Tag Archive for Ramelton Mariners

Donegal Junior league soccer reports from the weekend

November 29, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reports

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

Donegal soccer: Donegal Junior league reports

November 22, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reports

Addidas Donegal Junior League

Saturday November 21st

 

Downtown League Cup

Group One

 

Glencar Celtic 3 Ramelton Mariners 1

 

In a game played in terrible conditions both teams struggled to play any decent football.  Glencar settled quickest to put Mariners under pressure for most of the first half.  Glencar took the lead through Hilley with a 35th minute header. A rare mistake by Raymond Mc Feely allowed Brannigan to score the equaliser for Mariners on the 70th minute.  Glencar upped the pace and were rewarded when Paddy Rafferty scored a header on the 85th minute.  On the 89th minute Eugene Sullivan secured all three points for Glencar.

Best for Glencar Eugene Sullivan and Raymond Mc Feely.

Best for Mariners was a young Chuck Mc Taggart.

 

Tullyvinney Rovers 1 Fintown Harps 6 

Played on Saturday at Raphoe tech grounds it was Fintown who started the strongest they took the lead when Darragh Gallagher scored with a header on ten minutes. The same player scored on twenty minutes. Kevin Gilliespe pulled a goal back after good work by Kevin Melaugh and Cathal  Mc Gowan but that was the closest they got to Fintown. A Walsh then made it three one on the stroke of half time with a great shot from the edge of the box. Fintown ran riot in the second half scoring a further three goals. John Broc made it four one with a tap in at the back post. A Walsh scored from twenty yards leaving Gerard Devine with no chance and in the last minute John Broc scored after good work by Darragh Gallagher. Tullyvinney will be very disappointed with their performance. Best for Tullyvinney Kevin Gilliespe and Kevin Melaugh. Best for Fintown Darragh Gallagher and A Walsh.

Referee James Malseed.

 

 

Sunday November 22nd

 

Ulster Junior Cup

 

Lifford Celtic 3 Gweedore United 3

Gweedore United won 2 – 1 on pens

 

In the Ulster Cup on Sunday a magnificent second half fight back by Gweedore ensured a penalty shoot out and when the dust settled it was the men from the west of the county that progress to the next round of the cup. The game was played in atrocious conditions ensuring chances in the first half were at a premium. Lifford took the lead on 19 minutes when a Kevin Mc Brearty cross was converted by Darren Kelly. Frank Mc Gee almost equalised moments later but his shot was turned over by Paul Given. The home side went further in front when James Connolly drilled a shot home from just inside the box. Lifford started the second half the brighter side as well, Darren Kelly almost grabbed his second when he headed just over from a Damian Patton cross. Kelly did get on the score sheet again shortly after when he beat the keeper from close range. A litany of missed chances followed for the home side, Kelly, James Connolly and Mark Carlin all went close to putting
 the game beyond doubt but Gweedore got back into the game when the ball was handled in the box and Frank Mc Gee dispatched the spot kick. Brian Gallagher pulled another one back moments later when he finished well after Lifford failed to clear a cross from the left. The visitors tails were up now and they got the equaliser on the stroke of full time when Shane O’Donnell stabbed home from close range. Penalties followed and it was Gweedore who held their nerve to ensure their names went into the hat for the next round. Ref. Mick lagan

 

Ct Ball Division Two

 

Letterbarrow Celtic 3            Kerrykeel  6

Kerrykeel won the coin toss and forced Letterbarrow to play into a gale force wind in the first half. In the conditions, Letterbarrow struggled to get the ball out of their own half and Kerrykeel capitalised with a goal after five minutes when John Friel slotted home from a cross from the left. Five minutes later, Niall Doherty made it two nil to the visitors with a fine strike from inside the box. The conditions played havoc for the third goal when a Letterbarrow goal kick got blown back in the gale and Kerrykeel tapped in. Niall Doherty added two more goals before the break to give the visitors a five nil half time lead. Letterbarrow did recover in the second half and pulled a goal back on fifty minutes when Owen Gallagher beat four players before chipping the keeper. Diarmuid McInerney and Des Mc Groarty scored two more for Letterbarrow on sixty minutes and sixty five minutes. However, Kerrykeel made the points safe on eighty minutes when they scored a sixth on the break.

Niall Doherty was best for Kerrykeel with a good second half team effort by Letterbarrow.

Donegal soccer league reports

November 8, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reports

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.

Donegal league warning on club insurance

October 19, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reminder
The following clubs had not submitted proof of public liability and personal accident insurance as of October 15th. They are reminded that failure to supply insurance details before October 23rd will lead to suspension from the league.

The clubs concerned are Arranmore Utd, Ballybofey Utd, Cranford Utd, Downtown Utd, Drumoghill FC, Drumbar FC, Eany Celtic, Glenree Utd, Gweedore Utd, Letterbarrow Celtic, Milford Utd, Ramelton Mariners and Whitestrand Utd. Photocopies of current policies are sufficient.

Donegal Junior Soccer – Full league tables

October 5, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league tables updated

League table for Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Premier League

 

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

Pts
Dunkineely Celtic

5

3

0

2

12

4

8

11
Gweedore Celtic

4

2

1

1

7

4

3

7
Lifford Celtic

4

2

1

1

5

4

1

7
Kilmacrennan Celtic

4

1

0

3

10

8

2

6
Dunlewey Celtic

4

1

1

2

7

8

-1

5
Glenea United

4

1

2

1

4

3

1

4
Drumoghill

4

1

2

1

7

8

-1

4
Eany Celtic

5

1

3

1

4

13

-9

4
Gweedore United

3

1

2

0

5

7

-2

3
Milford United

3

1

2

0

4

6

-2

3

 

League table for Milford Inn Hotel Division One

 

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

Pts
Ballybofey United

4

3

1

0

10

4

6

9
Lagan Harps

3

3

0

0

10

5

5

9
Deele Harps

3

2

0

1

7

1

6

7
St. Catherines

4

2

1

1

5

6

-1

7
Donegal Town

3

2

1

0

11

3

8

6
Drumbar United

4

1

2

1

5

6

-1

4
Keadue Rovers

4

1

2

1

7

9

-2

4
Cappry Rovers

3

1

1

1

6

8

-2

4
Castlefin Celtic

4

1

2

1

2

4

-2

4
Copany Rovers

4

0

2

2

1

8

-7

2
Bonagee United

4

0

4

0

0

10

-10

0

 

League table for CT Ball Division Two

 

