Here are all of the match results and reports from this week’s Donegal Women’s League games.
Senior Ladies
Raphoe Town 4 – 5 Bonagee United
A penalty from Orlaith Connolly started the scoring in a fantastic game of football in Drumineneny that saw last year’s league champions Bonagee, pushed to the wire by an ever-improving Raphoe team. That penalty was won after Vanessa McHugh was upended and the Raphoe striker was a thorn in the side of the Bonagee team all night, but even a hat-trick from her wasn’t enough to seal the points from a battling Bonagee side who showed just why they are reigning champions. McHugh got the first of her three a few minutes after the penalty, but it was far from one way traffic and Bonagee who had forced Aimee Kelly to make a couple of fine stops, got a goal back before the break when Caitlin Fletcher raced clear to score. Aisling Mugan had the teams back on level terms a few minutes into the second half, but again Raphoe responded, and Vanessa McHugh scored her second to give the home side the lead again. Natalie McFadden fired back for Bonagee to make it 3-3 with ten minutes left on the clock. There were chances at both ends with both goalkeepers making good saves, but when Alicia McCullagh and Lauren O’Donnell combined to set up Vanessa McHugh for her hat-trick, the home side must have thought they could hold out. However Bonagee had other ideas and Catherine Grier soon had the teams level and with just a few minutes left to play Caitlin Fletcher sealed all three points for the visitors in this 5-4 thriller. Well done to both teams for great game of football on a very hot night.
Under 12
Group 1
Gweedore United 0 – 1 Donegal Town
The Gweedore girls started the game well with Lucy Doohan having two shots that went just wide. Donegal Town started to get into the game more in the second half and with the game heading for a 0-0 draw Abigail McCahill scored the winner with 3 minutes remaining. Great credit to both teams for a great game.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 4 – 0 Convoy Arsenal
On a glorious evening for football, Lurgy Park was the venue as Kilmacrennan bounced back from their opening day defeat to seal a win over a battling Convoy team. The home team started brightly, dominating both territory and chances with Caidhla, Aoibhinn, Mia, and Jorjamae all going close but found the Convoy keeper a tough nut to crack. They did finally take the lead when a pass from Aoibhinn found Hayley and she made no mistake from close range. Try as they might the home team continued to force the pace but failed to find the net again and it was 1 – 0 at the break. The 2nd half was more of the same with the Convoy defence under pressure but to their credit they battled hard for every ball, however they conceded a 2nd goal after 40 minutes when Caidhlas shot was well saved before Roise fired home the rebound. Minutes later it was 3 when the lively Jorjamae swept home from the edge of the box after Hayley’s pass. The final goal arrived on 50 minutes when Hayley broke free and kept her composure to fire home from just inside the box to send the large crowd away happy. A battling performance from Convoy who will undoubtedly improve as the season continues, they worked hard in warm conditions and were a credit to their coaches Ian, Roslyn, Teresa and Paddy. Strong team performance from the home team with Aoibhinn, Hayley, Mia and Jorjamae to the fore. Game was excellently controlled by Gavin Doherty.
Ballyraine 1 – 1 Lagan Harps
The spoils were shared in an intense game at Orchard Grove on Tuesday evening, as Ballyraine came from behind to maintain their unbeaten record in the league this season in a close fought match in very warm conditions. In a very even first half, the visitors moved the ball well and created slightly more chances than the home side, but neither strikeforce could break the deadlock by half time. Lagan started the second half on the front foot, and took the lead through a stunning free kick from Emily McMahon from wide on the left. Her clean strike from a narrow angle bent into the top corner giving Holly Gordon no chance in the Ballyraine goal. Lagan pressed for a second as Ballyraine tried to regroup after losing centre back Cora Lannon to injury, but a fine full stretch save from Gordon, and a superb last ditch tackle by Millie Toland kept the deficit to the minimum. Ballyraine rallied and started to apply pressure at the other end, with Hanna Carty probing on the right wing, however, Lagan netminder E. Sharkey dealt capably with several dangerous crosses, as well as saving from Ballyraine top scorer Maria Wenelska. It fell to midfield maestro Millie Toland to tie things up. after surging forward following good work by Stella Sweeney to fire home with a powerful long range drive which eluded the keeper and crept into the corner. Ballyraine sparked to life after the goal and pressed hard for a winner, with the best chance falling to Maria Wenelska who broke clear of the defence, but Sharkey narrowed her angles well and the shot went just the wrong side of the post. Ultimately the draw was by that the fairest result in this pulsating match with exceptional football played by both sets of players, very capably refereed by John Coll.
