DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
REPORTS
SUNDAY 01-9-2013
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Keadue Rovers 2 Arranmore United 0
Keadue Rovers are through to the Gweedore Area Final of the Brian McCormick Cup following this tough victory over Arranmore United at Central Park. The game was played in difficult conditions with a near gale force wind throughout. The away team were quick out of the blocks and won a penalty in the second minute when Gavin Mc Glanaghey was fouled in the area. The penalty kick was saved well by Keadue keeper Ben Boyle. Following good work from David Sweeney, Donal Rodgers found a bit of space in the box and found the net with a low shot from close range. Arranmore were unlucky not to equalise when Daniel O’Donnell hit the bar with a free kick. The home team went two goals up when Donal Rodgers was again on hand to stab home following another good move. Arranmore’s best chance of the second half came from a hooked effort which went just over the bar on sixty seven minutes. Keadue prevailed in the worsening conditions and qualify to play Glenea in next week’s Area Final. Best for Arranmore were Peter Dillon and Frankie Early. Best for Keadue were Ryan Greene, Donal Rodgers and David Sweeney. Referee: Ronan Floyd.
Strand Rovers 0 Dunlewy Celtic 2
This game was played in windy conditions in Maghery .Strand Rovers put on all the pressure in the first half but gave away a silly free kick in front of goal allowing Dunlewey to take the lead. Dunlewey played some nice football then for a while before “Strand” began turning the screw in search of an equaliser. Dunlewey then scored against the run of play when the ball was held up in air by the wind and it caught out the home defence.
Glenree United 2 Cranford United 4
Cranford got the result they wanted but didn’t have it all their own way. Glenree took the lead twice from Sosa and Weeman but those were cancelled out by Martin Mc Bride and Kyle Black before half time. Arthur Lynch scored a great free kick to make it 3-2 early in second half and Kyle Black sealed the win two minutes later with a good finish. Good team performances from both sides.
Gweedore United 0 Gweedore Celtic 3
This game was played in very windy conditions at Carrickboyle making it very difficult for either side to play football. Celtic went away with a victory over their local rivals. In the opening half chances were few and far between. It took a long range effort from Damien O’Sullivan to break the deadlock when he hit a good shot from 20 yards into the top corner to make it 1-0. In the second half the visitors were quickest out of the blocks and went two up in the 55th minute when Odhran Mc Nelis hit an excellent shot from 25 yards. The visitors went three ahead 10 minutes later when John Mc Fadden found himself one on one with Liam Mac Fadden in the United nets and Mc Fadden made no mistake securing the points for Gweedore Celtic. Odhran Mc Nelis who was outstanding on the day was the difference between the sides. Referee: Kevin Logue
Tullyvinney Rovers 0 Castlefin Celtic 5
Despite being down several players for this derby match Tullyvinney started with a few younger players against a well drilled Castlefin team .On two minutes a mix up between Sam Hegarty and SB Malley allowed Simon Mc Glinchey to tap home . Castlefin scored their second goal from a free kick which struck the unfortunate Sam Hegarty and flew into the top corner . Castlefin scored a further three goals and ran out comfortable winners firstly JP Malley robbed his brother SB on the edge of the penalty area and fired home . Then on sixty minutes a misplaced clearence by the SB Malley fell to Mark Carlin who fired home . Then Colin Carlin scored with a header from a corner . Best for Castlefin Simon Mc Glinchey , Mark Carlin .Best for Tullyvinney SB Malley , Billy Sweeney . Referee: Paul Doherty
Deele Harps 2 Convoy Arsenal 1
This match was reversed to Orchard Park, Convoy, on a great day for football. In an evenly contested game it was Deele who took the spoils with goals from Aidy Gallagher and Shane Gallagher. Convoy showed signs of a positive season ahead. Good team performances from the sides.
