Lagan Harps 1
Cappry Rovers 0
Lagan clinched the first division title after this closely fought contest in Orchard Park. Although Cappry were short a few regulars they turned in a determined performance and pushed Lagan all the way.
Played on a bumpy surface the football was generally poor but for Lagan the result was the inportant factor. Lagan started well but with the Cappry defence well marshaled by Kevin Mc Cormack and Dougie Mc Feely, they created few clearcut chances.
Ballybofey United 1 Lagan Harps 1
The odd goal in seven was all that separated these sides when they met on the opening day of the 2009/2010 season in Manor. This game was another tight affair and again Ballybofey could feel that they deserved more from the game. It was a thunderbolt from all of thirty-five yards from the boot of Glen Gallagher that opened the scoring on Sunday at Finn View Park giving the visitors the half time lead. Tony Blake earned his corn immediately after the interval denying both Carlin and them Doherty from point blank range. It was the home side who were creating all the chances and they got the equaliser from the penalty spot after a Lagan player had handled in the box. Conor Doherty made no mistake with his 12 yarder. Ballybofey continued to press but could not convert their supremacy into goals. Indeed they almost lost all the points in the dying minutes when Lagan’s best chance of the second half was headed over. Blake and Gallagher were best for the visitors while Conor Doherty again sood out for the Twin Towns men.
Saturday 28th November 2009
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 1:
Ramelton Mariners 4 Fintown Harps 6
This league cup game started off as an even contest but by the end of the first half Fintown had raced into a 5-0 lead thanks to goals from Raymond Toner after 10 minutes, followed by a hat-trick from Darragh Gallagher and a close range finish from Anthony Walsh.
The second half started with mostly Mariner pressure looking to get back into the game and they did so early in the half when Kieran Burke headed in a corner from Damian Buchanan. The home side kept up the pressure after this and scored again shortly afterwards when Kevin Coyle played Peter Brannigan through and he beat the keeper with a low drive. The same player scored again five minutes later from another corner from Damian Buchanan. Fintown made it 6-3 after this when Stephen Boyle scored on the break but the Mariners pulled another back when Peter Brannigan completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Kevin Coyle was fouled. Both sides had chances after this but neither were able to convert.
Team effort from both sides
Glencar Celtic 1 Drumbar United 1
Honours even but Glencar will feel they deserve more from a game they played so well in for so little reward. The first half came and went with no scoring with Glencar ahead only on the playing stakes. In the second half Glencar went ahead when Paddy Rafferty pounced on a loose ball that the Drumbar keeper failed to control after a shot by Hilley on 55 minutes. Drumbar came into the game more after this chasing the equaliser but came up against a strong Glencar defence marshalled well by Prionnsias Diamond. However, Glencar had a chance to go further ahead with a penalty on the 70th minute but Joe Callaghan got down well to deny Hilley with Mickey Molloy missing the follow up. Drumbar got the equaliser on the 75th minute. Glencar piled on the pressure but could not manage a winner.
Best for Glencar Prionnsias Diamond and Noel Gallagher.
Team effort from Drumbar.
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 2:
Gweedore Celtic Res 0 Castlefinn Res 1
In perfect conditions for football, Castlefinn collected all three points in an entertaining game of football at an Screaban.
The first half had very few opportunities in front of goal, with any chances coming courtesy of corners from both sides. Castlefinn got the break when Gweedore failed to clear a corner and the Castlefinn striker made no mistake with a thunderbolt to the top corner. Gweedore responded well but were restricted to long range efforts, with Sean McKelvee and Gerard Diver both failing to hit the target from distance.
The second half saw Castlefinn start the brightest, but the final ball let them down when they were in Gweedore’s final third. 10 minutes after the restart Gweedore started to press hard for an equaliser but like Castlefinn the final pass let them down. P. Turski found the back of the net for Gweedore but was flagged for offside. Soon after Damien Campbell shot narrowly wide when put through by Noel Diver. Gweedore nearly got the equaliser 5minutes from time when Cathal Boyle nudged the ball past the Castlefinn keeper only to see his effort cleared off the line.
Team performance from Both Teams
Ref John Ferry
Cranford United 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 0
In this switched game to Cranford it was the away side who started the brightest and they had a number of early chances from Ciaran Bonner and Johnny Nelius. Cranford were struggling in the midfield area and it took them until the 30th minute to create their first chance when Kevin Fisher broke the offside only for the Kilmacrennan keeper to be very alert and came off his line fast to produce a good block. The second half saw a much improved performance from Cranford and it was rewarded after sixty three minutes when Kevin Fisher did great work down the right wing and produced a perfect cross for sub Shea Coyle to head home. Five minutes later the home side extended their lead when Kevin Fisher latched on to a Conor Doherty pass and fired home an unstoppable shot from 20 yards. Kilmacrennan did push hard in the closing minutes but found the Cranford defence hard to break down.
Best for Cranford was Peter Gildea, Karl McIlhinney and Christopher McGinley. Team effort from Kilmacrennan.
Ref: Ronan Floyd
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 3:
Donegal Town.2 Downtown Utd.2
This cup tie proved to be a thrilling affair with both sides having chances to win the game late on.
Downtown came storming out of the blocks and threatened to overwhelm Donegal in the first half hour but fine work by the Donegal defence and keeper Sean Martin kept the Letterkenny men at bay until the half hour mark when Marcus Oliver opened the scoring for Downtown and five minutes later they doubled their lead when Brian Murphy made it 2-0 after a goalmouth scramble. Donegal to their credit stuck to the task and very nearly scored when Gary Ward latched on to a through ball and lobbed the keeper only to see his effort headed off the line.
The second half was a different affair and a great comeback from Donegal. Downtown held their lead until the hour mark when super sub Ernest was sent on from the Donegal bench and his presence in the Downtown box proved to be the turning point in Donegal’s game. Only on the field five minutes he set up Mark Lyons for Donegal to make it 2-1 and with 15 minutes remaining he scored from close range to put the sides level. Donegal had further chances when Alan Happy went through one on one with the keeper but blasted his effort over the bar.
Downtown also had the chance to win the tie but failed to connect with several crosses and the game finished level. Best for Donegal were keeper Sean Martin and Niall Harvey and a good team effort from Downtown.
Referee P Martin.
Gweedore United 2 Milford United 3
This game played at Carrickboyle was a tight contest with the visitors leaving with all 3 points.
A five minutes lapse in concentration by the home team saw Milford go two up. The visitors went into the lead after 10 minutes when Floyd Murray broke the offside trap to shoot low into the bottom corner of Keller’s net. Five minutes later the visitors went two up after some poor defending let John Fleming through one on one with Keller in the United net with Fleming making no mistake. The Carrickboyle men began to play some nice attacking football after going two down and saw some good chances from Kevin Cassidy, Cathal Mulligan and Brian Gallagher, however the Milford defence did well to hold out until half time. The second half saw more of the same with the home side pushing hard to get on the score sheet. Their possession paid off on 58 minutes when Cathal Mulligan slid in from close range to tap the ball past the Milford keeper following a cross from Shaun Boyle to bring the home side back into the game. With Gweedore continuing to push to get the equaliser they got caught on the break with some good individual work and a good finish by Brendan Murray putting the game out of reach for the home side making it 3-1 to Milford. Gweedore got a second on 85 minutes when Cathal Mulligan headed home from close range following a good free kick from Shaun Boyle, however it was a case of to little to late. The game ended 3-2 to Milford with Floyd Manus playing well for the visitors.
