Cockhill Celtic moved out on their own at the top of the Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League as Marty Doherty and Peter Doherty scored the goals in a 2-0 win over Finn Harps Reserves.
Cockhill Celtic 2 Finn Harps Reserves 0
Played in ideal conditions in Cockhill, this match had an even opening with both teams cancelling each other out in midfield.
The first shot on target arrived on 12 minutes when Gerry Gill’s shot from the edge of the D was well dealt with by Joe Boyle despite getting a slight deflection.
Harps should have taken the lead on 19 minutes when Pat Loughrey beat the offside trap but chose to shoot straight at Lee McCarron when Dylan McGroary was well placed for a pass.
As the half wore on, Cockhill got on top.
On 39 minutes Ronan Doherty was out of luck when his goal bound shot was deflected wide by a Harps defender.
The resultant corner found Ryan Kelly whose header clipped the bar. Two minutes later they were denied again by Boyle who produced a fine tip over from a Laurence Toland header.
The opening minutes of the second half had the two moments which settled the game.
Dylan McGroary advanced through on goal but was denied by a brilliant save from McCarron. This spurred Cockhill who broke the deadlock on 54 minutes.
Gerry Gill found space on the left hand side. His low cross was expertly diverted home by Marty Doherty who showed great desire to get across the front post to make his connection.
Cockhill were on top now and pressed for a second goal.
On 62 minutes, Malachy McDermott’s shot from outside the box took a massive deflection but Boyle made a fine save. Cockhill were not to be denied however and doubled their lead from the resultant corner. Gill’s delivery was flicked on by Gerard McLaughlin finding Peter Doherty who forced the ball home from close range.
Cockhill saw the game out comfortably from this point.
They may have added a third when McDermott fired wide when well placed but they also saw McCarron continue his good recent form with a fine save from a Dean O’Donnell free kick.
RESULTS
FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup semi-final
Sunday
Letterkenny Rovers 0 Firhouse Clover 0
Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League
Saturday
Bonagee United 1 Derry City Reserves 1
Sunday
Cockhill Celtic 2 Finn Harps Reserves 0
FIXTURES
Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League
Friday, March 30, 5.30pm
Cockhill Celtic v Finn Harps Reserves
Swilly Rovers v Letterkenny Rovers
Monday, April 2
2pm Fanad United v Derry City Reserves
5pm Cockhill Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers
5.30pm Finn Harps Reserves v Swilly Rovers
Table |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
||
Cockhill Celtic |
10 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
39 |
9 |
30 |
25 |
||
Fanad United |
11 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
36 |
15 |
21 |
22 |
||
Letterkenny Rovers |
8 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
18 |
10 |
8 |
18 |
* |
|
Finn Harps Reserves |
12 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
25 |
31 |
-6 |
18 |
* |
|
Derry City Reserves |
11 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
26 |
16 |
10 |
17 |
||
Bonagee United |
11 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
13 |
34 |
-21 |
6 |
||
Swilly Rovers |
11 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
7 |
50 |
-43 |
1 |
||
* Letterkenny Rovers awarded 3-0 win after Finn Harps didn’t field |