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

Pts
Rathmullan Celtic

4

2

0

2

8

5

3

8
Letterbarrow Celtic

4

2

1

1

12

11

1

7
Cranford United

3

2

1

0

6

6

0

6
Kerrykeel 71 Club

4

1

1

2

10

9

1

5
Raphoe Town

4

1

1

2

9

9

0

5
Glenree United

4

1

2

1

11

11

0

4
Curragh Athletic

4

1

2

1

10

10

0

4
Whitestrand United

4

1

2

1

7

11

-4

4
Arranmore United

3

1

2

0

6

7

-1

3

 

League table for Willie Duffy Division One

 

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

Pts
Gweedore United

4

2

1

1

8

8

0

7
Gweedore Celtic

4

2

1

1

7

7

0

7
Glencar Celtic

4

2

2

0

10

8

2

6
Kilmacrennan Celtic

3

1

1

1

5

5

0

4
Fintown Harps

2

1

1

0

4

3

1

3
Dunfanaghy Town

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3
Milford United Reserves

3

0

2

1

2

5

-3

1

 

League table for Glencar Inn Division Two

 

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

Pts
Ramelton Mariners

4

4

0

0

10

2

8

12
Downtown United

3

3

0

0

11

5

6

9
Castlefin Celtic

4

2

1

1

9

6

3

7
Donegal Town Reserves

4

2

2

0

10

10

0

6
Cranford United Reserves

4

1

2

1

8

10

-2

4
Tullyvinney Rovers

4

1

3

0

6

10

-4

3
Drumbar United

3

1

2

0

5

10

-5

3
Glenree United

4

0

4

0

5

11

-6

0

Donegal Junior league reports

October 4, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reports

Addidas Donegal Junior Football League

Saturday 3rd October 2009

Willy Duffy Division One

Gweedore United 0-2 Fintown Harps
 
Gweedore United suffered their first defeat of the season at home to Fintown Harps.In the 5th minute of the half Owen Ward came close for United as his shot went wide at the near post. It was a fairly scrappy encounter as the windy conditions didn’t help both teams to play football. In the second half Keith Ferry came close to putting the home side in front but the post came to the rescue for Harps. Fintown Harps took the lead in the 58th minute when Shaun mc Millan poked home from close range to give Harps the lead. Fintown continued to put pressure on the United defence and went two up on 83 minutes when Stephen Boyle took on the home defence and drilled home from 15 yards. On 85 minutes United got a penalty when Ward was taken down in the box, but Patrick “pudgy” Mc Gee missed the resulting spot kick with the keeper making a good save. Fintown Harps went home happy with all 3 points in the bag.
 
Best for Gweedore Patrick Mc Gee and Micheal J Mc Geever
and a very good team performance from Fintown Harps.
 
Referee: James Malseed

Glencar Celtic 4 Gweedore Celtic 2Glencar opened well with some good football leading to the first goal by Hilley with a shot inside the penalty box which was fumbled by the Gweedore goal keeper. This was a good open game of football from both sides. On the 30th minute Hilley got a second goal from the penalty spot. 10 minutes later Glencar were three up when Jerome Burke controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty box and scored with a low drive. The second half started with Glencar enjoying the bulk of play and from a 60th. minute corner Ruairi Kelly scored Glencars fourth goal in a goal mouth scramble. Things livened up on the 80th. minute when Gweedore beat the off side trap and Cathal Boyle scored.  On the 89th. minute Mc Garvey scored Gweedores second which was badly defended by Glencar.  But it proved too little too late after a spirited Gweedore performace who happened to meet a Glencar team on top form.

A team performance from both teams.

 

Kilmacrennan  Celtic 1 Dunfanaghy Town  2
 
Not much on show here for the spectators but an entertaining final ten minutes left both sets of supporters satisfied.
Dunfanaghy showed their intent early on when they punished slack defending with James McMullen given time and space in the box with twelve minutes played. The young striker made no mistake from ten yards and his cool strike found the back of the net to set the tone for the rest of the game. Dunfanaghy were first to every ball and dominated in midfield from start to finish. Kilmacrennan did have good spells in the first half but just couldn’t find that final ball. Their cause wasn’t helped when injury cut short Paul McLaughlin’s day in the midfield. McLaughlin was replaced by Daniel Conaghan, much to the annoyance of Barry “the ram” Nelis, who had to wait a further hour until he made his first start to the new season after a lengthy spell out of the squad after some poor performances towards the end of last season.
The second half started brightly with the home side trying desperately for an equaliser. Dunfanaghy weathered the storm and started to dominate once more. They went two up on the hour mark through Daniel McLaughlin. McLaughlin showed his dead ball abilities, curling the ball around the Kilmac wall and into the corner of the net from twenty yards. The game lost its spark for twenty minutes until Adrian Doherty was forced to make another change in personnel. Barry Nelis slotted into right back and Darren McGinely pushed forward to the wing. The change worked wonders and McGinley scored a peach from twenty yards with a first time volley with seven minutes remaining giving some hope to the large home crowd in need of some entertainment. Kilmac threw everything at the Dunfanaghy defence. McGinley was hauled down in the box deep into injury time, however, the referee somehow judged the foul to be outside the box even though McGinley was running out of the box at the time. The resulting free kick failed to hit the target and with it, the loss of any hope of picking up a point for the home side.
Best for Kilmac was manager Adrian Doherty who had his hands full all day retrieving the ball from the  Lurgy river close by on numerous occasions and twice falling into the cold river. James McMullan and Daniel McLaughlin best for Dunfanaghy

 

 

 

Glencar Inn Division Two

Ramelton Mariners  2  Tullyvinney Rovers  1

The Mariners started the stronger in this game played in Kerrykeel but were unable to break the deadlock from the chances they created, Tullyvinney came back into the game as the first half wore on but neither side was able to convert their pressure into goals and the first half ended scoreless.
After the break most of the pressure came from the home side as they tried to get the all important first goal and it arrive late in the half after good work by John Whoriskey and Redmond Doherty the ball was headed to the net from close range by Peter Brannigan. The Mariners kept up the pressure and doubled their lead soon afterwards when a corner from Damien Buchanan was finished to the net by John Whoriskey. Tullyvinney kept trying and were awarded a penalty in the last couple of minutes to make the score two one but the home side held out for all three points.

