A superb individual goal from Ryan McConnell was the difference on Saturday afternoon as Letterkenny Rovers maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over Derry City Reserves.
Letterkenny Rovers 2 Derry City Reserves 1
McConnell’s first goal of he season could not have come at a more opportune time as Rovers struggled to break down a rigid Derry side who caught the eye particularly in the second half.
Heavy rain on Friday night made for soggy conditions but Leckview withstood the elements and both sides are to be commended for their efforts over what was an energy sapping encounter and it was the home side who started the game the brightest with Darren McElwaine shooting over when well placed on 12 minutes.
That set the tone for the opening period and Rovers came closest on 21 minutes when Paul McVeigh set Declan Sharkey through on goal but he saw his effort hit the base of the post before being cleared to safety.
That chance was only brief respite as Rovers took the lead just a few minutes later when Sharkey turned provider for McElwaine and his well hit effort sailed past former Watford goalkeeper Nathan Gartside in the City goal.
Rovers tried to extend the advantage with efforts from McElwaine and Christy Connaghan but never overly troubled Gartside while City looked content to try to attack on the break and were marginally caught offside on a number of occasions in the opening period but did come closest when Dylan Devines goalbound effort was cleared by Conor Tourish on 39 minutes but it was the home side who led by the minimum at the interval.
Rovers started the 2nd half brioht and Sharley shot over on 50 minutes and that looked to be a turning point as City levelled affairs on 62 minute when lively sub Mikey Friel shot home well after a quick breakaway involving the extremely lively trio of Jack Malone, Shane McNamee and Odhran Kennedy after a Rovers attack had broken down.
That shook Rovers and with Malone and Kennedy having an increasing influence on the encounter City sensed that they may go on and win the game and caught the eye with some neat intricate play and it Malone who came closest when his effort from distance was well gathered by home netminder Rory Kelly.
It was the home side though who secured the all important third goal on 77 minutes when McConnell was allowed to run from halfway through a maze of defenders before firing a left footed effort low to the bottom corner past the outstretched Gartside.
That was McConnell’s first goal of the season and raised much cheer amongst the home support but City responded well and McNamee flashed a couple of efforts just over as they attempted to salvage an equaliser while BJ Banda had a number of chances to extend Rovers lead but fired just wide on a couple of occasions.
A good win for Rovers in the context of their season and sets up a league trip to defending champions Cockhill Celtic next weekend although City may rue not taking something from the game which was well marshalled by referee Vincent McLoughlin.
Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Chris Flanagan, Luke Nelis, Conor Tourish, Ryan McConnell, Kevin McGrath, Paul McVeigh, Chris Malseed, Christy Connaghan, Darren McElwaine, Declan Sharkey. Subs: BJ Banda for McElwaine (58), Odhran McMacken and Matty Harkin for McVeigh and Sharkey (70), Brian McVeigh for McGrath (80), Ryan Lonergan for Flanagan (84).
Derry City Reserves: Nathan Gartside, Rhys McDermott, Conor Doherty, Ethan Harkin, kieran Farren, kian McGarvey, Jack Malone, Odhran Kennedy, Shane McNamee, Finn McClure, Dylan Devine. Subs: Mikey Friel and Caoimhin Porter for Doherty and McGarvey (45), Adam Curran for Devine (65)
Referee: Vincent McLoughlin
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