Letterkenny Rovers
STALEMATE AT LECKVIEW
Letterkenny Rovers 2
Derry City Res. 2
It was a case of the late late Show at Leckview Park on Sunday as Derry City Reserves grabbed a point with a 92nd minute penalty in an absorbing 2-2 draw.
Both teams knew before kick-off that a win would see the victorious side go top due to Cockhill’s game at Swilly being postponed.
Rovers took the lead when a neat cushioned half volley from Mark Forker over the top sent Darren McElwaine on a chase and he nipped in between two defenders to latch onto the ball before taking it past goalkeeper Mark McElhinney and neatly tucking home.
Derry were finidng it difficult to adjust to the tough conditions and appeared a little apprehensive in front of watching Candystripes first team boss Kenny Shiels who took his place in the dugout alongside the regular management team of John Quigg and Kevin Mahon. They did equalise though from their first chance of the game on 32 minutes when Ronan Curtiss rose unmarked to head home. Rovers went back in front just before half time when Mark Forker’s shot turned into a cross which somehow found McElwaine via a deflection at the back post and he tapped home from close range.
The second half was a dour intriguing battle with plenty of industry and work rate without too many clear chances being created. City never gave up and got their reward on 92 minutes when Ryan Lonergan was adjudged to have taken down Gareth McFadden in the box. There were widespread protests from the Rovers camp as they deemed it a soft call from referee Michael Connolly but the League of Ireland official was never in doubt and it was Ryan Curran who stepped up with a superb penalty which gave Friel no chance and ensured the spoils were shared.
Rovers and Derry are both just one point off the pacesetters Cockhill and Bonagee and Derry could go top next week if they defeat Cockhill while Letterkenny ar eon intermediate duty at Dunboyne in Co Meath.
Letterkenny’s next games in the league are back to back ties with Swilly Rovers.
Letterkenny Rovers: Sean Friel, Ryan Lonergan, Conal McGonagle, Tristsn Ferris, Paul Boyle, Garbhan Grant, Paul McVeigh, Tommy Bonnar, Darren McElwaine, Mark Forker, Kevin McGrath. Subs: Terence Shiels for Ferris 60 mins
Derry City Reserves: Mark McElhinney, Shay Boyle, Gareth McFadden, Jack Blake, Peter Doherty, Ben Doherty, Rory Holden, Adrian Delap, Ronan Curtis, Ryan Curran, Ryan Doherty. Subs: Sam Todd for Paul Doherty 53 mins, Cathal Farren for Blake 67 mins.
Referee; Michael Connolly
AWAY WIN FOR BONAGEE
Fanad Utd. 2
Bonagee Utd. 4
Bonagee United defeated Fanad United for the 4th time this season on a perfect day for football in Traigh-a-Loch.
Bonagee took the lead in the 7th minute when Ryan McFadden was on hand to place the ball into the bottom corner. The visitors scored their second goal on the stroke of half time. Chris Moran took a free kick out on the right which was met by Aidan McLaughlin who’s first time flick deceived Blaney and rolled into the corner.
Bonagee then extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half. Dean Larkin cut in from the wing and played an inch perfect ball to Ryan McFadden who made no mistake. Anthony Appiah got on the score sheet with 5 minutes to go when James Carolan was taken down in the box, Appiah hammered the spot kick high into the top corner. Fanad pulled one goal back 3 minutes later through substitute Michael McGinley. At times in the second half the game threatened to boil over as tempers flared. It all came to a head in the 90th minute when a scuffle involving a large amount of players resulted in Chris Moran of Bonagee and Marty McAteer of Fanad receiving straight red cards. Fanad did score another consolation goal when Seimi Friel hammered home a free kick from 25 yards giving Ferry no chance. Best for Fanad were Keelin McElwaine and Seimi Friel. Best for Bonagee Ryan McFadden and Dean Larkin.
Fanad United: Oran Blaney, Oisin Langan, Shaun McElwaine, Marty McAteer, Seamus Friel, Patrick Carr (Michael McGinley 56), Conor McGonigle (Kevin McGonigle 76), Declan McGarvey (Ryan McGonigle 56), Brian McVeigh, Davitt Walsh, Keelin McElwaine.
Bonagee United: Eugene Ferry, Gareth Breslin, Declan Lynch, Darek Frankowski, Darren Hunter, Jamie Lynagh, Ryan McFadden (Barry McGinley 75), Chris Moran, Aidan McLaughlin (James Carolan 78), Dean Larkin, Ciaran Curran (Anthony Appiah 45)
Ref Marty McGarrigle
Fixtures
Sunday, November 29th
4 Lanterns Ulster Senior League at 2pm
Cockhill Celtic v Derry City Res.
Swilly Rovers v Fanad Utd
Results
Fanad Utd. 2 4 Bonagee Utd.
Letterkenny Rovers 2 2 Derry City Res.
Swilly Rovers P P Cockhill Celtic
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