Team effort from both sides

Ref – M McGarrigle

Downtown Utd 5 Donegal Town 2

In windy conditions Downtown United came out on top on their first home game of the season against a strong Donegal Town side.  Downtown opened the scoring on the tenth minute when Sebestian Martins out paced the Donegal Town defence to a through ball to toe poke past the advancing keeper.  Donegal Town created numerous chances after this but it was Downtown United that scored again on the twenty eight minute when Marcus Oliver back heeled the ball home from six yards out.  Downtown United then extended their lead further on the thirty minute when Sebestian Martins got his second goal of the game when he drove the ball to the roof of the net from six yards out following a corner that Donegal Town failed to clear.  Donegal Town kept battling with the wind at their back and got their opener on the thirty fifth minute when Ciaran Reilly drove a unstoppable shoot to the back of the net form thirty five yards.The second half was a tight affair with both teams creating chances but it was Donegal Town got their second on the fifty third minute when Alan Kelly headed home from a free kick taken from the right side.  Donegal Town kept pressing looking for the equaliser but were caught on the break on the eighty minute when Marcus Oliver latched onto a through ball Eddie Moore and slotted into the bottom corner passed the keeper.  On the eighty second minute Marcus Oliver of Downtown United completed his hat trick when he out paced the Donegal Town defence and drove the ball to the back of the net to complete a good day for Downtown United.Best for Downtown United were Marcus Oliver and Liam Ferry

Best for Donegal Town was Ciaran Reilly.

Ref: Charlie Crerand

 

Drumbar Utd 1 Castlefin 4

A good win for Castlefinn at Drumbar in fine but blustery conditions.  Castlefinn opened the scoring with a good solo run down the right wing and fine finish from James McMennamin in the first 10 minutes.  Enda Brogan was then sent of for the home team after a late tackle.  Castlefinn made the most of their advantage to finish the first half three one ahead.  Drumbar battled well in the second half to restrict the visitors to one goal and the game finished with a well deserved four one away victory for Castlefinn.
Scorers for Castlefinn: James McMennamin, Dan O’Brien, David Stewart, Aidan Cassidy (og)
Scorers for Drumbar: John McElwaine 

 

Cranford Utd Res  2  Glenree Utd  1Cranford started brightly and were unlucky not to go ahead when Ian McElhinney hit the post with a long range free kick. Glenree’s best chances in the first half fell to Micky Boyce who had a few long range free kicks. Cranford then put the pressure on after halftime and deservedly went ahead when Karl McElhinney put Keith Buchannan through and Keith finished well from inside the box. Glenree then equalized with 15 minutes to go when Owen Mclaughlin scored from inside the box. Then with a couple minutes to go Cranford got the winner when Kevin Fisher scored with a good finish after sustained pressure from Cranford. Team effort for Glenree. Keith Buchanan, Peter Gildea and Paddy Shiels best for Cranford

 

Sunday 4th October

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

 

Dunkineely Celtic 1 Glenea United 0

A single goal scored eight minutes from full time was the difference between two well matched teams at Darney Park on Sunday. Both teams worked very hard throughout the game without causing either goalkeeper many problems. The opening half was dominated possession wise by Glenea with the impressive Paul Doohan dictating matters. Despite having the bulk of possession Glenea failed to break down the home defence. Their best efforts were from set plays with several chances being headed wide. Paul Doohan had a fine strike from twenty yards well saved by the keeper. Dunkineely were finding it difficult to beat the Glenea offside trap and were limited to a few chances during the opening forty five.

 

The second half saw Dunkineely have more possession and create more chances, again without seriously challenging the visiting keeper. A well worked free by Glenea saw Kevin Doohan fire just wide on the hour mark. Dunkineely also had a good chance from a set play when Christopher Sweeney tipped Pual Murrin’s effort over the bar. The only goal came on eighty two minutes when Andrew Mackey beat the offside trap and forced an error from the full back before sliding the ball past the keeper from six yards. Despite sustained pressure from Glenea in the closing minutes Dunkineely held firm to take three valuable points.

Best for Dunkineely were Declan Murrin and Rory Boyle while Paul Doohan and Paul Sweeney were best for Glenea.

Referee Victor Rainey

 

Gweedore Celtic  1   Lifford Celtic 0

This was very much a game of two halves with Gweedore having the upper hand in the first half with Lifford on top in the second half. The home side took the lead on ten minutes .A quick free kick by Paul Rua Mc Bride and Thomas Diver got in front of the keeper to head it into net. Gweedore should have been further ahead but Donal Coll and Thomas Diver missed two clear chances. The Lifford team used the offside trap to perfection and the home team were continuously being pulled up…

The second half was only a minute old when a Lifford corner was just headed wide off the post. Michael Mc Kelvey got his hand to another goal bound shot to tip it over the bar. On fifty minutes a break by Donal Coll  released Corny Gallagher and with only the keeper to beat  he pulled his shot wide. Lifford continued the pressure with high balls down the centre but the Gweedore defence dealt capably with all of them. Thomas Diver had another good chance on eighty minutes, after breaking the offside trap only for Lee White in the Lifford goals to make a fine save. Gweedore were glad to hear the final whistle.

Best for Gweedore :Thomas Diver,Michael Curran.

A team performance by Lifford

Referee :P addy Melaugh.

 Gweedore United 3    Eany Celtic    1
 
In this first home league game of the season Gweedore United collected all three points. The home side went at Eany from the word go and in the 3rd minute Johnathan Harkin started a good move up the left wing passing to Ciaran Mc Fadden who put Owen Ward through but Ward drove just wide. Two minutes later United went one up with another good move up the left side but this time Padraig Mc Fadden put Fionnan Diver through and he drove the ball into the bottom left corner of the Eany net. The home side continued to dominate with good chances from Owen Ward and Ciaran Mc Fadden. On 27 minutes the home side went two up when Fionnan Divers well struck free kick from 40 yards took a slight deflection off a defender and went in to the bottom right hand corner of the visitors net.
The second half saw Eany come more into the game with some half chances from Bary Rose and Seamie Cannon however the United defence stood firm. The home side played good football and on 54 minutes Fionnan Diver completed his hat trick when a good ball from Owen Ward put him through one on one with the Eany keeper with Diver making no mistake to make it three nil. The home side began to sit back and on 63 minutes Eany got their consolation goal when Seamie Cannon drove past Liam Mc Fadden from close range. Mc Fadden in the United goal produced two excellent saves near the end ensuring all three points for Sean Ferry’s men.
An excellent team performance from Gweedore with Fionnan Diver outstanding while Seamie Cannon and Barry Rose played well for Eany Celtic.
 
Referee: Joe Mc Hugh

Kilmacrennan Celtic 4  Milford United  2

 

This game had all the characteristics of a local derby, with Kilmac coming away with three points against a very hard working Milford United team.