Curragh Athletic 2 Lagan Harps 0
In a first half that the home team dominated it took full back Chris Burns to open the scoring on forty four minutes. After good running from Ryan Carlin Burns, who started the move off, drilled home from inside the eighteen. Both John Mc Laughlin and Carlin had chances earlier but could not find the net. A very young Lagan Harps team did keep trying to play football but did not manage to trouble Roy Duffy in the Curragh nets in this first half. The second half was a similar affair however Lagan did create some chances and almost equalised when Ross Hamlyn forced a splendid save from Roy Duffy on sixty two minutes. John Mc Laughlin wrapped up the scoring for Curragh on eighty six minutes when he slide the ball home at the near post. Referee: Paddy Martin
Cappry Rovers 4 Drumbar F.C. 2
Cappry Rovers recorded a home win in the Brian Mc Cormick Cup against Drumbar United by four goals to two in Cappry Park. Drumbar started the stronger and created numerous chances following a couple of corners. They took the lead when Adam Enright scored direct from a corner after ten minutes. Cappry equalised in the fourteenth when a cross from Dylan Ramsey was finished to the net by Alan Patton. The Home team had numerous chances to take the lead through Alan Patton, Kyle Lafferty and Brendan Mc Laughlin but the Drumbar defence and the keeper held firm. The visitors regained the lead in the fortieth minute when Shane Mc Loone scored with a volley to the top corner of the net giving Brendan O’ Meara in the Cappry goal no chance.
The second half started with Drumbar looking to stretch their lead but it was Cappry who got on level terms in the fifty second minute through Kyle Lafferty when he scored with a low hard shot.Alan Patton got his second goal and Cappry’s third in the sixty fourth minute when he beat the offside trap to slice the ball past the advancing keeper. Drumbar had a few half chances to score but were unable to finish. Cappry substitute Pete Lafferty scored in the eighty eighth minute when he won the ball to head past the keeper. Decent team performance from Cappry. Best for Drumbar Shane Browne and Mark Butler. Referee: Martin Mc Anneny.
Fintown Harps AFC 2 Dunkineely Celtic 3
Donegal Town 2 Erne Wanderers 0
Donegal Town came out on top in a closely fought affair. Neither side were able to score in the first half with Erne coming closest when a long range effort hit the bar. In the second half Donegal got the break through when Kevin Devaney’s free kick was nodded home by team captain JP Byrne. Erne dominated possession from then on but failed to carve out any clear cut chances while Donegal were always threatening on the counter. Donegal sealed victory when Kevin Mc Cafferty, who was excellent throughout, broke the offside trap which allowed Padhraic Mc Glynn to finish after Mc Cafferty’ s original effort came back off the ‘keeper. Good team performances from both sides with Marty Byrne and Mc Cafferty best for Donegal.
Copany Rovers 1 Letterbarrow Celtic 0
Copany Rovers hosted Letterbarrow Celtic at Killowen Park on Sunday. It proved to be a highly entertaining match, well balanced with plenty of chances on both sides. In the 36th minute
Copany broke down the left and David Graham found himself free on the edge of the box and with a well struck drive he gave Copany the lead. It remained 1-0 until the break. In the 53rd minute after a deep free kick from Thomas Given on the half-way line, with Letterbarrow’s defence hesitant, the ball broke to David Graham who was taken down for a penalty. The spot kick was well saved by Enda Kenny in the Letterbarrow goal. Letterbarrow should have equalised on the 70th minute when a long throw found James Mc Groary at the back post but Stephen Doherty made a good save. David Graham and Dale Duncan were best for Copany with Enda Kenny, James Mc Groary and Christie Burke best for Letterbarrow Celtic.
Orchard F.C. 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 1
Orchard F.C. and Kerrykeel ’71 played out an entertaining draw at Errigal College on Sunday. Kerrykeel took the lead on the half hour when Hughie Walsh capitalised on a poor back pass and shot to the net. The Rab’s Park men failed to make their dominance count for the remainder of the first half and went in with the minimal advantage. Orchard started the second half with a renewed urgency and midway through the period they found an equaliser. Kriss Mc Laughlin played a One-Two with Damien Watters and after outpacing the Kerrykeel defence he slid the ball past the outrushing keeper. The draw was a fair result.
Milford United 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 1
Milford took an early lead with a well taken goal by Darren McLaughlin following good work by Jamie Heena. Milford, with the wind at their backs, pushed for a second but failed to create any great chances. Kilmacrennan attacks in the first half were limited and Milford went in at the break ahead. Kilmacrennan began the second half brightly and were level within ten minutes when Gary Gorman headed home from a free kick. Milford pushed for a winner while Kilmacrennan looked dangerous on the counter attack. A Ciaran McGinley free kick was met at the back post by Jamie Heena who headed home to keep the tie alive with twenty minutes remaining. Milford won two one and the teams played extra time to establish a Group winner. When the extra time failed to separate the sides penalties were taken and Milford United prevailed. Best for Milford were David Curley, Joey Cullen and Peter Doherty. Best for Kilmacrennan were Gary Gorman and Timmy Burke. Referee: Mick Langan.