Referee: Pat Murray
Sunday 29th November 2009
Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Premier League:
Drumoghill FC 0 Gweedore Celtic 3
Gweedore Celtic got their title hopes back on track with this deserved
victory over Drumoghill at the Moss. Second half goals from Conal Ferry,
Eamon McGee and Eugene McBride were enough to clinch the points in a game
where the first goal was always going to be crucial.
The first half was a very tight affair and although it ended goalless, both
teams will feel that they should have entered the break in the ascendancy.
Each side had one excellent chance each during the opening period, but both were
spurned.
The first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the 12th minute and
came from the penalty spot. Owen McGarvey was instrumental in the build up
and his mazy run was only ended after Daryl Duncan was adjudged to have
upended him in the penalty box. However, Gareth McMonagle saved the day for
the Reds and dived low to his left to keep out Conal Ferry’s strike.
For much of the first half, the game lacked fluency in difficult conditions.
Both midfields cancelled each other out as the game developed into a
physical contest, although Drumoghill can take credit from the fact that
they did not let their opponents overpower them during the first half. The
lack of creativity meant that chances were few and far between but from one
opening that was created, Drumoghill can consider themselves unlucky not to
have taken the lead.
After good work from Shane McIntyre down the left hand side, he chipped to
the near post where Richard Tinney’s flick found strike partner Liam O’
Donnell, whose effort rebounded off the crossbar with McCauley helpless in
the visitor’s goal.
The contests significant moment arrived in the 55th minute as the visitors
broke the deadlock, and it was a super strike which did it. Eamon Ferry did
well to hold off the attentions of Gary Carr and Jonathon Wilson and slid an
excellent through ball into the path of strike partner Conal Ferry. Ferry
looked as though he would struggle to reach it but his outstretched left leg
managed to steer the ball into the opposite corner, as McMonagle advanced to
try and smother the ball.
Drumoghill had no option but to push men forward in search of an equaliser,
and in doing so left openings which Gweedore managed to take full advantage
of. From one such opening, they contest was settled with a second goal and this
time it was Eamon McGee that got it. He beat Daryl Duncan and Colin Watson
to McBride’s flick on and managed to steer the ball past McMonagle to find
the bottom corner.
Eugene McBride put the icing on the cake when he drove home Paul Curran’s
pass in the final minute to seal the victory. The scoreline might have
flattered the visitors but they were well worthy of all three points.
Milford Inn Hotel Division One:
Deele Harps 1 Donegal Town 0
Both teams started brightly, however Deele Harps had the best chances. Gavin Gallagher put a ball through to Shane Gallagher who was one on one with the goal keeper, however he shot wide.
In the forty fifth minute Deele had a corner which Paul Lynch headed against the post.
In the second half Deele started were they left off. In the 60th minute Seamie Gallagher was put through on goal and brought a good save from the goal keeper
In the 65th minute a long ball out of Deele defence found Shane Gallagher 25 yards from goal who shot and found the top corner of the net to leave the score one nil to Deele.
On the 85th minute Donegal Town had a good chance to level but a good save from the Deele Harps goalkeeper to keep it at one nil.
Good team performance from Donegal town and Deele Harps.
Referee Martin Flanagan
CT Ball Division Two:
Arranmore United 1 Rathmullen Celtic 5
Rathmullen got off to a good start in this one sided affair on the Island when after ten minutes Cormac Friel converted a free kick against the wind. Rathmullen kept the pressure on and after a defensive mix up from Arranmore, Rathmullen were awarded a penalty which was converted after twenty minutes. A lovely break from Rathmullen saw Niall Doherty finish with a beautiful strike that gave the Arranmore keeper no chance. Arranmore got one back just before half time through an own goal, but they couldn’t build any momentum in the game.
The home side played well in the second half but were caught on the break twice to leave the final score five one to the visitors.
Best for Rathmullen: Rory O’Keefe
Team effort from Arranmore
Ref Gerry Rodden
Raphoe Town 1 Curragh Athletic 6
Free-flowing Curragh Athletic overcame Raphoe Town on Sunday with a powerful second half display that saw them stun the home side who had led at the interval.
Playing with the aid of a strong breeze Raphoe had taken the lead in the 8th minute when Gerard McMonagle was upended and Peter Brolly made no mistake from the spot-kick.
After that Raphoe had chances but Curragh defended brilliantly and they always looked dangerous on the counter attack creating several good chances themselves.
They were back on level terms with a stunning strike from Calvin Bradley six minutes into the second half and where ahead just three minutes later when Damien Duffy turned home into the bottom corner following a clever free-kick.
Gerard Melaugh made it 3-1 to Curragh with a stunning free-kick to the top corner and stright from the centre man of the match Savlon nipped in to make it 4-1.
At that stage there was no way back for Raphoe and Savlon showed a brilliant touch to take the ball away from two defenders before tucking into the bottom corner.
Damien Duffy finished off the rout when he deflected a goalbound shot into the net to round off an excellent display from the visitors.
Ulster Junior Cup
Cappry Rovers 1 Carndonagh F.C.2
Cappry Rovers made their exit from the Ulster Junior Cup in an entertaining game in Cappry Park when they were defeated by the odd goal in three by a strong organised Carndonagh team.
Play swung from end to end with both teams creating a number of chances but the visitors made the breakthrough in the twenty seventh minute when the Cappry defence failed to clear the ball following a corner and Brendan Tabb scored with a low shot to the bottom corner of the net.
The visitors kept the pressure on after this looking for a second but Cappry should have got on level terms when they had a number of chances from Kevin Mc Glynn, Malachy Martin and PJ Gallagher but good keeping and defensive work by Carndonagh kept them at bay.
Carndonagh got their second in the forty first minute when Andrew Doherty shot to the top corner of the net following a corner.
Cappry got a goal back in the fifty eighth minute when a through ball from Dylan Ramsey was won by Damien Glackin and he shot high to the top of the net over the advancing keeper.
Both sides created numerous chances after this but to no avail.
Team performance from Cappry
Best for Carndonagh Andrew Doherty, Kevin Kelly and Ronan Doherty.
Referee Ed Moore.