It was Kilmac who started the best and were two goals ahead after fifteen minutes.  Philip Buchannon scored from the spot kick after Seamus McLaughlin was taken down by Milford’s Enda McHugh with eight minutes played. Kilmac soon found themselves two ahead five minutes later when Michael McLauhlin found Buchannon again and the big striker slotted into an empty net. To their credit, Milford came straight back at Kilmac and asked some serious questions of their defence. The influential Peter Doherty pulled one back for Milford with a classy volley from twelve yards after some scrappy play. Milford found themselves right back into the game again when David Curley headed in from a corner with 30 minutes played. The game continued at a frantic pace and on the final minute of the half, Gary Gorman put Kilmac back into the lead. Gorman rose highest from a well delivered Aidan Friel corner, giving the home side a precious lead going into the second half.

The high tempo continued in the second half with Milford throwing everything at the Kilmac defence. The game was stretched and a long ball from Liam McBride wasn’t dealt with by the Milford defence. The ball fell kindly to Michael McLaughlin who slid Eddie Doherty in to score from ten yards with sixty minutes played. Milford continued to press but couldn’t pull another goal. Kilmac wasted a host of chances in the final fifteen minutes but will be happy with their first win of the league campaign.

Best for Kilmac were Ruairi McGlinchey and Gavin Gorman with a team effort coming from Milford.

Referee P. Coll

 

 

Dunlewey Celtic 4  Drumoghill Celtic 3

 

As the Lisbon Treaty was done and dust for a second time Dunlewey entertained Drumoghill at Pairc Lunniagh on a wonderful sunny day with a game to match. The visitors settled very quickly and were unlucky not to get a dream start when Liam O Donnell latched onto a through ball only to strike wide. The game was keenly contested throughout the field with very little leeway for any man it was Daniel Cannon who brought style to the first half by getting a hat-trick. His first came from determination down the right wing beating  two players before cutting inside to score.  His second was a touch of class, Christy Cannon obtained the ball inside his own half released a cross field ball to Daniel who controlled it on the chest brought it down coolly before unleashing a rocket into the top corner of the net. His third one came just before half time, the home team broke quickly after a Drumoghill corner Eamon Cannon released a wonderful ball into the path of Daniel who made no mistake in finishing. Job done? no as Drumoghill came out all guns blazing in the second half with Chris O’ Donnell starting the comeback when he was left unmarked at the back to score. The visitors continued to pressure as the home team lost their shape slightly and changes were made to the team with John Cannon getting injured. The game was up for grabs when the visitors got goal number two Shaun Mc Daid finished neatly in the box. Now it was game on but the rattled home side composed themselves and settled and got their two goal advantage again. Daniel Coll whipped in a cross from the left which was headed out to  Christy Cannon who lofted a looping shoot over the keeper to score, a relief to the Dunlewey supporters. It wasn’t over yet as John O Cannian hit the post, before Liam O Donnell pulled another one back when the home team failed to clear their lines and Liam stepped in to score but it wasn’t enough as the final whistle blew. Team performances by both teams in what was an entertaining game all round with Dunlewey recording their first premier league win.

 

Milford Inn Division One

Keadue Rovers 1 Drumbar Utd 2

Drumbar Utd came away from Central Park with all three points after a dogged display. Played in ideal conditions Drumbar were a little sharper in the opening exchanges and went ahead after ten minutes when John McLoone made a run down the left and won his duel with Keadue’s Paul McGonagle and finished well to the roof of the net. The home side got to grips after fifteen minutes, Colin McCarron showing well in midfield and it was his well won ball which was fed through to Paul Boyle on twenty minutes who poked the ball past the advancing Drumbar keeper to level matters. The game became a little scrappy after that and it was all square at half time.

In the first few minutes of the second half Drumbar went ahead again, when after a free kick, Keadue keeper James O’Donnell grabbed the ball but appeared to be fouled in dropping the ball and Fergal Browne was on hand to drive the ball home from close range. Keadue dominated possession for the remainder of the match. On fifty three minutes Drumbar had a good chance on the break, with a chance just going wide, while a minute leader Keadue’s Adrian Hanlon was close from long range. Drumbar were defending resolutely while Keadue, despite having the lions share of possession, were disappointing on the final ball. Among the home sides good chances created were Paul Boyles effort on the turn on sixty seven minutes and James Boyles hooked effort on eighty five minutes was cleared off the line by a Drumbar defender. Drumbar will be pleased with a fighting display while Keadue will be disappointed not to have at least got a point from the game with the majority of possession.

Best for Keadue were Colin McCarron and Damian Hanlon while Shane Browne and Graham Herron played well for Drumbar.

Referee: Ed Moore.
 Lagan Harps 3 Bonagee Utd 0
Lagan started of brightly and on 5 minutes a great ball slipped through to Stephen O Donnell by Kevin Kelly was dispatched clinically to the back of the net by O Donnell as he beat the advancing Bonagee keeper. Bonagee pressed but rarely threatened the Lagan goal with a defence well marshalled by Ronan Lennon. On 15 minutes Lagan were denied a certain penalty as Chris Toner was brought down but to the amazement of the home support referee Paddy Duffy played on. Lagan were pressing hard to get the second and on 35 minutes were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal. O’Donnell set the ball down and drove the ball through the Bonagee wall and it flew past the Bonagee goalkeeper for Lagan’s second. Kevin Kelly saw a good effort well saved by Roy Duffy in the Boanagee goal. Lagan went in at half time the better side and deservedly held a two goal lead.
  
From the kick off Lagan sprinted out from the blocks and O’Donnell, Toner & Kelly all went close. Bonagee made three substitutions to try and get back in the game but never really threatened Mc Fadden in the Lagan goal after he replaced Blake who went off injured. Stephen O Donnell wrapped up his hattrick on 60 minutes after a great move starting with Mc Fadden in the goal, who threw to Kelly on the right wing he fed O’Donnell who beat two men inside out and found the back of the net with a great shot from an acute angle. Bonagee threatened without Mc Fadden having any saves to make. Shane & Oisin Kelly after been introduced for Bonagee livened things up with their pace but the game drifted away from Bonagee.
 
Stephen O Donnell on his home debut was outstanding for the home side ably assisted by Ronan Lennon at the heart of the Lagan defence.
Team effort by Bonagee
 
Referee Paddy Duffy.
 
