With leaders Kildrum Tigers and Cappry Rovers not playing today, Castlefin Celtic took the chance to move joint second with Cappry in the Premier Division – here’s a full round-up from this afternoon’s games:
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Milford United 0 Castlefin Celtic 4
Castlefin defeated an under-strength Milford in Moyle View. It was 1-0 at halftime after JP Malley scored.
Castlefin added three more in the second half through Foy, Malley and Ward
Glenea United 2 Rathmullan Celtic 2
In fine condition this tightly fought game ended up all square.
It was the away side that started the well and almost took the lead in the first minute when the home defence failed to deal with a cross, but Deejay was denied by Ciaran Gallagher. Rathmullan continued to press and created a couple of half chances that they failed to convert.
As the half progressed, a much changed Glenea came more into the game and started to create a couple of chances and were rewarded on 4 0minutes when Rathmullan failed to deal with a long throw and Sean McBride flicked the ball home.
In the second half the home side started well and increase their lead on 50 minutes when Ray Tannelly reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and slotted home from close range.
Rathmullan pulled a goal back almost immediately when Kevin Doran got onto a through ball and home. Rathmullan pushed hard for an equaliser and created a number of chances but were denied by some good saves from Ciaran Gallagher and some poor finishing.
The home side always looked dangerous on the break and to had chances to increase their lead. Rathmullan equalised on 89 minutes when Ryan Connolly got onto a through ball and his shot found the far corner.
Best for Glenea were Dean Gallagher, Lee O’Brien & Kyle McMullan, while Deejay and Declan McGarvey were best for Rathmullan.
Referee: Mick Lagan.
Drumoghill F.C. 0 Lagan Harps 0
The big derby game ended with honours even as Drumoghill and Lagan Harps played out a scoreless draw in wet conditions at The Moss, and most observes would agree that a share of the spoils were just about what both sides deserved.
In a game of few chances, it was Lagan striker Dean Murray that probably had the best of the chances that were created. The young striker found himself clean through on two occasions, but each time was denied by Paddy Gildea.
Drumoghill though did have their chances too and Liam O’Donnell will feel that he could have done better when he rose highest, only to narrowly head over on 52 minutes from a pinpoint Niall Howley cross.
This was a day though when defences were on top, particularly Lee Smyth for Drumoghill and Lagan’s Paul Rodgers, and the game looked like it was heading for a 0-0 long before the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 1 Keadue Rovers 5
Keadue Rovers took the lead in the first half with a great shot from distance from Jack Boyle. Keadue doubled the lead at the start of the second half when Cory Gallagher found the net followed by Jack Boyle getting his second of the match making it 3-0 to the visitors. Convoy fought back with Conor Rodgers scoring for the home side, chipping the keeper, but Keadue made sure of the points with two late goals, Cory Gallagher getting his second and Ultan Boyle on the final whistle.
St. Catherines 8 Ballybofey United 1
The home team were 3- 0 up within 10 minutes of the starting whistle. Ryan Farrell lobbed the keeper from distance, a Daniel Breslin free kick and a Brendan Mc Guire tap in left the home team in dreamland.
The best move of the match was produced on 32 minutes. Niall Campbell was the provider after some superb one touch football and Daniel Breslin gladly accepted to make it 4-0 at the break.
Some determined tackling from Gary Mc Hugh saw and the ball brake kindly for Brendan McGuire and he slotted home to make it 5-0. The saints were awarded a penalty on 70 minutes and again Breslin tucked away the spot kick.
The 7th arrived from sub Caolan Byrne who was very impressive after coming on as sub. Ballybofey kept plugging away and were rewarded with a goal, a superb strike from Anthony Burton on 80 minutes.
Another late sub with the home team taking on Donal Mc Guire and he proved his worth with a good individual goal with five minutes to go. Good team performance from St. Catherine’s while best for the visitors was Michael Lafferty in midfield.
Lifford Celtic 7 Dunkineely Celtic 1
Lifford win 7-1 in a one-sided game with plenty of action. In the 11th minute Mark Neeson gave Lifford the lead from the penalty spot. Ross Porter soon doubled the lead from a Colin Carlin cross.
Jude Patton made it three and Porter got his second before the break. Lifford’s 5th and 6th goals were identical with Paul McNulty crossing for Porter to head home.
Dunkineely got a goal back to make it 6-1.
Jude Patton completed the rout on a good day for Lifford.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Whitestrand United 0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 2
A local derby took centre stage at Mc Garvey Park when Whitestrand United hosted Kerrykeel ‘71.
The game started at a strong pace with both teams looking for the upper hand. As the game continued, Kerrykeel began to have the better of the game.
However, Whitestrand rarely looked troubled at the back with Sean Barrett in particular looking impressive. However, Sean Little scored a great goal on the turn that left the Whitestrand keeper with no chance.
Sean Barrett had a great header saved by the Kerrykeel keeper and the score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half was largely like the first as Whitestrand threatened, however, Kerrykeel always looked dangerous and this told late in the game when Sean Little doubled his tally.
This killed the game and the bragging rights for this derby went to the men from Kerrykeel.
Best for Whitestrand, Sean Barrett
Letterbarrow Celtic 2 Deele Harps 2
A beautiful day in Tymeen started a feisty affair from two teams who always bring out the best in each other. Letterbarrow started strongest and soon capitalised when Alex McNelis slotted home a well worked goal.
Deele responded however and began the second half strongest and brought the game back level going into the final quarter. Conor McDaid put the home side back in front, converting an exquisite cross from Paddy Ward.
Deele scored late on to level the tie again and that’s how it finished. Best for Letterbarrow were Barry Jordan, Paddy Ward and Conor McDaid with Deele’s left back performing well for the visitors.
Curragh Athletic 4 Copany Rovers 1
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United 2 Gweedore United 0
Cranford got a hard-fought victory over a very competitive Gweedore side to keep their outside hopes of the league title going. In the first half both sides cancelled each other out but both sides did hit the woodwork.
James Lee was very unlucky for Cranford when his super volley rattled the crossbar. The second half was a lot more open and Cranford took the lead after 60 minutes, there was a scramble in the Gweedore box and Chris Duffy turned home a Padraig Mac Ginty cross.
Gweedore nearly replied straight away however Conor McBride pulled off two very good saves on two different occasions.
Cranford then wrapped up the three points when Danny McBride did great work down the left hand side and played a lovely ball in for Kevin Doherty to power home a header.
