COCKHILL CELTIC REMAIN top of the Ulster Senior League after a hard fought victory over Fanad United at a blustery Traigh-a-Loch this afternoon.
Fanad United 1-2 Cockhill Celtic
Cockhill (pictured above) are now three points clear following their win and Letterkenny Rovers’ draw against Swilly Rovers.
The visitors played with the wind in the first half and had most of the early pressure. This pressure paid off in the 10th minute when Cockhill took the lead. After Arthur Lynch was adjudged to have fouled Gerard McLaughlin in the box, Ronan Doherty stepped up to score into the bottom right hand corner.
The decision to award the penalty certainly seemed soft as there appeared to be very little contact made. Fanad had a chance to equalise in the 15th minute when Arthur Lynch seen his header from a Conor Blaney corner cleared off the line by Derek Doherty.
There was very few chances of note for the remainder of the half as players struggled with the conditions. Just before the break however Keelin McElwaine had to be alert for Fanad when Ciaran McLaughlin went on a driving run from right back but McElwaine produced a fine tackle in the box.
Just after the re-start Fanad almost got an equaliser in a somewhat freakish circumstances. When Arthur Lynch cleared the ball from inside his own half, the ball caught the wind and with Gavin Cullen frantically running back he was glad to see the ball drift wide of his post.
Ten minutes into the half Cockhill should really have extended their lead. When Gerry Gill swung in a free kick from the left the ball was met by the un-marked Peter Doherty but he headed over. Cockhill did extend their lead with 20 minutes to go.
Fanad United
After Fanad failed to clear the ball, Ronan Doherty slid the ball across the box where Gerard McLaughlin was on hand to finish from close range.
To their credit Fanad didn’t let their heads drop and continued to push for a goal. They were rewarded in the 85th minute when player manager Arthur Lynch headed home a Marty McAteer corner. Fanad did push for an equaliser but eventually ran out of time.
Overall Gavin Cullen will be delighted to stay top of the league and firmly on course for another USL title. Best for Fanad were, Arthur Lynch, Seimi Friel and John McGarvey. Best for Cockhill were Mal McDermott, Gerry Gill and Ronan Doherty (O).
Fanad United: Paddy Kelly, Oisin Langan, Conor Blaney, Seimi Friel, Arthur Lynch, Declan McGarvey, Ryan McGonigle, Marty McAteer, Keelin McElwaine (Eoghan Rafferty 70), John McGarvey, Killian Gallagher (Eric Roberts 73)
Cockhill Celtic: Gavin Cullen, Ciaran McLaughlin, Jason Breslin, Peter Doherty, Mal McDermott, Darren Coyle, Ronan Doherty(N), Derek Doherty, Gerard McLaughlin (Paul McKinney 80), Gerry Gill, Ronan Doherty(O)
Referee: Vincent McLoughlin.
Ulster Senior League table
| Cockhill Celtic | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 29 | 5 | 24 | 21 |
| Letterkenny Rovers | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 26 | 15 | 11 | 18 |
| Bonagee Utd | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 23 | -2 | 12 |
| Derry City Res. | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 11 |
| Swilly Rovers | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 24 | -12 | 6 |
| Fanad Utd. | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 33 | -25 | 5 |