 Donegal Town FC 2  St. Catherine’s 3

  

Donegal Town FC played a home game on the Hospital Field against St. Catherine’s FC, Killybegs.  A very tight and exciting game, with both teams providing great scoring chances and goals.  It was Donegal Town FC who opened the scoring on fifteen minutes of the first half by Jamie McCrea. The Town held onto their lead until have time, both teams have several great chances.  St. Catherine’s put on the pressure and there was an equalising goal from Gerry McCabe fifteen minutes into the second half.  Ten minutes later it was Killybegs man, Conal Molloy, who had the ball in the back of the net. A few minutes from the full time whistle Killybegs third goal came from Gavin Boyle, and just immediately, the Town got one back with another goal from Jamie McCrea.  Great Team performances from both St. Catherine’s and Donegal Town FC.

Referee: Gerry Gallagher

Castlefin Celtic 0 Ballybofey Utd 1

Ballybofey came away with a one nil away victory over Castlefin in Parkview on Sunday. Castlefin started the brighter but couldn’t create any goal chances because of a stubborn visiting defence. Castlefin were reduced to long range efforts from Ronan Tourish and Mark Lafferty which were saved by Chris Patton in the Ballybofey goals. In the second half Castlefin started the brighter again with Troy McCormick going close with a header which went narrowly wide. Ballybofey were dangerous on the counter attack and in the seventieth minute Maurice Lafferty shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Anthony Sweeney but Ciaran Matthewson followed up the rebound and finished well. Castlefin pressed forward for an equalizer but couldn’t find a way through.

Best for Castlefin : Mark Lafferty and Emmet White

Team effort from Ballybofey

Ref :Seamus Mc Croary

Copany Rovers 0 Deele Harps 2

Deele started this encounter much the brighter and created numerous chances in the first half, but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping left the match scoreless after the opening 45 minutes.

Deele started where they left off in the second period, and hit the crossbar at the start of the second half, before scoring direct from a corner through Shane Gallagher on 50 minutes. Copany eventually rallied after this, and despite playing some good football, couldn’t break the deadlock, with Darren Kilpatrick spurning a glorious opportunity two minutes from the end.

Deele grabbed a second on the stroke of full time, when Shane Gallagher netted his second, slotting into the corner of the net following a defensive error.

Shane Gallagher was best for Deele, with Aaron Scott best for Copany.

Copany Rovers would like to thank todays match sponsors, Green Valley Foods.

 

Referee: D. O’Donnell

 

 

 

CT Ball Division Two

Curragh Athletic FC  5          Glenree Utd.   3

Curragh playing their first home league match of the season produced a decent display to record a good home victory over North Donegal side Glenree. It took only three minutes for the home side to open their account when Jason Sweeney drilled home a penalty awarded for a foul on himself. But Glenree responded quickly and were on level terms on ten minutes when Daniel Mc Groddy headed home a corner. The home team went in front again on eighteen minutes when Renato headed home from just inside the eighteen. But again the home defence were caught napping from a corner and Mc Groddy again found the net. However, right from the centre, Aquabson Viana made it three two when he finished neatly at the near post. Curragh increased their lead on the stroke of half time when Renato again found the net. The second half saw fewer chances but Curragh did increase their lead on sixty one minutes when Jason Sweeney scored his second only for Glenree to pull back a deflected goal on seventy two minutes through Marty Mc Laughlin. Best for Curragh were Brendan Boyle, Gerard Melaugh and Shane O Brien with Mc Laughlin and Mc Groddy best for Glenree.

Referee: Liam Farren.

 

Kerrykeel 71 Club    2  Rathmullan Celtic 3
 
The sun was shinning in Kerrykeel for this local derby which in fact was Kerrykeel’s fourth on the bounce.  The home side started the better with both Sean Callaghan and Johnny Friel going close with two efforts from the edge of the box.  Rathmullan, however, took the lead on the fifteenth minute when Niall Doherty broke down the right and finished well into the bottom corner.  Kerrykeel equalised on the thirty-third minute when a Shaun Friel free kick took a deflection of the Rathmullan wall sending the keeper the wrong way giving him no chance as the ball ended up in the bottom corner.  Rathmullan went in front on the forty-third minute when Kevin Mc Carry was sent straight through by Chippie Barrett. Kerrykeel looked for off-side but to no avail and Kevin Mc Carry rounded the keeper to slot home for the visitors.
Kerrykeel 71 upped the tempo in the second half with Kevin Loughrey and Tommy Mc Bride winning the midfield battle and Paul (Sonic) Coyle displaying great work on the right wing.  James Martin played Johnny Friel in with a great ball but the Rathmullan keeper pushed his shot onto the post to make a great save.  Rathmullan went two goals to the good on  the sixty-fifth minute with Rory O’ Keefe firing home from a Paddy Sheridan cross.  Kerrykeel made the most of the nail biting last ten minutes with Johnny Friel converting a penalty as a result of being taken down by the Rathmullan Keeper with two minutes to go.  A Cathal Martin shot then looked like a goal, however Denis Sheridan, again, pulled off a great save to take three points back to the seaside resort.
 
Best for Kerrykeel 71   Shaun Martin and Kevin Loughrey
Best for Rathmullan      Paddy Sheridan and Rory O’Keefe
 
Referee  Paddy Martin

 

Donegal Junior league reports – 19th/20th September

September 20, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

Donegal Junior soccer league reports

Saturday September 19th

Willie Duffy Division One

Fintown Harps  2  Gweedore Celtic  3 In great conditions at the Comp-Field Glenties, Fintown started the brightest with a header from E.Molloy shortly followed by a chance from Gweedore but both team were unlucky. On the 12th minute Raymond Mc Men had a pop at goal from 20 yards out but went left of the post. Gweedore broke the break through by scoring on the 15th minute with a chip over the Fintown keeper from Cathal Boyle. Fintown were quick to react with S. Boyle setting up Barry Mc Mon but his chance went to the right and wide. Fintown got the equaliser with A. Walsh scoring on the 20th minute with great team work from the Fintown side. Fintown continued to exert great pressure on the Gweedore defence with loads of opportunities but failed to find the net.The second half began with both teams creating chances but Gweedore scored on the 12th minute with great work from their midfield to set up Cathal Boyle who scored well. Fintown received a free kick 15 minutes into the game with Shorty stepping up to the mark to give in a great cross to find E.Molloy who found John “Broc” but they were unlucky to score. With 20 minutes left in the second half S.Mc Mon found A.Walsh and he made a great pass to S.Boyle and Boyle made no mistake scoring a great goal, making it all level in Glenties. Both teams pushed hard to get the winner but it was Gweedore that got the break through with Shanel scoring for them with only 4 minutes left. Fintown pushed hard to get the equaliser but to no avail.

Team performance by both teams.