THURSDAY 29-8-2013
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Ballybofey United 2 Drumoghill F.C. 4
Drumoghill F.C. secured all three points on their visit to Ballybofey United on Thursday evening and they will contest the Lifford Area Final on September 8th. This was an open match from the first whistle to the last. Experience told throughout as the visitors, with their seasoned team, controlled the play for periods. That said nothing should be taken from the efforts shown by the youthful Ballybofey United side who boasted of only four players who had Donegal Junior League experience to their name prior to the start of this season’s Brian Mc Cormick Cup. This coupled with the fact that all seven substitutes were in their first Senior Season augers well for the future of the Twin Towns outfit.
Drumoghill took the lead after only three minutes when the home defence failed to deal with a corner and Carlos Rodgers headed home. Sixteen minutes later in the nineteenth minute Christopher O’ Donnell got the first of his two on the night when he converted from close range after another Drumoghill corner. Then on twenty nine minutes Liam O’ Meara saved well from Andrew Peoples who tried his luck from twenty five yards. On the stroke of half time Carlos Rodgers headed against the Ballybofey United crossbar. Ballybofey then broke and Conor Doherty sent a searching ball over the Drumoghill defence. Ballybofey’s Noel Quinn won the race to the ball but his shot rebounded off the legs of the Drumoghill keeper. Niall Mc Closkey picked up the loose ball thirty yards from goal and curled his shot high into the Drumoghill net to leave the minimum between the sides at the interval.
The second half again started poorly for the home team. After four minutes David O’ Carroll did well on the right wing and after getting past P H Bonar he sent a powerful shot past O’ Meara. It was over as a contest five minutes later when again Ballybofey United conceded at a corner kick situation. Again Christopher O’ Donnell was the beneficiary as the home side showed defensive naivety. The introduction of three substitutions added some vital edge for the hosts. Aaron Mc Auley was only into the action when he shot narrowly wide after been set up by Conor Doherty. Another replacement Conor Scanlon found the net on twenty seven minutes but the home side had too much to do at this stage and the game. With time running down O’ Meara made another good save this time from Shane Mc Intyre and David O’ Connell missed a penalty after a handball in the home box. Best for Ballybofey United: Conor Doherty, Niall Mc Closkey and Dylan Laverty. Best for Drumoghill: Christopher O’ Donnell, Carlos Rodgers and Andrew Peoples. Referee: Victor Rainey
Glencar Celtic 1 Whitestrand United 1
Whitestrand broke the deadlock through Sean Martin who finished neatly after a through ball caught out the Glencar Celtic defence. Glencar started the second half brightly with Paddy Collins causing problems and going close on one occasion after a good run. Glencar made a double substitution bringing on Pajo Rafferty for Steven Browne and Sully for Decky Scanlon. They brought more fight to Glencar and shortly after their arrival Glencar had a penalty after Paddy Collins was tripped in the area. Pajo stepped up and converted his second spot kick in as many games. Glencar threw everything at the Whitestrand defence for the last 20 minutes but they stood firm in defence and saw out the draw.
Referee: Ed Moore
SATURDAY 31-8-2013
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Ballybofey United 2 v Raphoe Town 2
Despite the fact that there was little at stake when Ballybofey United and Raphoe Town met in the Brian Mc Cormick Cup on Saturday evening the two teams served up an enjoyable game of football. Ballybofey took the lead midway through the first half when David White profited from some indecision among the Raphoe defenders. Raphoe were level just before the interval when Michael Quinn scored in the scramble that followed a corner kick. Simon Mc Glynn, who was outstanding throughout, gave Raphoe a deserved lead after ten minutes of the second half as they had opened the half the brighter. Ballybofey never gave up and grew in stature as the half progressed. They introduced Darren Kelly, Christopher Darby and Daniel Mc Glinchey to the play and the youthful determination of the trio helped to complete Ballybofey’s comeback. Darby won a free thirty five yards from goal and Enda Corry stepped up to send a fine strike to the back of the Raphoe net. The game ended at two apiece, a fair reflection on the match. Best for Ballybofey United: Sean Duffy, Liam O’ Meara. Best for Raphoe Town: Jamie Gallagher, Simon Mc Glynn. Referee: Liam Farren
OSCAR TRAYNOR COMPETITION
With the Donegal Junior League season up and running the attention of the League’s Oscar Traynor team manager, Stephen Corcoran, turns to selecting a panel which he hopes can progress to the later stages this season. Last term there wasn’t much between the teams in the group stages and Inishowen, who the Donegal League acquitted themselves well against, went all the way to the final. With this in mind Corcoran has organised two trials. The first will take place on Wednesday night next, 4th September, at the Curragh Athletic’s New Camp Complex in Killygordan commencing at 7.30p.m. The second, at a venue yet to be decided, takes place the following week on September 11th. The initial list for these trials is as shown below and the manager, who can be contacted on 087-1201952, will be in contact with each individual player prior to the trials.
