Comfortable win for Letterkenny Rovers, but Cockhill now within reach of USL title

A competent display from Letterkenny Rovers saw them move to within three points of leaders Cockhill Celtic after defeating Derry City Reserves 3-0 this evening at Leckview Park.

Letterkenny Rovers 3 Derry City Reserves 0

After the highs of Knockalla Cup  success on Sunday last, Rovers knew they needed a win to keep alive their slim hopes of winning the title and they duly obliged against the Foyleside outfit who fielded mainly an u17s side.

Rovers drew 2-2 with City last week but were in mood to squander any  points this time around and were on the front foot throughout with Paul McVeigh firing straight at City goalkeeper Lennon McCann after five minutes and Conor Tourish blazing over when well placed their best two chances of an opening goal.

City also had to be alert to clear their goal-line on two occasions with Ryan McConnell and Christy Connaghan both going close.

The lead goal arrived on 42 minutes and it came from Declan Sharkey who was alert to follow up a Ryan McConnell free kick at the edge of the box following  a push on Chris Flanagan.

McConnell’s effort was parried by McCann and Sharkey – just like his opener in the Knockalla final – was quickest to react  to fire home from close range.

Rovers joy increased just two minutes later when Sharkey turned provider for Paul McVeigh to score with a cool finish.

Rovers again started the second half the brighter and Odhran McMacken came close with a header before a volley from Christy Connaghan flew narrowly wide but the goal that wrapped up the win came on 57 minutes when Garbhan Grant fired home a 20 yard free kick which was neatly placed in the corner.

Derry to their credit never gave up and Caoimhin Porter had a snapshot just wide although it was the home side who came closest to netting again.

Grant’s fiercely-struck effort hit the bar before McVeigh was just wide with the rebound while McCann pulled off the save of the game from a Conor Tourish header on 76 minutes.

Dom Dunne almost netted for City after some intricate play involving the industrious Jack Parke and Matt Doherty while Doherty also tried his luck from distance but Rovers – who made a number of  changes from the Cup final winning team – saw the game out well for the win.

Rovers manager Eamon McConigley will be pleased at another clean sheet in his first full game in over a year for backup goalkeeper John Roulstone.

Rovers face Fanad on Sunday while City face Cockhill.

If Rovers fail to win and Cockhill defeat Derry then the title will once again be won by Gavin Cullen’s side.

Letterrkenny Rovers; John Roulstone, Chris Flanagan, Ryan Gildea, Conor Tourish, Ryan Gildea, Odhran McMacken, Garbhan Grant, Chris Malseed, Paul McVeigh, Christy Connaghan, Declan Sharkey. Subs: Kevin McGrath for Flanagan (57), Steve Okakpo-Emeka for Sharkey (63), Darren Ferry for Connaghan (63), Luke Nelis for Gildea (75).

Derry City Reserves: Lennon McCann, Liam McFadden , Matt Doherty, Danny McGlynn, Ethan Harkin, Adam Taggart, Jack Parke, Jack Malone, Ethan Coll, Caolan McLaughlin, Callum Boyle. Subs: Adam Curran for McLaughlin (27), Sean McDermott for Boyle (45), Conor Doherty for McGlynn (45), Caoimhin Porter for Taggart (56), Dom Dunne for Coll (63).

Referee: Marty Quinn.

FIXTURES

Sunday, May 20, 2pm

Derry City Reserves v Cockhill Celtic

Letterkenny Rovers v Fanad United

Swilly Rovers v Bonagee United