Burns after another great pass Odhran The fifth goal was scored by Shaun Boyle.
Best for Gweedore :Odhran Mac Niallais,Shaun Doherty and Jamie Boyle
A team afford by Letterkenny
Referee.Laurance DugganRathmullan/Milford 2 – 2 Fanad United
The spoils were shared at the Seaside on saturday in what was the perfect illustration of the age old adage – a game of two halves. The home team took control in the first period and looked set for the win but a stirring comeback from Fanad ensured that was not to be.
Rathmullan/Milford came flying from the blocks and were rewarded with an early lead. Philip Hegarty continued his recent free scoring run when he notched the early goal on the 5 minute mark. With the lead in place, the home team had to withstand some intense pressure from Fanad to preserve the lead. It was somewhat against the run of play when Mark Flood doubled the lead before the break to send a delighted Rathmullan/Milford team in at half time 2 – 0 up.
Whatever was said in the away dressing room seemed to take effect as Fanad came out for the second period and immediately set about getting back into this game. They got the break they needed on 55 mins when Paul Mc Veigh stabbed home a goal to cut the defecit in half and ask questions of Rathmullan/Milford. From there Fanad were able to build on the confidence and they deservedly got on terms 15 minutes from the end when Seamy Friel steered the ball past Seamus O Donnell in the home goal.
Rathmullan/Milford sent on Chippy Barrett at this point and he was able to return a degree of control in the middle of the park that saw Rathmullan/Milford finish the game looking for a winner. A succession of corners put the Fanad defence under serious pressure but they withstood and cleared their lines. The final chance fell to Gary Merritt for the home team when he put through on goal. However he was foiled by an excellent save.
Overall a fair result on the day and what turns out be a point gained for Eugene McCafferty and Liam McLaughlins charges as their big rivals in the title race Letterkenny and Glenea both fell to defeats this weekend. With the race for the League reaching its conclusion in the coming weeks some cracking home games are on the horizon for Rathmullan/Milford and all are asked to come along and support the team.
Ref: Joe McHugh
Fixtures:
Saturday 20th February 2010.
Fanad United v Gweedore Celtic
Rathmullen/ Milford v Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers v Ballybofey United
Interleague news.
The Donegal Youth league finally found out their opponents for next months 1st Knockout round tie. They face the West Waterford East Cork youth league in a match to be played at home on either the 6th or 7th March. The winners of that tie will also have a home draw in the quarter finals, so their will be plenty at stake for Eunan Brollys men in the coming 6 weeks.
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