Ref – C Crerand

 

Kilmacrennan 2 Gweedore United  2
 
This game was played in perfect conditions and it will be the Gweedore men who will be happiest with this result.
Kilmac started sprightly and hemmed the away team in their own half for the first ten minutes of the game. Darren McGinley nearly scored a spectacular drive from outside of the box which rattled the crossbar with fifteen minutes played. The break through came with twenty five minutes played when young Ryan Shileds was taken down in the box and Cathal Gallagher coolly converted from the spot kick. Kilmac continued to press and found the woodwork again this time from Paul McEldowney, with his younger brother Colm putting in a pinpoint cross. Gweedore’s only chance of the half came through a Kevin Cassidy free kick which flew over the bar from twenty yards.
The second half saw Gweedore imposing themselves more on the ball and it was just a matter of time before they found the back of the net as Kilmac began to sit back. They were rewarded ten minutes from time when Kevin Cassidy rose unmarked in the box and his powerful header from twelve yards gave Liam McBride no chance. Kilmac went straight up the pitch and were awarded a free kick from twenty yards. Cathal Gallagher released Steve McElwaine who crossed for Danny Conaghan who made no mistake from five yards with eighty two minutes played. Gweedore weren’t to be denied and continued to press. With two minutes remaining Brian Gallagher was fed by the Gweedore centre half , ran fifty yards with the ball, put Gallagher straight through and  the striker made no mistake from the edge of the box to ensure a share of the points.
Best for Kilmac were Ryan Shields and James Gorman with a team effort coming from the Gweedore men.
Ref M. McGarigle

 

Glencar Inn Division Two

Glenree United 1  Tullyvinney Rovers  2 Tullyvinney came away with the three points in a low key affair at Glenree Park. They took the lead after a dubious penalty claim was given, Dara Crossan coolly slotting home. Glenree pulled themselves level as a neat turn from the in-form striker Patrick McGroddy, created the opening for himself to rifle his shot into the net. With the wind at their backs in the second half, Glenree failed to capitalise and Tullyvinney, through a strike from Cathal McGowan stole in to nick the points at the death. 

Team performances.

 

Drumbar FC 3 Cranford United Res 2

 

A hard fought game played out between the two teams in great conditions at Drumbar.  The pre-match talk was about Phelim Bradys stream-lined new haircut and the crowd were treated to a underwear modeling exhibition by Aidan ‘Butch’ Cassidy.  Drumbar were quickest out of the blocks and dominated the first half, going in at the break three nil ahead.  A fine finish from David Giblin and two from Mark ‘Paco’ Dorrian, including a coolly converted penalty saw the home team go into the second half with a strong advantage.  However, Cranford came out a different team in the second half, putting the Drumbar defence under sustained pressure, forcing an own goal from Aidan Cassidy and scoring one themselves from Kevin Fisher.  Drumbar did enough to hold on for the win and Cranford were unlucky to leave without a point.  Joe Gallagher and Chris Duffy were best for Cranford.  The Drumbar players all put in a fine team performance.
 

Donegal Town.0  Ramelton Mariners.1
It was evens at the halftime whistle with Donegal having the better clearcut chances. Midway through the half Paul Cannon was one on one with the Ramelton keeper but shot straight at him. On the half hour Ramelton nearly opened the scoring but Donegal keeper Sean Martin pulled off a fine save and diverted the shot against the post and away to safety. With 10 minutes remaining in the half Cannon again had a chance but his shot was too weak and the Ramelton defender cleared the effort with the keeper beaten.
Ramelton started the second half stronger and on 10 minutes Peter Brannigan shot to the net at the near post to open the scoring. On the hour Cannon again had a chance to put Donegal level but his effort was cleared. Donegal tried hard and attacked Ramelton for the last 20 minutes but the Ramelton defence held firm to win this league fixture.
Best for Donegal were Conor Mc Daid and Peter Donaghey and for Ramelton Peter Brannigan .
Referee R Floyd.
 

 

 

Sunday September 20th

Brian Mc Cormick Sports & Leisure Premier Division

Gweedore Celtic 1 Dunlewey Celtic 1

A draw was a fair result in the first of the derbies at An Screaban. Dunlewey had the better of the early exchanges and Patrick Mc Cafferty had a chance on five minutes but could not get it on target. Donal Coll had the home team’s best chance on fifteen minutes but he pulled his shot wide. The away team took the lead on thirty minutes when a ball over the top put Donal Coll in the clear and he made no mistake from close range. The home side had two good chances in the final minutes. First Eugene Mc Bride managed to get past the keeper, however a defender managed to scrambled the ball out for a corner. Secondly, David Mc Gee somehow lifted the ball over the bar from five yards. Gweedore had a ideal start to the second half when they drew level after five minutes. Cornie Gallagher put Donal Coll through and despite pressure from a defender he was able to place the ball in the corner of the net. Gweedore had another great chance fifteen minutes later when Cornie Gallagher had a shot punched over the bar  by the Dunlewey keeper. Eugen Mc Bride also blazed a shot wide in the final minutes of the half

Best for Gweedore :Lee Ferry and Paul Mc Bride

Best for Dunlewey: Eamon Cannon and Martin Mc Cafferty

Referee: Ed Moore

Lifford Celtic 3 Gweedore United 2

 

A two goal Paul Colhoun salvo was enough to see off a dogged Gweedore side and ensure Lifford’s good start to the season continued. The home side started brightly and almost took an early lead when a Shane Meehan free kick was turned wide by the keeper. Lifford kept pressing and got their reward when Paul Colhoun seized on a short backpass and finished in style. The lead was doubled on 22 minutes when Damian Patton finished well from close range. The visitors got back into the game just before half time when Charlie Duggan sprung the offside trap and found the net. Lifford started the better in the second half and missed chances through Damian and Jude Patton. Their lead was increased however when Paul Colhoun collected a throw in and finished with a low shot into the bottom corner. A failure to seize other opportunities by the home side let Gweedore back into the game and when a Finnan Diver free came back off the crossbar Chris Lynch reacted quickest to stab home. The closing minutes were tense with Paul Colhoun and Damian Patton both going close to sealing the points but in the end Lifford held firm and took the spoils. Paul Colhoun was best for Lifford with Finan Diver best for the visitors.  

Drumoghill 2 Glenea United1
Drumoghill got this season’s home campaign off to the best possible start
with this deserved victory over last season’s runners-up, Glenea United.
Goals either side of half time from Colin Watson and John O’Kane were enough
to clinch victory with Michael Barry’s late strike proving to be no more
than a consolation from a game in which Drumoghill fully deserved the 3
points that were at stake.