The League has also recently received their match schedule for the first three matches. This season’s campaign begins in Roscommon where the Donegal League will meet the Roscommon League on September 29th. Diamond Park, Ballyare will be the venue for the second match when last season’s competition runners-up Inishowen will be the visitors on October 27th. The third match will also be an away fixture on November 11th as the Donegal League visit Yeat’s County to play the local Sligo/Leitrim League. Last season three players from the Donegal League squad went on to represent Ulster in the inter-provincials and Christopher Sweeney of Gweedore Celtic received the ultimate Amateur honour when he was selected to represent his country. On receiving his International Cap from League Chairman John Joe Mc Cafferty and Secretary Christina O’ Donnell, Sweeney encouraged more players to make themselves available for the squad and further stated that he was very proud to receive such an honour. Team manager Stephen Corcoran has made it clear that the door is open and he wants to put as good a team as possible on the field in an effort to emulate the team of ’83 won the tournament for the Donegal League.
Players for trails: Joe Coll, Declan Mc Garvey, Paul Sweeney, Ryan Mc Fadden, Denis Boyle, Kevin Mc Fadden, Kevin Mulhern, Michael Barry, Darren Mc Geever, John Harley all Glenea United, Joey Cullen Milford United, Paul Boyle Keadue Rovers, Garbh Gallagher, Ryan Carlin Curragh Athletic, David Mc Gee, Jamie Boyle, Oran Mc Nelis, Christopher Sweeney all Gweedore Celtic, Lee White, Johnny Robb, Kevin Mc Brearty, Mark Neeson all Lifford Celtic, Colin Carlin, JP Mailey, Emmett White all Castlefin Celtic, Darragh Patton, Eoin Sheridan, Shay Coyle, David Millar all Rathmullan Celtic, Gio Peoples, Joe Mc Carron both Orchard FC, Barry Rose Eany Celtic, Shane Gallagher Deele Harps, Paddy Collins Glencar Celtic, David Graham and David Duncan Copany Rovers.
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
RESULTS
TUESDAY 27-8-2013
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Ramelton Mariners 1 v 0 Milford United
THURSDAY 29-8-2013
Ballybofey United 2 v 4 Drumoghill F.C.
Glencar Celtic 1 v 1 Whitestrand United
SUNDAY 01-9-2013
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Keadue Rovers 2 v 0 Arranmore United
Strand Rovers 0 v 2 Dunlewy Celtic
Glenree United 2 v 4 Cranford United
Gweedore United 0 v 3 Gweedore Celtic
Tullyvinney Rovers 0 v 5 Castlefin Celtic
Deele Harps 2 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
Curragh Athletic 2 v 0 Lagan Harps
Ballybofey United 2 v 2 Raphoe Town
Cappry Rovers 4 v 2 Drumbar F.C.
Fintown Harps AFC 2 v 3 Dunkineely Celtic
Donegal Town 2 v 0 Erne Wanderers
Copany Rovers 1 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
Orchard F.C. 1 v 1 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Milford United 2 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
FIXTURES
TUESDAY 03-09-2013 K.O. 6.30 p.m.
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Mulroy Celtic v Bonagee United
THURSDAY 05-09-2013
Donegal Area – Group 2 PLAY-OFF
St. Catherines v Copany Rovers
( Venue & Time To Be Confirmed )
SATURDAY 07-09-2013 K.O. 2 p.m. (Unless Stated)
Old Orchard Saturday Division One
St. Catherines Reserves v Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Glenea United Reserves v Erne Wanderers
Mulroy Celtic v Ramelton Mariners
Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two
Keadue Rovers Reserves v Arranmore United (K.O. 1p.m.)
Milford United Reserves v Strand Rovers
Donegal Town Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Tullyvinney Rovers v Gweedore United Reserves
Curragh Athletic Reserves v Glenree United Reserves
SUNDAY 08-09 2013 K.O. 2 p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick – Area Finals
Dunkineely Celtic v St. Catherines / Copany Rovers
Rathmullan Celtic v Milford United
Keadue Rovers v Glenea United
Castlefin Celtic v Drumoghill F.C.