Keadue Rovers 5 Greencastle 2
Keadue continued their good cup form with a comprehensive victory over Greencastle. The home side could well have won by more with some good work by the Greencastle keeper preventing a bigger defeat. After an even opening few minutes Greencastle took the lead on eight minutes, when the ball broke to Stephen Bonner and he chipped the keeper from twenty five yards. Keadue, though started to get on top with front men Adrian Hanlon and Doalty Boyle combining well. From a Doalty Boyle cross on thirteen minutes Adrian Hanlon’s effort was saved from close range. Hanlon also had a header saved on eighteen. The home side continued to dominate despite a strong wind against them. Greencastle had a chance on the break after thirty three minutes when Stephen Bonners shot went close. On thirty four minutes Keadue should’ve equalised when Colin McCarron burst through but fired over from the edge of the box. Both sides exchanged chances before the break and in injuiry time James Boyles cross was met by Doalty Boyle with a diving header to make it 1-1 at half time. The home side dominated from the off in the second half with chances from Doalty Boyle, Brendan McGarvey and Adrian Hanlon. In the fifty eight minute from James Boyles free kick Raymond Sweeney rose to flick a header to the net to make it 2-1 to Keadue. Two minutes later it was 3-1, Doalty Boyle controlling from the edge of the box and shooting past the keeper at the near post. In the sixty fifth minute, the home side were completely dominant and Adrian Hanlon made it 4-1 with a low shot from twenty five yards. From the kick off though, Greencastle caught the home side and from the tip off their centre forward lobbed Corey Gallagher to make it 4-2. The game retained its pattern however with Keadue still posing all the threat and the game was made safe after seventy three minutes with the goal of the game. Adrian Hanlon receiving the ball with his back to goal, turning the defender and fired past the keeper to make it 5-1. Greencastle battled away and one final chance fell to them in the last few minutes, Keadues keeper Corey Gallagher denying the striker from the edge of the box.
Best for Greencastle were Michael Barr and Tom Casey, while Doalty Boyle, James Boyle and Adrian Hanlon impressed for Keadue.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Milford United 3 Rasheny FC 2
Milford overcame Inishowen side Rasheny in the Ulster Junior Cup thanks to goals from Sean McHugh, Danny Gallagher and JJ Fleming.
Milford fielded with out a few first team regulars and performed well with fringe players playing with a good tempo and hard work. Sean McHugh put the home side ahead in the first minute when he latched on to a through ball to slide past the advancing keeper. Milford went two nil ahead when a Danny Gallagher cross deceived the keeper and ended up in the net. Milford with a lot of pressure playing with the wind gave a goal away before the break when Nigel Black failed to clear and the visitors fired home. Playing with the wind in the second half Rasheny came in to the game much more but Milford’s defence stood strong and very hard to break down. With 15 minutes to go a great ball forward by Anthony Hegarty was knocked on by Gary Merritt for JJ Fleming to fire home. Milford missed a good few chances and sub Brendan Murray had a cracking effort from 40 yards hit the top of the cross bar. Milford gave a way a late goal when Christy McCafferty failed the clear for Rasheny to steal the ball and round the quick dashing Milford keeper to tap home.
The visitors worked hard as did the home side with Hugo Hagan, Brian Peoples, Damian Casey and Gary Merritt outstanding. Referee Paddy Melaugh.
Ballybofey Utd 2 Glenea Utd 0
Ballybofey opened brightly with Joe Dunnion bringing a good save out of the Glenea keeper, Christopher Sweeney, on five minutes. The home team scored the first on 10 minutes when Chris Mc Daid netted at the second attempt after a corner from Ryan Carlin. Glenea came into the game after this and pushed hard for equalizer but didn’t create any clear cut chances.
The second came on 62 minutes when Bonar chipped the keeper after a free kick form Gavin Doherty. Glenea tried hard after this but good defending by the home team kept them at bay with Patton pulling of a great save on 88minutes.
Best for Ballybofey- Joe Dunnion and Gavin Doherty. Team effort Glenea.
Referee Victor Rainey.
Lagan Harps 4 Gweedore Utd 0
Lagan progressed to the second round after a hard fought game with Gweedore Utd. Stephen O’Donnell opened the scoring on fifteen minutes when Paul Rodgers sent a long ball to Kenny Doran who crossed for O’Donnell to score. Playing with the aid of the breeze Lagan continued to dominate and Kenny Doran went close with two headed efforts. Lagan grabbed their second on forty five minutes when Stephen O’Donnell again found the target. His initial volley from a Kevin Kelly corner was headed off the line but he fired home the rebound. Gweedore upped their game with the aid of the breeze in the second half. Led by team captain Fionnain Diver they put the Lagan defence under sustained pressure. Lagan held firm due to the excellent performance of centre backs Seamie Peoples and Ronan Lennon. Just when Gweedore looked like getting back in the game Lagan grabbed their third. Stephen O’Donnell set off on a run down the wing on sixty minutes and his cross was expertly volleyed home by Chris Toner. Stephen O’Donnell then sealed the tie when he drove home a fine effort from the edge of the area, to complete his hat trick. Lagans best were Stephen O’Donnell, Seamie Peoples and Ronan Lennon. Gweedores best were Owen Ward and Fionnain Diver.
Referee was Packy Coll.
Kilmacrennan 3 Moville 4
Moville started the strongest and it took a goal from Moville to get a reaction from the home side. Moville took the lead through Declan McGuiness on the half hour from a fine Joe Doherty corner. Kilmac sprang to life and scored two goals within the last five minutes of the first half. Gary Gorman scrambled the ball in from 3 yards after Eddie Doherty’s shot was cleared off the line. Doherty then got on the scored sheet right at the death of the first half after being put through by Timmy Burke, the striker coolly finished from twenty yards with just the keeper to beat.
Moville threw everything they could at the Kilmac defence for the entire second half and were rewarded with fifteen minutes remaining. Joe Doherty got onto the end of a Declan McGuiness cross and headed in from ten yards. The away side continued to press and scored two goals in quick succession. Ritchie McElhinney made no mistake from two yards after great work from Joe Doherty with twelve minutes to go. Doherty secured his brace two minutes later from twenty yards with a fine free kick. Eddie Doherty scored his second late on and set up a tense final three minutes. Kilmac thought they scored again right at the death when the ball had crossed the line from a goal mouth scramble however referee Lawerence Duggan was blinded by the amount of players in the six yard box.
Moville march on while Kilmac must now concentrate on the league.
Team efforts from both.
Referee L. Duggan
Addidas Donegal Junior League
Saturday November 7th
Willie Duffy Division One
Dunfanaghy Town 4 Milford Utd Res 0
After their impressive win last week, Dunfanaghy started this game eager to improve on their standing in the League Table. Although they had most of the possession in the first half, they were kept at bay by an impressive under strength Milford United. Despite the best efforts from a rising young star in the form of James Mc Mullan, Dunfanaghy could not capitalize on their efforts and the game remained stalemate at the half time whistle.
The second half started brightly with both teams playing the same quality football that the spectators had enjoyed in the first half. Dunfanaghy’s persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Daniel Mc Laughlin found himself free in the box and when the ball came to him he had no difficulty in finding the net to leave the home side a goal up. Milford, to their credit did not give up and continued to press forward eager to draw level. Four minutes later a good set play between Daniel Mc Laughlin and Barry Mc Ginley saw the latter strike home Dunfanaghys second. Not to be outdone Nicholas Nelis found himself in the box on the 80th minute but his efforts were blocked by a good save from the Milford keeper.
