USL – Fanad go joint top as Caolan Kelly goal sinks Rovers

Fanad United overcame Intermediate Cup semi-finalists Letterkenny Rovers to go joint top of the Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League as Caolan Kelly’s goal proved the match-winner at Traigh-A-Loch.

Fanad United 1 Letterkenny Rovers 0

Played amidst a strong cross wind the game didn’t create many clear cut chances in the first half.

After three minutes Keelin McElwaine went on a lung busting run down the right and his cross into the box just eluded Oisin McMenamin and Tony McNamee. 

Ten minutes later a Tony McNamee corner was headed back across the box by Shaun McElwaine and Daire McDaid saw his header go just wide.

Fanad then took the lead just before the half hour mark. When Fanad were awarded a free out on the left, Tony McNamee sent a superb ball into the box which was met by Caolan Kelly who headed home.

With 50 minutes played, Jordan Toland sent a shot over the bar from 25 yards.

On the hour mark Fanad spurned a gilt edged chance to extend their lead. After some excellent work from Daire McDaid he sent Oisin McMenamin clear but he dragged his shot wide of the post.

Letterkenny did have a chance to equalise five minutes later. When Padjo Rafferty sent a free into the box, the ball fell to sub Steve Okakpo-Emeka but his shot was well blocked by a combination of Fanad defenders.

Letterkenny were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Ryan Gildea received a straight red card for a dangerous high challenge on Keelin McElwaine.

The last chance of note fell to Oisin McMenamin when he rounded the keeper but failed to connect properly with his shot with the goal gaping. 

Fanad United: Dane Dunworth, Keelin McElwaine, Conor Blaney, Shaun McElwaine, Oisin Langan, Jordan Toland, Patrick Carr (Darragh Black 85), Caolan Kelly, Tony McNamee, Oisin Langan, Daire McDaid

Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Ryan Lonergan, Ryan Gildea, Ryan McConnell, Conor Tourish, David Shovlin, Kevin McGrath (Garbhan Grant 60), Chris Malseed, Declan Sharkey (Steve Okakpo-Emeka 63), Christy Conaghan, Pajo Rafferty. 

Referee: Vincent McLaughlin.

FIXTURES

EA Sports Cup

Monday, March 19, 5pm

Galway United v Cockhill Celtic

FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup semi-final

Sunday, March 25, 1pm

Letterkenny Rovers v Firhouse Clover

Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League

Tuesday, March 20, 7.45

Derry City Reserves v Finn Harps Reserves

Sunday, March 25, 2pm

Derry City Reserves v Bonagee United

Finn Harps Reserves v Cockhill Celtic