The home side, eager to maintain their excellent home record from last
season, started the brighter but found the visitors rearguard to be one that
was proving difficult to break down. With Paul Sweeney and Kevin McFadden in
such commanding form, it looked as though chances were going to be few and
far between and on the occasions that they failed to clear the danger, it
was the presence of Ciaran Gallagher in goals that was also proving to be a
difficult obstacle to bypass.

Such was the dominance of both defences, it took until the 33rd minute for
either keeper to be called into action. After good work from Colin Watson
and Richard Tinney in midfield, it was James Anthony O’Donnell who sent O’
Kane through on goal but Gallagher advanced quickly  to smother his effort.
Shortly afterwards O’Kane created a chance out of nothing but this time his
effort sailed narrowly wide.

The pressure began to tell though and Drumoghill finally broke through on 41
minutes. Richard Tinney tried his luck from distance and the ball bounced
awkwardly in front of Gallagher which meant that he could only parry Tinney’
s effort into the path of Colin Watson who made no mistake from 10 yards.

The pattern of the game was similar during the opening stages of the second
half. Glenea United were coping with much of what Drumoghill could throw at
them as chances were few and far between. Richard Tinney could consider
himself unlucky that he didn’t double his side’s advantage when sent clear
by James Anthony O’Donnell in the 66th minute but the referee Rainey had
ruled that he was narrowly offside when the ball was played.

However the reprieve was only temporary. The impressive O’Kane gained
possession from Liam O’Donnell’s and curled the ball over the stranded
Gallagher to put clear daylight between the sides.

However, credit must go to the visitors as they attempted to battle back
during the final quarter. They were rewarded for their efforts on 80 minutes
when Michael Barry took a pass from the impressive Paul Doohan to drive
unerringly into the corner of the net and reduce the deficit to a single
goal. The goal looked as though it might have been a catalyst for them to
gain a point but it proved to be too little too late as Drumoghill
deservedly held on for their first win of the season.

Referee: Victor Rainey

Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 – 3 Dunkineely Celtic
 
Kilmacs inability to hold onto a lead allowed Dunkineely to come back from the dead and claim a share of the points.
Kilmac outplayed Dunkineely  for the entire first half and should have been ahead within five minutes when Phil Buchannon narrowly missed the target after some great aerial prowess by Michael “the power” McLaughlin. McLaughlin physical threat, especially in the air, was causing the visitors all sorts of trouble in the opening thirty minutes and it was fitting that he was heavily involved in creating the opening goal. A clearance by defender, Gavin Gorman, was somehow latched onto by McLuaghlin and his cushioned header found Ruairi McGlinchey who made no mistake with only the keeper to beat with fifteen minutes played. Dunkineely  responded five minutes later however with the goal of the day. The influential Jason Armstrong found Pauric McIntyre who let fly with an unstoppable left foot drive from twenty five yards giving the Kilmac keeper no chance. Undeterred, Kilmac continued to press and winger McGlinchey was given space down the right wing after a lovely ball by John Doherty. McGlinchey beat his man and cut inside only to be taken down by a Dunkineely defenderr. Phil Buchannon sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot kick. McGlinchey contined to push forward in the remaining minutes of the first half and scored a lovely chip from fifteen yards after some good work by Aidan Friel with five minutes remaining to give Kilmac a well deserved lead going into the second half.
Dunkineely  came out in the second half and were quicker to everything for the entire half and had great success down their left wing. With sixty five minutes played they were awarded a penalty after Adrian Ward was taken down in the box. Gareth Concarr stepped up and converted from the spot kick.  Dunkineely  pressed hard for an equaliser and were rewarded with their persistence with twelve minutes remaining. Armstrong set Adrian Ward free on the left wing and the striker somehow managed to score from an acute angle. Sub Eddie Doherty should have won it for the home side but failed to keep his header down from six yards after a fine cross from Timmy Burke.
Ruairi McGlinchey was best for Kilmac with Armstrong and Gareth Concarr best for  Dunkineely .
Ref V. McLuaghlin

 

Milford Inn Division One

Cappry Rovers 3.Castlefin Ccltic 1.
Cappry Rovers defeated Castlefin Celtic by 3 1 in Cappry Park in an entertaining game which saw plenty of good football.
Play swung from end to end with both defences on top but in the fifteenth minute Castlefins Cormack O Brien won the ball out on the wing crossed to Damien Mc Anneny who slotted it under the body of Rory Patton in the Cappry goal.
Cappry created numerous chances after this but good defending from the visitors and some good saves from Anthony Sweeney kept the score at one nil at the interval.
 
Cappry started where they left off and once again Sweeney in the Castlefin goal pulled off some great saves from Dylan Ramsey, the Mc Glynn brothers Frank and Kevin and P.J.Gallagher. The home team got their reward in the fifty ninth minute when Darren O Leary rose highest to head the ball to the net following a corner. Cappry got their second in the sixty seventh minute when P.J. Gallagher shot home through a crowded goal mouth to the bottom corner of the net. In the seventy third minute Cappry Rovers made the game safe when Brendan Mc Laughlin scored from the penalty spot after Malachy Martin was taken down in the area.
Castlefin had hard luck in the eighty first minute when Cormack O Brien beat Patton in the Cappry goal only to see the ball go over the crossbar.
 
Team performance from Cappry Rovers.
Best for Castlefin Celtic was Anthony Sweeney in goals.
Referee Seamus Mc Croary.
 
Bonagee United 0  Keadue Rovers 3

Bonagee’s disappointing start to the season continued, when Keadue returned to the Rosses, with all three points, after a deserved 3-0 win, played in blustery conditions at Dry Arch Park. The games first chance of note, arrived in the 10th minute, when Keadue keeper Mc Glynn spilled a cross from Glenn Gallagher, and Brian Crossan just failed to get a connection, with the goal gaping. Keadue had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 30th minute, when they were awarded an indirect free kick, but Aidan Hanlon’s effort was cleared off the line by Conor Sweeney. They opened the scoring in the 40th minute, when Adrian Hanlon’s 25 yard shot swerved past Paul Doherty in the Bonagee goals.
Bonagee should really have drawn level straight after the resumption, as Shane Barclay evaded his marker down the right, and his perfectly flighted cross, was headed over the bar by Glenn Gallagher. Ten minutes later, and Keadue almost added to their lead, but Paul Doherty saved brilliantly at the feet of the inrushing Martin Redmond. They had a further chance in 60th minute, as after great approach work from James Boyle set up Colin Mc Carron, but his shot failed to trouble Doherty. Bonagee had further chances to get back on level terms, through Charlie Creevey and Gallagher, but Chris Mc Glynn was equal to their efforts. Keadue increased their lead again in the 70th minute, as the impressive Adrian Hanlon capitalised on hesitancy in the Bonagee defence, and cracked home a left footed shot. Another Bonagee chance went a begging minutes later, as the vigilant Paul Mc Gonigle cleared Barney Mc Guigan’s teasing cross off the line. Keadue scored the final goal of the contest in the final minute, when the youthful Sean Boyle lobbed Doherty. Best for Keadue was Adrian Hanlon and Anthony Bonner, and for Bonagee Charlie Mc Creevey and Conor Sweeney impressed.
 
