It was another entertaining weekend in the Donegal League with several thrilling contests taking place throughout the county as Kildrum Tigers Reserves reserved their spot at the top of the table for another week.
Arranmore United 3-1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
In windy conditions Arranmore started well and found themselves ahead when a defensive mix-up was pounced upon by Brian Proctor and he fired into an empty net. Castlefin gradually came into the game but the Arran rearguard stood strong.
It remained 1-0 until the break. Both teams started the 2nd half brightly with Castlefin going close when Matthew O’ Rourke fired just wide.
Arran went two up when Paul Early and Brian Proctor closed down the visitor’s left back and under pressure, he passed back towards his keeper but Aidan Proctor intercepted the ball and fired past the Castlefin netminder.
Castlefin started to play like they had nothing to lose thereafter and Matthew O’ Rourke hit the bar before he put away a penalty to make it 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining.
Castlefin piled on the pressure for the remainder of the game and Arran had three or four opportunities on the break but they couldn’t find number three until Jason O’ Donnell played a perfect ball into Brian Proctor and he made it 3-1. Decent team performance from both sides.
Referee: Gerald Devine
St. Catherines Reserves 1-3 Strand Rovers
Strand took the lead on 20 minutes in this encounter at Emerald Park. They had the better of the first half and made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time, driving home a stunning free-kick from 20 yards.
They extended their advantage early in the second half making it 3-0. St Catherine’s pulled one back with 30 minutes remaining.
The home side almost made it 3-2 but for an unbelievable save from the Strand keeper. Strand hit the crossbar twice in the closing stages. Goal scorers for Strand were Jack Green with two and Connor Doyle. Ross Conneely scored for St. Catherines
Glenea United Reserves 1-1 Oldtown Celtic
Glenea Reserves resumed their league programme with a point from a hard fought game against Oldtown. The away side started well and took the lead on 8 minutes when, after good work down the right, a cross found Michael Devine and his shot found the corner of the net.
As the first half progressed the home side came more into the game and started to create chances for themselves but they were unable to convert any of them.
In the second half, Glenea started strongly and were pushing hard for an equaliser and on 60 minutes they almost got it when Odhran Mc Bride saw his lob come back off the bar after being played in by Cillian Gallagher.
Glenea finally equalised on 67 minutes from the penalty spot through Padraig McGee. In the final 20 minutes play swung from end as both sides pushed hard for a winner. Oldtown’s Michael Devine saw his long-range effort on 75 minutes come back off the bar. Sean Curran and John Mc Garvey both went close for the home side.
Oldtown almost got a winner near the end but they were denied by a good save Shaun Mc Clafferty and a clearance from Padraig McGee.
Best for Glenea were Eugene Maguire, Sean Curran & John Mc Garvey. Michael Devine was always a threat for Oldtown.
Referee: Michael McFadden
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Milford United Reserves 3-5 Fintown Harps AFC
Fintown started the game very strong and took the lead after only 2 minutes. A free kick from the halfway line from Seamus Ellis was misjudged by Barry Gallagher in goal to give Fintown the lead. Ten minutes later Fintown got their second after some good play was finished by Eunan Doherty.
With 20 minutes gone Milford got back into the game after Kevin O’Donnell was fouled in the box and Ciaran Mc Ginley stepped up to make it 2-1.
On 40 minutes Fintown found themselves 3-1 ahead when a mix- up in Milford’s defence ended with an own goal. On the stroke of half-time Fintown made it 4-1 through Eunan Gallier.
Milford came out strong for the second half and pulled one back straight from kick off through another own goal.
Ten minutes later Darren Mc Laughlin scored a header to make it 4-3. Milford pressed for an equaliser but were caught on the break with 5 minutes left. Alton Gallagher made it 5-3 to give Fintown the points. A very entertaining game that both teams can be proud of.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves 0-1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Kildrum come out on top in what was a tight encounter at An Screaban. The first half ended scoreless with both teams missing chances.
The second half was much the same until Chris Cronin opened the scoring with ten minutes to go. Kildrum’s defence held out well as they collected another three points to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Drumbar F.C. 1-5 Cappry Rovers Reserves
The opening half was fairly even in terms of possession and opportunities for both sides. Cappry took full advantage of their set pieces converting 3 from 3 in the last ten minutes before the interval.
Ryan Mc Gee, Cian Mc Gee and Ronan Carolan all scored for Cappry while Keelan Heeney converted a spot kick for the home side to finish the match.
Drumkeen United Reserves 3-2 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Drumkeen got a much-needed win with a hard earned victory over visitors Drumoghill on Saturday afternoon. Michael Guthrie’s late winner secured the points in a game which saw the home team behind twice. The visitors took the lead early on through Jamie Doherty and were a goal up at the break. Jason McDaid equalised for Drumkeen early in the second half.
Sean Cleary then fired Drumoghill ahead again after 60 minutes.
Despite falling behind again Drumkeen kept on battling and it paid off as a great free kick from Rory Gildea got them back on level terms with about 10 minutes left.
Just as it looked like we were heading for a draw Michael Guthrie popped up with a late goal to secure all three points. This was a typical hard but fair contest.
Referee: Frank Duff.
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