RAPHOE TOWN got the win they required against Glenree United to seal their promotion from the Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division 2.
Raphoe Town 4 Glenree United 0
In their last but one fixture of the 2019/20 campaign following a four-month break because of the CoVid-19 pandemic, the hosts at Deele College were comfortable in the end and the visitors – who conceded seven in the corresponding fixture – battled throughout having had Barry Trearty sent off on 14 minutes for deliberate handball on the line.
From the resultant penalty kick, Christy Bogle opened the scoring and despite a clatter of chances for the home team, some resolute defending and good goalkeeping kept it that way until just before the hour-mark. However, goals from DT Kelly, an own goal from the luckless Dougy McGlone and David Craig’s last-minute strike made it four in the end against a gritty Glenree.
After the opening goal, it was all Raphoe. Dean McConnell struck the post with David Ladley beaten and DT Kelly fizzed a fine effort just wide.
As well as that, Corey Gillen saw a shot blocked by Cathal McGinley and Dylan Brolly saw a deflected shot well-saved by Ladley. McConnell and Bogle also saw shots fly right across the face of goal.
The young Raphoe team played some impressive football throughout and in the second half finally got their second on 58 minutes. It came when DT Kelly headed home from close range after an inviting Zach Brolly centre.
It was 3-0 nine minutes later when McGlone was unfortunate to tuck a McConnell cross into his own net following mammoth Raphoe pressure. McGlone did redeem himself towards the finish with a brave block and clearance of the line.
In the 90th minute, a fine move from Raphoe saw the ball end up at the feet of Craig at the angle of the penalty area and his piercing shot gave the move the finish it deserved. Craig has been taking the team of late, alongside manager Shane Dolan.
Raphoe Town: Roy Duffy; Christy Bogle, Kyran Coyle, Corey Brolly, Seamy Bogle (Craig Kelly 56); DT Kelly (Conor Friel 80), Zach Brolly (Oliver Quinn 61), Keelan Bogle, Corey Gillen (Michael Quinn 71); Dylan Brolly (David Craig 71), Dean McConnell.
Glenree United: David Ladley; Barry Trearty, Ultan McGroddy, John McClafferty, Cathal McGinley; Patrick Coll, John Caldwell, Sean Martin, Eoghan Moore; Joe Boyle, Marty McLaughlin (Daniel McGroddy half-time).
Referee: Marty McAuley