Referee. Gerry Whoriskey.

St Catherine’s 0  Ballybofey United 3

St Catherines second game of the league ended in defeat at the hands of Ballybofey Utd. The visitors got off to the perfect start when Ryan Carlin scored after a defensive mix up with just two minutes gone in the game. The Saints performance was below par and they gifted Ballybofey their second goal on eighteen minutes when Gavin Doherty’s cross was met by the head of Gary Dunnion. Ryan Carlin popped up for Ballybofeys third on forty minutes when he found himself unmarked and he calmly chipped the Saints keeper.
St Catherines started the second half the more brightly and took the game too Ballybofey, but their defence stood strong and didn’t concede. Very few chances were created in this half leaving Ballybofey the happier for their trip home.
Team performance from Ballybofey
Ref D. O Donnell  

Donegal Town. 5   Copany Rovers. 0
Donegal maintained their 100% record in the league with this fine win against Copany in the local derby.
On 10 minutes Terry Doc had a goalbound shot well saved by the Copany keeper. However on 15 minutes Doc made amends and scored with a close range header after the ball rebounded off the crossbar. On the half hour Donegal doubled their lead when JP Byrne scored with a header from a corner.
With Copany  a man down for the second half Donegal took advantage and 5 minutes in went 3-0 up with another Terry Doc goal. The Doc got his hatrick on the hour when he shot to the net after fine work by Stevie Curneen to lay on the pass. With 5 minutes remaining Conor Mc Monagle made it 5-0 with his goal at the near post.
Best for Donegal Pauric Mc Glynn Pauric Harvey and Danny Mc Garrigle and for Copany Alan Mc Girr starred but credit to them for always trying after going down to 10 men.
Referee M Mc Garrigle.

CT Ball Division Two

 

Letterbarrow Celtic 2 Arranmore United 1

Letterbarrow secured their first points of the season in this hard fought encounter at Tymeen. Letterbarrow dominated the first half and were two up at half time thanks to strikes from Diarmuid McInerney and Johnny Keenaghan. McInerney slotted home from just inside the box while Keenaghan struck on thirty minutes after a good counter attack from Letterbarrow. Aranmore fought back well in the second half and dominated possession throughout. They were rewarded after seventy minutes when Michael McHugh scored after a scramble in the Letterbarrow box. Letterbarrow had the chance to extend their lead when Diarmuid McInerney was up ended in the box on seventy five minutes. However, the penalty was missed and this lead to a nervy last fifteen minutes from the home defence. Best for Letterbarrow was Enda Kenny and Liam Reynolds. Best for Aranmore was Michael McHugh.

 

Kerrykeel 71  3   Cranford United   1
 
It was a great afternoon for football at Rabs Park, Kerrykeel on Sunday and Kerrykeel 71 had their first home game of the season.  Kerrykeel only had the bear minimum of eleven players facing a strong Cranford side who have started their season in excellent form.  However, when the chips were down the home side pulled off a superb win to get their home campaign of to the best possible start.  Kerrykeel started the better with Johnny Friel and Shaun Friel both going close with two good headers.  However, it was Cranford who went in front on the twentieth minute with Brendan Giles beating the off-side trap rounding the keeper to slot home.  Subsequently Kerrykeel had to dig deep to stay in the game and almost got the equaliser when Niall Doherty’s shot slid past the Cranford post.
 
The determined home side levelled in the second half when Kevin Loughrey crossed to Shaun Friel and his shot went straight into the bottom corner on the sixtieth minute.  Cranford were struggling to get a grip of the game with Kerrykeel booming forward on every possible opportunity and they went in front on the seventy-fifth minute when Johnny Friel blasted home from six yards from a Niall Doherty cross.  The home side got their third on the eighty-second minute when Shaun Friel fired an unstoppable free-kick from twenty five yards into the top corner. Cranford had a number of corners in the last ten minutes but couldn’t break down a stalwart Kerrykeel defence which included Michael Mc Devitt who was making his debut for the home team and Shane Sandilands in fine form in goals.   A well deserved three points for Kerrykeel and the home sides first win of the season.
 
Team performance from Kerrykeel
Best for Cranford Utd  Sean Mc Bride and Brendan Giles
 
Referee Gerry Rodden

 

 

 

Rathmullan Celtic 3  Whitestrand United 1

Doc Leaves White’s Stranded! After last week’s Copacabana samba classic, the Celts welcomed their nearest and dearest of rivals the Strand to the Seaside town. With the man behind the wire Paddy Kelly, firing his Strand troops up for the derby, it was Curran’s Celts who had the critics to answer after two home draws and they duly did with a scintillating Niall Doherty hatrick and pass and move football more fitting for the higher echelons of the beautiful game. Seanie Barret went on an inspired charge from defence in the 10th minute, beating three players before setting up Doherty for the first of his treble on the edge of the area, with the striker making no mistake in finding the target. Ruairi O’ Keefe almost increased the home advantage following a good cross from Doherty but Paddy Kelly in goals, who gave up a vacation for the derby clash, saved well on the half hour mark. The goal of the game came in the 38th minute when Packie Mc Elwaine, from all of 40 yards, unleashed an unstoppable cracker into the top left corner to give Big Den in goals no chance and equal proceedings in the hotly contested derby. Not an afternoon for ice cream, the Strand melted in the 55th minute when Sean Barrett had his header saved by Kelly in goals and Doherty was on hand to score from the breaking ball inside the area. The on form striker completed his hatrick in the 81st minute, when a fantastic through ball from Gavin O’ Donnell was appreciated by Doherty, who rounded the keeper to make all three points safe. The highlight of the afternoon, including Doherty’s hatrick, happened before the final whistle when Ruairi O’ Keefe from the half way struck a David Beckham chip, only to be denied by a finger tip Paddy Kelly save much to the applause and cacophony of cheers from a jubilant non ice cream licking home support. Best for the Strand was Packie McElwaine, while Curran’s young starlets Ruairi O’Keefe and Cormac Friel complimented a fine individual stop the clocks Niall Doherty hatrick display.Referee: Joe Mc Hugh