Milford continued to try and salvage something from this game and they came very close with eight minutes to go from a corner kick only to be denied by the save of the match from Liam Mc Mullan. On the eighty eighth minute Nicholas Nelis was not going to be denied a second time when he delivered Dunfanaghys third leaving the keeper floundering. Daniel Mc Laughlin found the net for a second time with a minute to go sealing a fine win for the battling “REDS”. A great performance from all the Dunfanaghy team and a credible effort from Milford.
Glencar Inn Division Two
Ramelton Mariners 2 Cranford Reserves 1
The Mariners started the stronger in this game that had to be reversed to Rabs Park, Kerrykeel but were unable to break the deadlock from the chances they created early on. Their pressure eventually told mid way through the first half when Peter Brannigan lobbed the keeper after good work from John Whoriskey down the right hand side. Cranford came back into the game as the first half wore on but neither side was able to convert their pressure into more goals and the first half ended 1-0 to the home side
After the break most of the pressure came from the away side as they pushed for the equaliser and had the perfect opportunity when they were awarded a penalty but it was saved by Steve Sweeney in the home goal. With 25 minutes left the Mariners doubled their lead when Peter Brannigan beat the keeper after a through ball from Paul Stephenson. Cranford did manage to pull a goal back when Patrick Shiels scored after a goalmouth scramble but the home side held out for all three points at the end.
Team effort from both sides
Ref – C Murray
Donegal Town. 2 Castlefin Celtic. 1
Castlefin opened the scoring with a penalty on 20 minutes duly scored by Dan O Brien. This was after a great opening spell by Donegal when they could have had 3 goals but failed to convert. However the setback did not deter Donegal and they continued to press for an equaliser but Castlefin held on to go in at halftime 1-0 .With just two minutes gone in the second half Donegal got their deserved equaliser when Alan Kelly scored from inside the box. The game was opened up at this stage and both sides attacked looking for the winner. With 20 minutes remaining sub Alex Mc Neilis did good work down the right wing and crossed into the box and the ball was deflected into the Castlefin net to give Donegal the lead with an own goal. Castlefin pushed hard for an equaliser and Donegal also had chances but Donegal held firm to the get the win.
Best for Donegal were Alan Kelly and Dermot Slevin and a good team effort from Castlefin.
Referee James Malseed
Sunday November 8th
Milford Inn Division One
Lagan Harps 5 Donegal Town 0
Lagan remain at the top of the league after scoring five goals for the third home game in a row. The final result was harsh on a Donegal side who fully contributed to an entertaining game. Donegal almost opened the scoring on six minutes when Aaron Slevin’s deflected effort came back off the upright. Donegal dominated the opening twenty minutes through Aaron Slevin and Benny Byrne. Lagan went close on twenty five minutes when a scorching free from Stephen O’Donnell went just wide. Lagan then took the lead on twenty seven minutes when Barney Bradley crossed for Stephen O’Donnell to score. Kevin Kelly increased Lagan’s lead on thirty minutes when his deflected free from wide on the left ended up in the Donegal net. Donegal almost pulled a goal back immediately when Pauric Harvey stabbed wide at the near post. Dermot Mc Cafferty in the Donegal goal then pulled off a superb double save from Stephen O’Donnell as half time approached. Donegal again started strongly in the second half and Pauric Harvey shot just over. Paul Rodger then got in a great clearing header for Lagan as Donegal again threatened. Lagan scored their third on fifty seven minutes when Stephen O’Donnell headed on and Chris Toner put Kenny Doran in to score. Kevin Kelly wrapped up the game for Lagan with a superb free from thirty yards on sixty minutes, Stephen O’Donnell then got his second and Lagan’s fifth on eighty five minutes. Best for Lagan were Paul Rodgers and Seamie Peoples at the back and Stephen O’Donnell and Kevin Kelly further up. Donegal’s best were fullback Barry Kelly, Aaron Slevin and Benny Byrne.
Drumbar United 1 Bonagee United 2
Bonagee were gifted three points on their visit to Drumbar. After dominating the first half Drumbar opened the scoring with a well worked goal from the boot of John Mc Loone. It was a game of two halves as Drumbar did not show up for the second half. A more determined visiting team were presented with chance after chance in the home end of the pitch. A timid effort from Derek Franco equallised the scoring as Drumbar watched on. Bonagee grew in confidence as the Drumbar side consistantly gave the ball away. With 10 minutes remaining Mark Gallagher put the visitors into the lead. With all three points being robbed on the home side they finally began to play in the last 5 minutes creating chances and having a goal disallowed from a set piece. Too little to late for the home side. Marty Mc Ginty and Barney Mc Given never gave up and were rewarded for their efforts for Bonagee. James Mc Mullin stood out on the home side.
CT Ball Division Two
| Rathmullan Celtic 3 Glenree 2
It’s all about celebration of birthdays at the seaside club as young Softie turns the ripe old age of 21 during the week, yet today he played as if Franco Baresi was his partner at the heart of the Rathmullan defence. The Celts welcomed fellow seasiders Glenree to the wee town and it was the Celts who brought the game to their opponents with opportunistic chances from Conor Mc Cullough, who hit the post in the 23rd minute and Doherty was denied on the half hour by a great Shane Mc Clafferty save. The Celts pressure paid off when Kev Mc Carry put Niall Doc through and the Ballyboe stalwart coolly turned inside his marker before curling a 5 iron into the top corner of Mc Clafferty’s goal to give the Celts the perfect start. Indeed, the Celts increased their advantage in the 38th minute when the player of the League Cormac Friel unleashed a sand wedge chip to the back post to set up Conor Mc Cullough, who volleyed with at least a 9 iron into the bottom corner to finish a quintessential Celtic pass and grove move. The Celts went 3 goals up in the 70th minute when Rory O’ Keefe flicked on to Kev Mc Carry who made no mistake from inside the area. Just when Maco Curran and the Celts thought all points were save, John J Mc Gettigan made a few changes and replied with two swift goals from Marty Mc Laughlin and Damien Coyle to set up a grand stand nail biting final ten minutes at the seaside. Glenree, inspired by Kev ‘Cookie’ Gallagher, deserve full credit for never giving up after a three goal deficit to claw back two late goals and it was a relieeved Rathmullan Celtic who look forward to getting their passports issued for the away visit to the Arranmore Islanders in a fortnight’s time with yet another 3 points engineered under the master craftsman tutelage of Marco Curran’s. Referee: Packie Coll |
| Whitestrand United 0 Cranford United 2
On a surprisingly sunny afternoon, Whitestrand entertained Cranford United and it produced an evenly contested match. Both teams battled hard in the first half with chances at either end. Late on in the first half Whitestrand lost ‘Hungles’ Gillespie to an ankle injury and on the stroke of half-time Gerry Roulston suffered a similar injury, although Roulston started the second half the injuries upset the ‘strand’s rhythm and Cranford took full advantage. Goals came from Shay Coyle and Shaun McBride who together with Danny McBride were best for Cranford. Whitestrand were best served by Kieran White and Conor Crossan was excellent when called on take up the sweeper position. All at Whitestrand wish Big Andrew all the best in Canada. And with links in Kilcoo, congratulate them in their victory in the Ulster GAA Club championship. |
Lifford Celtic 2 Drumoghill FC 1
Lifford got their season off to a winning start with a hard earned victory over a resilient Drumoghill side on Thursday night at the Green Brae. The visitors started the match much brighter than their counterparts and almost took the lead when a speculative shot came back off the crossbar and into a grateful Lee White’s arms. Lifford eventually settled and put together some fine attacking football, Damian Patton, Mark Carlin and James Connolly all having decent efforts on goal. The deadlock was broken on 34 minutes when a Stuart Carlin cross found James Connolly at the back post and he made no mistake with an excellent finish. The lead wasn’t to last long however as the visitors equalised on the brink of half time, Carlos Russell broke through the Lifford rearguard and stabbed home from close range. The second half was equally close-fought with both sides having chances, Damian Patton thought he had restored Lifford’s lead when he had the ball in the net after 52 minutes but he was adjudged to have been offside. While, at the other end, Russell broke clear from and was unlucky to see his shot come back off the post. The game was settled on 79 minutes when substitute Shane Meehan found the net from close range after good work on the right by Thomas Mullen. John Doherty and Dermot Shiels were best for Lifford while Gary Carr was best for the visitors.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 Dunlewey Celtic 0
Dunkineely got their league campaign of to a winning start at Darney Park on Sunday. Two late goals were the difference between the teams in a closely contested game played for the most part in heavy rain. Dunlewey started the brighter with Eamonn Cannon dictating things in midfield and setting up several good attacks. Dunkineely took time to settle and conceded a number of corners in the early exchanges but Dunlewey were unable to take advantage. As the half progressed Dunkineely came more into the game and Paul Murrin had a great effort from distance deflected for a corner.
