TWO FIRST HALF goals from Garbhan Friel set Cockhill Celtic on their way to completing a domestic treble with victory over Letterkenny Rovers in the Donegal News League Cup final this evening.
Cockhill Celtic 2-0 Letterkenny Rovers
The Inishowen side had already won the Ulster Senior League and Knockalla Caravans Cup this term.
Friel opened the scoring in the 28th minute when he held off Paul Boyle and got onto the end of Kieran McLaughlin’s through ball and smashed past Rory Kelly.
Then, six minutes later, in almost a carbon copy goal, this time Malachy McDermott played in Friel and again he held off Boyle before shooting home.
Rovers had their chances as well but the Buncrana side’s astuteness in front of goal was the difference between the teams.
Between the Cockhill goals, Paul McVeigh dragged a shot wide after a free-kick from Terence Shiels was headed down by Darren McElwaine.
McVeigh had another chance when he got on the end of a Kelly clearance but Gavin Cullen saved from the former Finn Harps striker a minute before Friel’s second.
When 2-0 down Rovers’ Kevin McGrath did well to create an opportunity for Stevie Okakpo-Emeka, who was just wide with his shot.
Six minutes into the second half, Friel was denied his hat-trick as Kelly tipped over after good approach play by Derek Doherty.
McElwaine, on 64 minutes, saw a free-kick go inches wide and at the other end Friel went close again from a header after Gerry Gill’s free-kick.
Kieran McLaughlin got in on goal and had the chance to make it three after a one-two with Ronan Doherty but again Kelly in the Rovers goal saved.
Cockhill Celtic: Gavin Cullen; Kieran McLaughlin, Gerard McLaughlin, Peter Doherty, Jason Breslin; James Bradley, Derek Doherty, Malachy McDermott, Ronan Doherty; Gerry Gill, Garbhan Friel.
Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly; Ryan Lonergan, Tristian Ferris, Paul Boyle, Terence Shiels; Kevin McGrath, Christy Connaghan, Mark Forker, Paul McVeigh; Darren McElwaine, Stevie Okakpo-Emeka.
Referee: Marty McGarrigle.
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