Mulroy Academy 2 – 3 Cappry Rovers
Keadue Rovers 0 – 2 Finn Valley
Finn Valley came away from Keadue on Tuesday evening with a brilliant 2-0 victory. On a beautiful evening for football the large crowd were treated to an incredible game between two excellent teams. Keadue dominated the first half and but for some poor finishing and excellent saves from the visiting goalkeeper they would have been a few goals ahead. The second half was more nip and tuck with both teams coming close to scoring with Ciara Gallagher’s sensational save from Isla Patton the outstanding moment of the game. With 3 minutes left, Finn Valley struck a sucker punch when after a brilliant through ball Saoirse Hannigan finished brilliantly. Keadue pushed hard for a deserved equaliser and got caught again in Injury time when Riona McIntyre finished well. It was hard on the home side, but they can have no complaints with the performance. Dessie Mclaughlin was the man in the middle, and he let the game flow brilliantly.
Group 2
Milford United 2 – 1 Letterbarrow Celtic Youths
Milford got off to a flying start when Grace Murray broke through in the 2nd minute to slot home with a tidy finish. Milford had chances to extend their lead and it came on the 21st minute when Michaella McElhinney scored with a bullet of a strike into the top corner. Milford went in 2 nil up at the break. After the break Milford continued to dominate but failed to take their chances. Letterbarrow got a consolidation goal in injury time and the game finished 2-1 to Milford. Some lovely football played by all the girls.
Glenree 4 – 2 Drumbar United A
In lovely sunshine Glenree welcomed Drumbar to Glenree for this league game. Some great performances on both teams with Eilis scoring 4 for Glenree with 3 assists from Erin and 1 from Aoife. Drumbar scorers were Ella and Kadi. Thanks to Drumbar for making the long trip and playing such an entertaining game.
Letterkenny Rovers 1 – 5 Illistrin
Group 3
Finn Valley B 2 – 1 Drumkeen United
It was double delight for Finn Valley’s pocket rocket Saoirse McMenamin as she helped herself to both goals as Finn Valley edged out a 2-1 win over Drumkeen on Monday evening. The home side started brightly with Emily McMenamin and Hannah May Browne linking up well. McMenamin went closest to opening the scoring with a well struck shot that just crept wide. It was her namesake Saoirse who gave Finn Valley the lead as she found the net from close range after good work from Cerys Canning. The lead was short-lived however, as Drumkeen struck straight back and equalised just before half time through Sophie Kearns. Both teams availed of water breaks to cope with the heat and the game hotted up even more in the second half as the home team searched for a winner. The Drumkeen rear guard stood firm however and a well struck Chloe Kee shot that hit the post was as close as Finn Valley came. But in the dying minutes the ever-lively Saoirse McMenamin stepped up and finished well from close range from a Hannah May Browne through ball. Well done to both teams for a hard fought and entertaining battle played in good spirit.
Letterkenny Rovers B – Ballyraine Celtic (Ballyraine Win)
Bonagee United – Kildrum Tigers (Bonagee win)
Bonagee hosted Kildrum on a glorious evening in Goose Green. Bonagee got off to a strong start with Leila Coyle scoring their first goal after good work from Kayla Pyper. Kildrum responded with a goal from an energetic Molly Toland ably assisted by Harper Lynch Mahon. Bonagee took control of the game in spite of the constant battling from the young Kildrum girls. Eabha Gribben scored her first goal with a well taken left foot effort after a great pass from Croía Lynne. Well done to Grace Parke who scored the next four goals with great support play from Bonagee. Alice Harvey got on the score sheet with a shot from long range. Eabha Gribben completed the scoring for Bonagee in the closing minutes. This score was not reflective of the battling performance from this young Kildrum side with both goal keepers producing numerous saves throughout the game. Best of luck to Kildrum going forward.