Dunkineely made a couple of changes at half time and began to get a grip on the game. They created a number of good chances with Conor Ward and Adrian Ward both testing the keeper. Dunlewey also had a couple of good chances but the home defence held out. The breakthrough came on eighty minutes when Conor Ward won a ball at the corner flag and crossed for Toirealach Mc Ginley to head home at the near post. The second came on eighty five when Paul Murrin won the ball on the left wing and crossed it into the box where Toirealach Mc Ginley’s first effort was blocked and Conor Ward fired home the rebound from ten yards.
Best for Dunkineely were Alastair Rodger and Shane Mc Whinney while Eamonn Cannon and John Cannon were best for Dunlewey.
Referee Victor Rainey
Glenea 3 Gweedore United 0
Glenea got their league programme underway with a hard fought victory over their local rivals. The combination of windy conditions and derby atmosphere made it a scrappy affair with only a few moments of good football. The home side had the aid of the wind in the first half but found it hard to create a good opening, Gweedore were happy to play on the break but rarely threatened. Glenea took the lead on 35 minutes, when Paul Doohan controlled a through ball from Kevin McFadden, in the box and he crossed for Dean Gallagher to volley home from the penalty spot. Glenea almost doubled their advantage just on half time when a Michael Barry’s long range effort came back off the bar. In the second half Gweedore came more into the game and started to get control in the middle of the park, but there were unable to get by the home defence and were restricted to long range efforts on goal, with Fionan Diver forcing Joe Coll into a fine save. Gweedore had a good opportunity on 70 minutes when they were awarded an indirect free kick in the penalty area, but they were unable to convert. As the half progressed Gweedore started to throw men forward in search of the equalizer, they started to leave gaps at the back and after coming close on a couple of occasions Glenea finally got their second on 86 minutes when Dean Gallagher got onto a Ryan McFadden through ball and he lifted it over the keeper. Glenea added a third in injury time when Ryan McFadden slotted home the ball after Gweedore failed to clear their lines
Best for Glenea were Paul Sweeney & Ciaran McFadden, while Fionan Diver & Owen Doohan were best for Gweedore Utd.
Referee Vincent McLaughlin.
Gweedore Celtic 1 Milford United 2
Gweedore Celtic
Milford United will count themselves very lucky to take full points from this encounter.
The visitors played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half and took the lead in the fortieth minute when slackness in the home defence allowed Sean Mc Hugh the chance and scored from close range. Five minutes into the second half Gweedore were level. Odhran Mac Niallias cut in from the wing and let go from the edge of the penalty area into the corner of the net. Milford were back in front on sixty minutes when Darren Mc Laughlin managed to lob the keeper. For the next thirty minutes, with the wind at their back Gweedore threw everything at the Milford defence but could not get the breakthrough. Twice from Cornie Gallagher and once from Odhran Mac Niallias the Milford keeper made outstanding saves. In the last minute Paul Curran‘s shot came off the inside of the post but somehow the ball was cleared.
Best for Gweedore were Odhran Mac Niallais, Cornie Gallagher
Best for Milford Enda Mc Hugh
Referee Paddy Melaugh
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 Eany Celtic 1
Eany Celtic
Newly promoted Eany Celtic will be delighted with a share of the points against defending champions Kilmac who opted to play in Fanad for the opening game of the season.
Indeed Eany got off to the perfect start when they found the back of the net after eighteen minutes. Stephen Griffin found space down the right wing and crossed for Barry Rose to head home from eight yards. Kilmacrennan had slighty more of the possession for the remainder of the half and should have been awarded a penalty on the half hour mark when striker Timmy Burke was hauled down by an Eany defender. Referee Gerry Whorskey waved play on, much to the bemusement of both sets of players. Eany did have their chances to strengthen their lead with Griffin unlucky with a shot from just inside the eighteen yard box, but his effort was well saved by Liam McBride.
The second half was all one way traffic as Kilmac pushed for an equaliser. Kilmac had to wait until the sixty fifth minute when Jimmy McElwaine delivered a perfect cross for Eddie Doherty whose powerful header was half saved by the Eany goalkeeper and was rolling over the line but young striker John Sandilands made sure and powered the ball into the back of the net from less than a yard out. Kilmac pushed for a second with the best chance falling to Timmy Burke. Eddie Doherty found Burke who couldn’t keep his effort down from six yards with seventy five minutes played. Kilmac continued to press but couldn’t break down a well organised Eany defence.
Team efforts from both.
