IN a re-run of last season’s Donegal News League Cup final, Cockhill travelled to Dry Arch Park but they returned to Inishowen empty-handed with Bonagee taking all three points.
Bonagee United 2-1 Cockhill Celtic
The home team began the game well, and should have taken the lead in the ninth minute. A long pass out of defence by Darren Hunter evaded Derek Doherty, and Ryan McFadden scooped his effort just over the crossbar with Cullen beaten.
Cockhill (pictured above), fresh from their exploits in the FAI Senior Cup last weekend, had an effort in the 12th minute when left back Derek Doherty got into a dangerous area and his shot stung the fingertips of Eugene Ferry, who managed to push the ball around the post for a corner.
Bonagee U were beginning to put a foothold on the game, and McFadden, who was excellent throughout the encounter, had an opportunity in the 24th minute, but his effort from 20 yards went over the bar. Christopher McLaughlin, who always was a threat going forward for Celtic, worried Ferry with a pile driver that grazed the woodwork in the 35th minute.
The second half was only 60 seconds old, when Cockhill took the lead. Darek Frankowski’s clearance rebounded off a Cockhill player into the path of Aidan O’Donnell, and he made no mistake from ten yards. At this point, the visitors were on top and efforts from McLaughlin and Bradley went very close.
The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute. Ryan McFadden’s curling shot from the edge of the area was parried by Cullen, and Aidan McLaughlin had the simple task of knocking it into the net from all of three yards.
The pendulum had swung in Bonagee’s favour at the stage and all their good play was rewarded in the 74th minute, when McLaughlin got his second of the afternoon, following a neat one two with Deano Larkin.
They could have extended their advantage four minutes later when 15 year old James Carolan was inches from connecting with Larkin’s cross. Bonagee held out to claim victory, and they now face the returning Fanad United on Tuesday night in the second game of this group, a game that has been reversed to Bonagee.
Bonagee United: Eugene Ferry, Gareth Breslin, Declan Lynch, Paddy O’Loan, Darek Frankowski, Chris Moran, Ryan McFadden, Darren Hunter, Aidan McLaughlin, Dean Larkin, James Carolan. SUBS: Paul Clarke, Aodhan Cannon, Daryll Browne, Taylor Russell, Michael Carroll, Matthew Gallagher, Jamie Lynagh
Cockhill Celtic: Gavin Cullen, Kieran McLaughlin, Peter Doherty, Derek Doherty, William O’Connor, James Bradley, Ronan Doherty, Darren Coyle, Paul McKinney, Aidan O’Donnell, Christy McLaughlin. SUBS: Mark Moran, Chris McLaughlin, Michael Coyle, Ronan Doherty.
No report received from Derry City 6-0 Letterkenny Rovers
Results
Donegal News League Cup
Group A
Derry City Res. 6 – 0 Letterkenny Rovers
Group B
Bonagee Utd. 2 – 1 Cockhill Celtic
Fixtures
Donegal News League Cup
Tuesday, Sept. 1st at 6:30pm
Group B
Fanad Utd. v Bonagee Utd. (REVERSED to Bonagee)
Wednesday, Sept. 2nd at 6:30pm
Group A
Swilly Rovers v Derry City Res.
Sunday, September 13th
Donegal News League Cup
Group A
Letterkenny Rovers v Swilly Rovers
Derry City Res. (Bye)
Group B
Cockhill Celtic v Fanad Utd.
Bonagee Utd. (Bye)
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