Swilly Rovers – Gweedore United B (Swilly Rovers Win)
Swilly U12 girls got off to a great start and Hollie Sweeney finished smartly after some nice build up. Not to be outdone Kiri Sweeney took advantage of some indecision and added after 10 mins. Kiri grabbed another after the water break after some good work from Swilly midfield. In the second half Gweedore came out fighting and Alannah Quaile kept things safe on more than one occasion, shepherding the ball wide and up the line to our wingers. Hollie Sweeney then struck twice in quick succession to grab her hat trick. Kiri almost got hers also but instead it was Meabh Kennedy again with a driving run and a fine finish. Well done girls.
Drumbar United B 0 – 3 Cappry Rovers B
Under 14
Group 1
Donegal Town B 0 – 5 Lagan Harps
Lagan Harps 2 – 0 Ballyraine
With Lagan reopening our pitch this weekend after drainage work, this was the first game on the new surface. They started really well and played some great football. Sinead Mc Loughlin played some superb passes to Teaghan Doherty, who was on fire in the first half. Lagan got the goal we deserved on twenty-five minutes when Sinead Mc Loughlin drove home a cross from Teaghan. It was appropriate that Lagan’s leader Sinead got the first goal on the new surface. She had showed great loyalty sticking with the club through last year’s struggles. Lily Hamlyn was then denied by a superb save from Aine Mc Daid. Ballyraine then grew into the game with Eadoin Kennedy and Darcie Boyle threatening. However, Lagan’s defence and keeper Ciara Cullen stayed solid with Saoirse Mc Bride outstanding. The second half was evenly balanced, but Lagan began to take control again. Mikaela Breen was just wide with an effort after another attack. Amy Lateef hit the post and was denied by another fine save by Aine Mc Daid. Amy finally got the goal she deserved when she played a good one two with Sinead before finishing well. Jodie Rodgers then had a great strike from distance come back off the crossbar. Ballyraine continued to threaten through Holly Gordon and Grace McGlynn but Lagan held on for the win.
Letterkenny Rovers – Raphoe Town (Letterkenny Rovers Win)
Four goals from Savanna Keys, two from Amy Moore and one Aisling McGinley secured the victory this evening, however Raphoe Town worked to the end as Letterkenny who played game with only 10 players began to tire scored twice through Amanda Caldwell and Katie Melerkey. Faye Casburn Rovers and Brooke Johnston Raphoe where the players of the match.