Referee Gerry Whorskey
Milford Inn Division One
Lagan Harps 4 Ballybofey United 3
On ten minutes Kevin Kelly fed Chris Toner with an excellent through ball but Toner pulled his effort just past the Ballybofey post and wide. On twelve minutes a Kevin Kelly free out on the right was flicked on at the near post by John Gallagher and converted at the back post by Ciaran Mc Carron to give Lagan the lead. On sixteen minutes a short corner by Ronnie Carlin was met on the volley by Gary Dunnion but his effort flew just over the Lagan bar. On twenty five minutes good work by Carlin in the middle of the field and his lay off to Gary Dunnion on the left was converted at the near post by Carlin despite the best efforts of Tony Blake in the Lagan goals a move started and finished by Carlin. On thirty minutes a goal kick by the Ballybofey keeper was flicked on by Alan Patton but the on rushing Carlin could only shoot over when he should have done better. On forty minutes a wicked in swinging free kick by Paul Rodgers was met with a powerful header by John Gallagher to give Lagan the lead again. On forty three minutes a great individual run by Chris Toner where he beat three men down the left hand side and his cut back was tapped in by John Gallagher at the edge of the six yard box to leave the half time score 3-1 to the home side.
Ballybofey started the second half brighter and on fifty minutes a great through ball by Carlin on the Ballybofey right was hammered low and hard past Blake by Chris Mc Daid to bring the visitors back into the game. The visitors were well on top and on sixty five minutes a corner from the right was headed past the stranded Blake by James Lynch to tie up the match at 3-3. Both teams pressed hard for the winner with both sides going close. On eighty minutes Gibson rung the changes and the sprightly Mc Fadden was introduced and from a cross by Barney Bradley on the Lagan right was met with a bullet of a diving header from all of twenty yards by the onrushing Mc Fadden to give the home side the lead. A great header to win any game. Ballybofey pressed hard for the equaliser but Lagan held on for a just about deserved win.
Best for Lagan were John Gallagher and Seamus Peoples
Best for Ballybofey were Conor Doherty and James Lynch
Referee was Paddy Martin.
St Catherine’s 1 Drumbar 0
St Catherines started of the season with a hard fought win over a very determined Drumbar team. The first half saw both teams create chances but it was the Saints that took the lead on fortyfour minutes when David Conwell slotted a free kick into the bottom corner from eighteen yards.
The second half continued as the first with both teams creating chances but not able to convert any. Drumbar fought hard in the dying stages to get an equaliser but couldn’t break down the Saints defence.
Team performance both teams
Referee G. Gallagher
Bonagee United 0 Castlefin Celtic 1
Bonagee Utd welcomed Castlefin Celtic to Dry Arch Park in the first league match of the season. Despite the previous weeks incessant rain, the playing surface was in immaculate condition. The opening 20 minutes failed to create any clear cut chances for either side, but in the 25th minute, the impressive Ronan Tourish, cut in from the right and his stinging shot was parried by Bonagee keeper O Donnell into the path of Dermot O Brien, but his snap shot cannoned of the bar with the goal gaping. Bonagee then had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring, when Mark Hunter sped from his own half, and rounded the advancing Castlefin goalie Anthony Sweeney, but the alert Emmet White hooked his goal bound effort of the line. Hunter was presented with another chance a few minutes later, when Glenn Gallaghers inch perfect pass, found him un-marked in the box, but Sweeney was equal to his effort. On the stroke of half time, Castlefin struck for a killer blow, when after hesitancy in the Bonagee rearguard, Ronan Tourish saw his initial shot blocked by the Bonagee keeper, but with the Bonagee defenders slow to react, he rolled his follow up effort into the empty net.
Bonagee started the second half the brightest, but more often than not, the final penetrating ball let them down, when presented with good positions. Despite Bonagee being on top in most areas of the field, it was Castlefin who looked the most dangerous going forward, with the youthful Ronan Tourish a constant threat down the right side, and from one perfect cross, Damian Mc Clafferty cleared the danger before the arrival of Damian Mc Aneaney. Castlefin were dealt a double blow in the final 15 minutes when firstly they lost the influential Dermot O Brien to injury, and then were reduced to ten men, after a defender picked up a second yellow card. Despite their numerical advantage, Bonagee couldn’t breach the Castlefin defence, superbly marshalled by Emmet White. Deep in stoppage time Bonagee almost fashioned an equaliser, after Conor Sweeney just failed to get on the end of Brian Crossan’s delightful cross. Best for Castlefin were Emmet White and Ronan Tourish and for Bonagee Shane Barclay and Conor Sweeney.
Referee; Mick Lagan
CT Ball Division Two
Whitestrand Utd 3 Arranmore Utd 2
Whitestrand started their season with a home win against Arranmore Utd. Arranmore twice took the lead in this game with the first coming from a cleverly taken free kick catching the Whitestrand defence flatfooted and well finished by Gerry McGlanaghy. Andrew Friel replied for the visitors with a tap in following an exquisite cross from the Whitestrand right full back. Arranmore took the lead again with a well taken goal from Gerry McGee who slotted home from an acute angle with the aid of a deflection off the right back. The Strand’s equalizer came from the ageless Paddy Martin with a fine strike from two yards out. After half time Whitestrand looked stronger and when Andrew Friel curled a shot goal ward which the referee adjudged to have been handled by the Arranmore sweeper, up stepped Packie McElwaine to slot the ball into the net from the penalty spot. Best for Whitestrand was Sean Paul Gallagher and Andrew Friel with the right full back also working tirelessly throughout. Stephen Early and Declan Proctor did well for the Islanders.
Glenree United 3 Kerrykeel 71Club 3
On a calm day in Glenree park Kerrykeel 71 were unfortunate not to come away with all three points. A strong Kerrykeel side caused all sorts of problems for Glenree at the back and were unfortunate not to add to a solitary goal in the first half from the impressive Niall Doherty. Glenree surprised Kerrykeel from the kick off to the second
half when they went up field to score against the run of play with Damien Coyle slotting home. Kerrykeel responded almost immediately when Michael Sweeney scored a fabulous goal from 25 yards. Ten minutes later Glenree scored an equaliser from Craig Speer with some good play down the left and they had the tenacity to go up field again and
Brendan Magee converted from close range from a Coyle cross to give the home side the lead. Alas Glenree couldn’t hold onto their lead when a flicked header from Sweeney exposed the Glenree defence and Doherty ran through to slot past Patrick McGroddy in the Glenree nets. Both sides continued to miss late chances but Kerrykeel will
think themselves unfortunate not to come away the winners. Best for Glenree – Damien Coyle and Marty McLaughlin. Best for Kerrykeel - Michael Sweeney and Niall Doherty. Referee Gerry Rodden.
Rathmullan Celtic 1 Raphoe Town 1
Played in perfect conditions at the flag pole field this was an entertaining opening game of the season. Rathmullan started well and on 15 minutes got their deserved lead. A nice passage of play ended with Rory o Keefe playing in Paddy Sheridan and he finished to the bottom corner. In the second half Raphoe came out the stronger and on 65 minutes got their reward when Reece Laird finished well after some nice play by Raphoe. In the end a draw was a fair result. Team effort by both teams.
Referee D O’ Donnell
P.S Rathmullan would like to wish Olivia and Phillip all the best on there round the world trip.
