The Voodoo Venue Cup took centre stage yesterday afternoon for the Saturday League teams in the Donegal League and there was no shortage of drama.
Glenea United Reserves 2 Milford United Reserves 1 (aet)
In this closely fought Voodoo Cup game it was the home side that came out on top after extra time. In the 1st half Glenea started well and created a number of half chances that they failed to convert with Lee O’Brien’s header against the post being the closest.
As the half progressed Milford came more into the game but were finding chances hard to come by. The away side took the lead on 43 minutes when Glenea failed to deal with a corner properly and Ryan McFadden’s attempted clearance was deflected into the Glenea net.
In the second half Glenea pushed hard for an equaliser but as in the first half they created a number of half chances but failed to take them through a combination of good goalkeeping, strong defending and the woodwork.
As Glenea pushed forward Milford were looking to hit on the break and they broke through twice with Darren McLaughlin getting free but he lifted his effort over the bar and TJ Everson picked up a pass but was blocked by Padraig McGee.
Glenea eventually equalised on 83 minutes when Michael Barry controlled and turned quickly in the box and slotted the ball home. Glenea were denied on 90 minutes when Lee O’Brien got free in the box but his effort was well saved.
In extra time Glenea took the lead 2 minutes in when Lee O’Brien’s long range effort evaded the away keeper.
Milford pushed hard for an equalizer but were unable to convert a couple of goalmouth scrambles.
Best for Glenea Mark Harley and Eugene Maguire, while Anthony Hegarty was best for Milford
Drumkeen United Reserves 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves 2
(No Report Submitted)
Arranmore United 1 Glencar Celtic 2
Arranmore started the better and went ahead when Paul Early fired home when he found space on the edge of the area. Daniel O’ Donnell almost made it 2 when his left footed shot went inches wide from all of 30 yards. Glencar came into the game and went close through Shane Hilley before the break. Almost immediately after the break Kevin Rafferty equalised when he headed home a Garvan Grieve corner.
Glencar piled on the pressure and it told when Hilley did well holding the ball up before he turned the home defender and squared for Lee McMonagle to tap home.
Gavin McGlanaghey almost brought the game to extra time when his 25 yard attempt was superbly saved by Dominic Friel in the away goals.
Best for Glencar was Kevin Rafferty. Team performance from the home team.
Referee: Enda Martin
Raphoe Town Reserves 2 Drumbar 2 (aet. Drummer win 5-4 on pens)
This was a tight game from the start. Drumbar took an early lead but Raphoe equalised through Keelan Mc Monagle’s great finish. It was nip and tuck throughout the first half. Early in the second half Drumbar took the lead to make it 1-2.
Raphoe plugged away with Keelan Kelly at the forefront of many Raphoe attacks. He was unlucky not to get himself a goal. Raphoe kept going and Paddy Kelly got the equaliser. It was a great match, end to end action. It went to extra time and penalties and Drumbar won it 4-5.
Donegal Town Reserves 4 Dunlewey Celtic 1
Donegal Town’s James Kerrigan had a debut to remember scoring a hat-trick on his first senior start for the club. Kerrigan took little time to get going in this one and finished well from inside the box after great link up play by Town veteran David Ted Bustard.
Kerrigan doubled his tally soon after, with Bustard again instrumental rounding the centre half to slip Kerrigan through and the young striker couldn’t miss from five yards. Donegal piled on the pressure after this and although the visitors were always a danger from set pieces the centre half pairing of Byrne and Gavagan marshalled their defence well.
Kerrigan completed a first half hat-trick shortly before the break.
Stephen Graham sprayed the ball out to Gary Ward whose pinpoint delivery was met at the front post by Kerrigan to complete an impressive first half performance.
Dunlewey responded better in the second half and were much more of a threat but the game was finished as a contest when Ciaran Monaghan latched onto a quick free kick to cross for Stephen Graham to finish well.
The visitors kept going and got a goal back with 15 minutes to go when Keith Sweeney poked home from close range. A well contested game played in a sporting manner with the home side just having a little too much on this occasion.
Referee: Tony McNamee
Fintown Harps AFC 5 Lagan Harps Reserves 1
In the clash of the Harps, Fintown welcomed Lagan to Pairc Acla. Fintown started sharp and Keelan McMonagle opened the scoring when he pounced on a through ball from Eunan Doherty.
Doherty got on the scoresheet himself when he slipped the keeper after a solo run.
On 35 minutes captain Shan McMillan converted a penalty and McMillan added a second on the stroke of half time. In the second half Lagan came out sharper and Brian Farrelly capitalised on a defensive mistake to make it 4-1.
Lagan continued to push and Eunan Doherty put brother Michael Doherty through to rifle home. Owen O’Connor and Sean Gallagher were best for Lagan with Eunan and Michael Doherty best for Fintown.
Referee: Seamus McGroary