Group 2
Donegal Town 1 – 5 Convoy Arsenal
Drumbar United 3 – 0 Cappry Rovers
Finn Valley 1 – 1 St.Catherine’s
Group 3
Gweedore United 2 – 1 Keadue Rovers
Gweedore United collected all three points in this local derby after a tough battle between both sides which was played in front of a large crowd at Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair. Gweedore went ahead in this game on 10 minutes after the impressive Chloe McFadden took on her opponent on the right wing and shot excellently into the bottom right corner to give the home side the lead. Gweedore with the aid of the breeze continued to push forward to try and add to the score and saw chances from Lilly Rodgers and Lucie Boyd but the Keadue keeper did well on each occasion. In the 25th minute the away side were awarded a penalty but the Keadue player missed the resulting spot kick by sending it over the bar. The score remained 1-0 to Gweedore United at the break. In the second half with the aid of the breeze Keadue tried long ball after long ball over the top to Rabecca Reetstang whos pace was dangerous but Muireann McFadden and Katelyn McFadden dealt excellently with the treat and Nuala Doherty in goals pulled off some outstanding saves to keep the home side in front. Gweedore were dangerous on the break and Chloe McFadden and Lilly Rodgers were a constant threat to the Keadue rear guard. In the 58th minute Neasa Diver laid the ball back to Ciara McFadden who shot from 35 yards which came crashing off the crossbar and was extremely unlucky not to score a goal of the season contender, from this as happens so often in football Keadue broke up the field and after another excellent save from Nuala Doherty the ball fell to Rebecca Reetsang who finished well to make it 1-1. Both teams were not settled for the draw, and it was the home side grabbed the winner in the 65th minute when the ball fell to Lilly Rodgers who shot from 18yards into the top corner to the delight of the large home support. Gweedore held onto the lead from this point and collected a deserved 3 points. A good team performance from Keadue. An excellent team performance from Gweedore United also With Chloe McFadden, Nuala Doherty, Maireann McFadden and Katelyn McFadden excelling on the night. Some brilliant football played by both sides on the night in a tough fair battle. Referee: Seimi Ferry
Group 4
Kilmacrennan Celtic 5 – 2 Illistrin
Kilmacrennan took the points on a fine evening for football in Lurgy Park where they outplayed neighbours Illistrin. Kilmac opened the scoring with a great Grainne Friel shot on eight minutes after a well worked corner. Kilmac doubled the score when Illistrin were under pressure from a Cate Cameron corner and turned the ball into their own net. Cate Cameron then scored a superb third goal for Kilmac directly from a corner a la Katie McCabe. Kilmac started the second half sharpest with Aoibhinn Hegarty sprinting clear to latch on to an excellent ball from Cameron to put the ball past Tayla Doherty in the Illistrin net. Aoise Lenihan scored for Illistrin in the 42nd minute giving her team a welcome boost. Cate Cameron kept Kilmac comfortable scoring an excellent free kick in the 46th minute after Grainne Friel was fouled running through on goal. Aoise Lenihan crafted an excellent goal for Illistrin to keep her team in the match. Cara McGettigan in the Kilmac net made a brilliant save to prevent Lenihan getting her hattrick. The match ended 5-2 with a deserved win for Kilmacrennan who will be pleased with good performances all around the field. Aoise Lenihan and Caoimhe Mc Laughlin worked hard for Illistrin. Referee Sinead Hagan marshalled the game well ensuring the game was played in good spirits.
Mulroy Academy – Swilly Rovers (Mulroy Win)
Scorers were Aisling Duffy ×2 Aoibheann Callaghan ×2 Etaine Sheridan ×2 Cara Gibbons ×1 and an OG for Mulroy and Sophia Gurney with the Swilly goal.
Glenree 1 – 3 Milford United
Under 16
Group 1
Raphoe Town 5 – 1 Lagan Harps
A second half hat-trick from Clíodhna Kelly proved to be the difference as our U16 girls were made to fight all the way for victory by a young Lagan side who played some super football and who went in at the break level. With Sinead McLoughlin and Amy Lateef in fine form and goalkeeper Ciara Cullen making some excellent catches from dangerous Raphoe corners, the Lagan girls gave as good as they got in the first half. Raphoe did take the lead when fine work from Alicia McCullagh set up Nakita Frazell for a fine goal and she might have had another a few minutes later only to be denied by a brilliant save by Ciara Cullen. Lagan were rewarded for their excellent first half performance with a superb equaliser just a few minutes before the break, Ebony Griffin racing clear and smashing her shot into the roof of the net. Raphoe came out in the second half determined to make up for a lacklustre first half display and were soon in front when Daisy Leeper set Clíodhna Kelly away and she curled in a fine goal to make it 2-1. Another long-range strike from Kelly saw Raphoe extend their lead and super work from Molly McGroarty set up Nakita Frazell for her second as the strength in depth began to show for the home team. To their credit Lagan never gave up and continued to play excellent football, ensuring the Raphoe girls had to work to the end, but they couldn’t muster a second goal and in the end Kelly’s third goal put some gloss on the scoreline for the home team who were much better in the second half and happy to secure the points in the end.