Cranford United 3 Curragh Athletic 2
Played in wet and blustery conditions Cranford started well with Brendan Giles and Tom Logue causing problems for the Curragh defence up front, but they found themselves a goal behind after a cracking 25 yard strike from
Agabron. Curragh were well on top after that and could have increased their lead only for a fantastic one handed save from Oisin Blaney in the Cranford net, which took a nasty deflection on the way. He also responded quickest to smother the rebound. Cranford finally began to find some form with Danny McBride and Charlie Gillespie trying to get a foot hold in the game in the middle of the park. They did get level just before the break when a Tom Logue shot found it’s way in with the aid of a hefty deflection.
The second half was very even with the Curragh midfield playing some impressive keep ball at times, though the Cranford back line, marshalled by Kieran and Michael Logue done well to limit their chances. Curragh did
retake the lead with 25 minutes to go when a cross field ball found its way to Renato in space and he did well to poke home. Cranford upped it again and got level with 15 minutes to go when a pinpoint Seamie Carr cross was headed home by Tom Logue. Cranford’s fitness began to tell late on and they looked the team most likely find a winner. The third goal did eventually come when another Seamie Carr corner was headed home this time by Brendan Giles. Good start to the season for Cranford picking up three home points while Curragh will feel unlucky to leave with nothing.
Best for Cranford were Oisin Blaney, Danny McBride and Tom Logue, with a good team effort from Curragh.
Lagan Harps 2
Milford Utd 4
Milford Utd won the Letterkenny area of the Brian Mc Cormick when they won an exciting match in Orchard Park. Kevin Kelly gave Lagan the lead on two minutes with a fine strike from the edge of the area.
Milford equalised on five minutes when Kieran Mc Ginley scored with a great volley from twenty five yards. Lagan regained the lead on twenty minutes when Brian Bradley linked up with Kevin Kelly before firing home from the edge of the area.
Milford equalised again on twenty five minutes when some good work from Sean Mc Hugh put Peter Doherty through. Tony Blake pulled off a superb save from his first effort but Peter followed up to score. Milford went close on forty minutes when Sean Mc Hugh headed just wide. Milford then took the lead on forty two minutes when after a corner was dummied at the near post Mark Flood scrambled the ball over the line.
The second half continued at the same frenetic pace with Mark Flood heading just over for Milford on sixty minutes. Chris Toner then broke through for Lagan but was stopped by a superb tackle from Nigel Black. Lagan pushed forward for the equaliser and were caught on the break on eighty five minutes. Sean Mc Hugh crossed for Christy Mc Cafferty to slide home at the back post.
Best for Lagan were Kevin Kelly and Chris Toner.
Best for Milford were Nigel Black and Sean Mc Hugh.
Referee was Packy Coll.
Eany Celtic 4
Donegal Town 1
Eany Celtic (pictured left) won the Brian McCormack Sports Area Final in a keenly contested game at Eany Park. This game was closer than the final score suggests with Eany pulling away in the final fifteen minutes.
Donegal Town hit the lead on five minutes with a fine header from Darren Kelly . Eany worked hard and played fine football in the slippery conditions and got their reward when Paul McGroarty found space in the box and stroked the ball home on twenty minutes.
Eany continued to press and went close on several occasions, with the Donegal keeper making some fine saves. McGroarty used all his experience on forty minutes and scored Eany’s second to leave the half time score 2-1 to the home side. The Town upped the pressure in the second half and found the Eany defence unforgiving. On the hour Seamie Cannon went close with a header but the golden boot winner from last season was not to be denied, when five minutes later he latched onto a through ball and got Eany’s third .
Cannon scored again in the last minute to make the score 4-1. George McMullin presented Eany captain Mark Ward the Area shield .
A team performance form Donegal Town with Keeper McCafferty in fine form. A solid team performance from Eany Celtic.
Ed Moore refereed.
Gweedore Celtic 0
Glenea United 0
Gweedore win 3-2 on penalties
Gweedore Celtic won the area final on penalties
It took penalties to decide this derby match at An Screaban. The heavy conditions didn’t help and very few clear-cut chances were created in either half. Glena had the first chance after ten minutes when Ryan Mc Fadden blasted one over the bar in front of goals. A good run by Paul Gillespie was well blocked by the Glena keeper John Mc Clafferty.
The home team had a chance midway through the second half but again Paul Gillespie hooked the ball over the bar. A mistake by the Gweedore defence allowed Dean Gallagher in but he poked the ball wide. Hugo Diver was the hero of the day, saving two penelties.
Best for Gweedore were Seamus Mc Ginty, Joe Boner and Hugo Diver.
For Glenea Ciaran Mc Fadden had a good game.
Referee: Gerry Whoriskey
Brian McCormick Cup Round 1 soccer reports
Glenea United 2 Cranford United 1
In dreadful conditions for football, Glenea got their defence of the McCormick underway with a win over Cranford. Glenea started brightly and almost took the lead on 2 mins, when Lee Ferry went close with a header. Glenea dominated possession in the first half but were unable to convert it into clear cut chances. Cranford were finding it hard going against the home defence which had U15 Irish international Joe Coll making his senior debut in goals. The 2nd half continued much as the fist with Glenea having the lion’s share of possession but unable to convert it until the 60th min, when Anthony McCafferty’s long through ball was misjudged by the away defence and Michael Barry was on hand to head home. Cranford tried to get back into the game but were still finding it tough against the home defence. Glenea extended their lead on 75 mins when Michael Barry got his second after the Cranford defence were unable to clear the ball properly and Barry fired home from 10 yards. Cranford pulled a goal back on 85 mins when Shane Coyle headed home a corner, but Glenea held on for victory. Best for Glenea were Lee Ferry, Anthony McCafferty & Eugene Maguire, while it was a team performance for Cranford.Gerry Gallagher was the ref.
Dunlewey Celtic 2 Gweedore United 1
The new season kick off with a very wet day at Pobail Scoil Gweedore where newly promoted Dunlewey entertained a quick flowing Gweedore United. As ever this local derby was keenly contested as both teams were looking to get their campaign of to a good start and it was Gweedore who started brightly with Sean O Donnell and Brian Gallagher controlling the centre of the pitch, but were well matched with Eamon Cannon and Sean Sweeney doing the same for Dulewey. The first major chance came from a Daniel Cannon cross which landed at the feet of Sean McCafferty only to shoot with, at the other end Kieran McFadden was unlucky not to find the back off the net after latching onto a Padraig Doyle pass only to be stopped by a last ditched tackled from John Cannon.
The second half opened up more as the rain had eased off all the players began to expresses themselves more freely and it wasn’t long till the break through, when Paul McCool executed a defence breaking tackled which Kieran McFadden captilized to score. This woke the home side as they began to find their feet again and got on level terms through Daniel Cannon. The home team continued this pressure and miss a number of good chances only to be denied by some outstanding saves from Liam McFadden in the Gweedore nets, but he was unable to stop a bullet-proof headed from Tommy Rodgers which gave Dulewey the lead, but it wasn’t all plain sailing after that as Gweedore never gave up with Owen Doohan and Sean Boyle coming close but the new partnership of John Cannon and Martin McCafferty held strong till the end. Best For Dunlewey Eamon Cannon. Best for Gweedore Sean Boyle. Referee Victor Rainey.