Ballyraine 1 v 4 Bonagee United
Ballyraine Under 16 played host to local neighbours Bonagee United at Orchard Grove. Both sides were down to the bare bones with one substitute between them and a number under 14 girls helping out. Bonagee took the lead when Ellen Temple pounced on a loose throw-in from Ballyraine and she slotted the ball past the Ballyraine keeper. Cara Shiels doubled Bonagee’s lead on 19 minutes when a speculative effort found its way past Alisha Montgomery between the Ballyraine sticks. Ballyaine came more into the match in the second half with the wind behind them, but it was Ellen Temple who scored the next goal with a great turn of pace and a fine finish. The home side got one back from Maria McKinney after she picked up a nice through ball from Emer Cassidy and scored past the Bonagee keeper. Ballyraine had several more chances to get back into the game but found their luck missing. Ellen Temple sealed the victory and her hattrick on 74 minutes and Bonagee return to the Dry Arch with 3 points and a well-deserved victory.
Group 3
Keadue Rovers 0 – 1 Illistrin
Keadue Rovers hosted group leaders Illistrin on Wednesday evening at a blustery Central Park. The home side, who were down a number of regulars, won the toss, playing with a stiff breeze but it was Illistrin who settled the quicker, creating good spaces and moves, especially on the left wing but their final delivery was missing. Keadue grew into the game more after that with Elisha Boyle very influential on the right of midfield. A few half chances came the way of Rebecca Reestang and Nicole Gillespie, but keeper Caoimhe McLaughlin was alert on both occasions. The visitors started to play things more directly through the centre and it paid off on twenty eight minutes, when Aoise Lenihan found some space on the edge of the box, turned and shot past the Keadue keeper for a 1 – 0 lead. Keadue came back strongly, pinning Illistrin back but chances were at a premium with the wind not being a big advantage. In the second half, Keadue, playing against the wind, proved much more effective and some good play on both wings by Elisha Boyle and Maria McGee, kept the Illistrin defence
on their toes. The home side dominated possession and for Illistrin, their best outlet was the very impressive right winger Sophie McLaughlin, who as the half went on, won more and more ball on the right side and was very close to doubling their lead in the last ten minutes. All the while, the home side kept probing and probing, getting some very good possession but the final ball was just frustratingly short. Maria McGee, the youngest of the Keadue panel gave Keadue some outlet up front and a further couple of shots from Nicole Gillespie and Aoibheann McCann were dealt with by Caoimhe McLaughlin and Illistrin hung on for a win. It was a really good contest and the large points difference between the sides was
certainly not evident based on this encounter. Best for Illistrin were Sophie McLaughlin, Caoimhe McLaughlin, Aoise Lenihan and Maeve Brady, while impressive for Keadue were Elisha Boyle, Sarah Harley, Aoibheann McCann and Shauna Molloy. Referee: Con McLaughlin.
Milford United 1 – 0 Gweedore United
In a must win game for Milford they just about edged past a resilient Gweedore team. With a strong wind at their back Milford put Gweedore on the back foot from the off. The first real chance of the game came after 15 minutes when Erin Nelis got in behind the Gweedore defence and crossed to Anna Giles who controlled it but couldn’t keep her shot on target. Gweedore were lightening quick on the counterattack with Lily Rodger’s always dangerous. Both defences were at their best resulting in neither keeper being tested. The second half it was Gweedore who went for it with the wind at their backs. Milford found it hard to break out and Gweedore had a number of dangerous corners which only needed a touch to end up in the net. A breakaway from Milford caught Gweedore and after a defensive mistake Erin Nelis finished from close range. Gweedore had a lot of the play for the last twenty minutes but failed to create any clear-cut chances with Amy Hosford and Leanne Gordon excellent in defence. Really good game between two evenly matched teams with a mention for the excellent standard of referee.
Donegal Women’s League – this week’s match results and reports was last modified: June 29th, 2024 by