Kerrykeel 71 1 Lagan Harps 2
Kerrykeel 71 F.C. started the new season at Rabs Park, Kerrykeel in terrible weather conditions. The home team started the better with Colin Talbot and Niall Doherty winning the aerial battles. Kerrykeels first chance came on ten minutes with a low drive by Tommy Mc Bride just edging past the post from twenty yards. On the fifteenth minute Lagan Harps had a fine chance, however Chris Toners shot was tipped over the bar by the Kerrykeel goalie Shane “Dandy” Sandilands. Kerrykeel took the lead on the thirty-fifth minute when Kevin Loughrey managed to beat the Lagan keeper after good work from Johnny Friel.
The home side should have doubled their advantage on the sixtieth minute when Niall Doherty beat the off-side trap but the Lagan keeper stood firm to make a fine save. Lagan levelled on the sixty-fifth minute when Chris Toner was fouled in the box and Kevin Kelly scored the spot kick. The visitors went in front on the seventy-fifth minute when John Gallagher was played through by Chris Toner and his shot went straight into the bottom corner. Kerrykeel never stopped trying, to their credit but found it difficult to break down a very good Lagan defence. Best for Kerrykeel were Shane Sandilands, Colin Talbot and Tommy Mc Bride. Best for Lagan Harps was Gabriel Crawford. Referee – Paddy Melaugh
Bonagee United 3 Rathmullan Celtic 1
Bonagee played host to Rathmullan, and the season curtain raiser in the first round of the Brian Mc Cormick sports cup. Bonagee started much the brighter, and deservedly went ahead in the 9th minute, when clever link up play involving debutant Shane Barclay and mark Hunter, resulted in the latter despatching a 25 yard shot to the Rathmullan net. Five minutes later Bonagee further increased their lead, when the industrious Shane Kelly picked out Mark Hunter and he cooly slooted home. Bonagee then made it 3-0, when the hard working Shane Barclay, after been released by Glenn Gallagher, was up-ended in the box, and Mark Hunter calmly stroked the resultant penalty past Rathmullan keeper Boyce for his hat-trick. Bonagee were rampant at this stage, and had further chances to increase their lead though Hunter, Barclay and Brian Crossan. Rathmullan were giving a lifeline, in the 35th minute, when a Bonagee player was penalised for hand ball in the box, and Niall Doherty tucked his penalty inside Phillip O Donnells right hand post.
Rathmullan manager Mark Currans half time team talk certainly worked wonders, as they returned for the second half energised, with Chippy Barrett and Niall Doherty to the fore in most of their promising moves. Indeed a bit of more composure in front of goals would have saw them reduce the deficit. Rory O Keefe was also unlucky when after a fine solo run, his clever chip, just went the wrong side of the post. The Bonagee rear-guard held out for a 3-1 win, and an area semi final appearance against Lagan Harps. Best for Rathmullan were Shaun Barrett and Niall Doherty, while Shane Kelly and Phillip O Donnell were outstanding for Bonagee. Referee; Paddy Martin.
Whitestrand United 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic 4
On a miserable and wet day at Whitestrand, the weakened home side, who were missing a few first team players were beaten by last year’s Premier Division champions. Sean Sandilands side went in at half time two nil up with a goal from Seamie McLaughlin and a rocket free kick from Rab Sandilands. Goals from Timmy Burke and ‘Mouse’ in the second half killed off the home side who battled hard throughout despite the lack of substitutes available. Whitestrand were well served by Paddy Martin and James Gallagher while stand in goalkeeper Jerry Roulston made a case for a full time position in goals. Kilmacrennan played well and only for a few dubious decisions by the Whitestrand pro, the result would have been much closer.
Ballybofey United 4 Raphoe Town 4 (Ballybofey won 4/1 on pens)
A very enternaining game was played in very poor conditions.
Ballybofey had chances early on in the game falling to Conor Doherty and Ryan Carlin however the Raphoe keeper Held out. Ballybofey took the lead from a corner put away by Stephen O’ Reilly. Raphoe came more into the game and got the equalizer through Gerard Mc Monagle after a good break from midfield in the opening minutes of the 2nd half. Raphoe were on top for the next ten minutes and Paddy Gallagher took advantage and scored Raphoes second. With time running out James Lynch broke through and got the equalizer for Ballybofey which forced the game to extra time. Within two minutes of extra time, Ryan Carlin broke through and was taken down for a penalty which was taken by Conor Doherty which put Ballybofey in the lead. In the 2nd half Raphoe never gave up and kept trying which paid off with a goal from Colin Laird. In the dieing seconds Raphoe came back with an equalizer scored by Emmet Kelly forcing the game to penalties, which Ballybofey win 4-1.
The game was refereed by Paddy Duffy.
Donegal Town 1 Copany Rovers 0
(After extra time)
This opening match of the season in the Sportsmans Cup was a competitive affair. Both teams were hard to separate with Donegal having the better of the goal chances in the first half. On 10 minutes Stevie Cornin had a great chance but headed over from inside the box. Copany came back strong and on the half hour forced a fine save from the Donegal keeper Mc Cafferty.
The second half started with Copany coming close on 5 minutes when a stray pass in midfield let in the Copany attacker but his effort blazed wide at the far post. Donegal responded well and had several good chances but failed to convert with Copany keeper Gary Ward pulling off a fine save from an effort from Terry Doherty. Both sides tried hard in bad weather conditions but failed to score and the game was forced into extra time.
The first period of extra time was more of the same with both teams failing to find the net. Copany started the better and had two good chances to go ahead in the second period but Donegal broke the deadlock with a goal from Conor Mc Daid when he lobbed the keeper from close range with 5 minutes remaining.
Best for Donegal T Doherty and Paddy Ward and Alan Mc Girr and Gary Ward were best for Copany . Referee S Mc Groary.
Curragh Athletic 2 Cappry Rovers 2 (AET)
(Cappry won 4-3 on penalties)
An equalising goal deep into injury time by Darren O Leary sent this tie into extra-time and penalties and also sent Curragh out of the Sportsman Cup. In an exciting game, it was the home team who started the brighter and deservedly went ahead on twenty two minutes when Sandros rose brilliantly at the back post to power a header to the back of the net. Jason Sweeney then almost doubled the lead on thirty four minutes, but his angled low shot was well saved by the Cappry keeper. Cappry came more into the game and O Brien in the home nets had to be alert on two occasions before the break. However, the second half was only four minutes old when Damian Glackin found the net after showing good control. Curragh again took control and both Bradley and Sweeney almost gave Curragh the lead. Curragh, however did take the lead again then on eighty eight minutes when Jason Sweeney got his head to a Michael O Brien free kick. But that late equaliser sent the game into extra time and penalties where Damian Glackin scored the all important penalty.
Referee: Joe Mc Hugh.
One of Ireland's finest artists in the North West