Strand Hotel First Division       

O’Donnell keeps the colts at bay.

Gleneely Colts     0-2    Carn FC    

Dermot Coyle’s side kept their recent good run of form going with this hard fought two nil win over local rivals Gleneely Colts. On 5 minutes a long ball for the visitors found Liam Doherty and he slotted low past Keith McLaughlin to give the visitors a dream start. Carn continued to press with Brendan Tabb’s snapshot parried by McLaughlin before Darren Loftus corner  saw Tabb head over the bar. The home side replied with Emmet McConway saw a twenty yards effort well held by Declan O’Donnell before Iarlaith Mc Laughlin sidestepped a defender but saw his low shot turned away superbly by O’Donnell.Midway through the half O’Donnell tipped an attempted chip by TJ McKinley over the bar before from the corner William Hutchinson fired wide. The colts continued top press but McConway saw his header again saved by O’Donnell. The colts were out of luck on the restart Hutchinson then crossed for McKinley but his header crashed off the bar before Iarliath McLaughlin had a rising shot saved by O’Donnell in the home goal.The home had claims for a penalty waved away before on 66 minutes the visitors Tiernan Coyne fired just over the bar. At the other end Barry Diver got on the end of a Stephen McLaughlin corner but O’Donnell gathered well. When O’Donnell failed to hold a long ball it fewll to Ruairi Kelly but he fired over from six yards. Carn broke and sealed the points on 85 minutes when Andrew Doherty’s cross from the right deceived McLaughlin and landed in the net.

McGuinness hat trick as Rovers fold in second period    

Dunree United     7-1    Sea Rovers         

In  a scoreless opening period the opening chance did not come until the 25^th minute when  Philip McGuinness latched onto a ball over the top but fired wide from twenty yards. McGuinness then crossed for Damian Doherty but he headed wide as the half ended scoreless. In the second period Dunree broke the deadlock on 51minutes after McGuinness crossed for Doherty to slot home at the back post. Minutes later Mickey McGlynn curled a superb free kick to the top corner from twenty two yards past Jim Grant. Number three came when Henry Connolly released McGuinness to drive low past Grant from fifteen yards.A good passing move saw Liam Baldrick and Thomas Mulhern combined to feed Derek Murphy and he fired low to the corner from ten yards. McGuinness then broke on the left and played a neat one two with McGlynn before rounding Grant to slot home and make it five. Shortly after Doherty fired a superb shot from the edge of the area low past Grant to the bottom left hand corner.Dunree made it seven nil when Liam Baldrick fired a free kick from the edge of the area past Grant on 83 minutes. Rovers got a consolation late on after Simon Ward broke on the left cut in and chipped Johnathan Noone from twenty yards.     

Boyce strikes for late winner for Greencastle

Greencastle FC   2-1    Cockhill Celtic Yths

In the 10^th minute Kevin Cavanagh and Paddy Keys combined to release Tom Casey but he fired over. Jack Keys then fed Stephen Bonner who crossed for Casey but his effort was well saved by Shane Gallivan. Midway through the half Paddy Keys found himself in the clear but hesitancy meant the chance was lost. The home side took the lead on 31 minutes when Keys fed Casey who cut in and fired low past Gallivan from twelve yards.Cockhill were dangerous on the break but were restricted to long range efforts from Aiden O’Donnell which Patsy Barr dealt capably with.On the retsart Paddy Keys          saw an effort from the edge of the area tipped over by Gallivan. Cockhill responded with O’Donnell blasting an effort over the top. They leveled on 71 minutes when James O’Donnell saw his free take a deflection and nestle in the bottom corner.The home side replied well with gallivant tipping a Paddy keys effort over the bar. They got the winner when substitute Shaun Doherty found Casey whose effort was parried by Gallivan for Tony Boyce to slot home from close range. Cockhill had a late chance when Michael Gallagher crossed to James O’Donnell but he was unable to force the ball home at the back post.

Leaders claim three points with late goal

Rasheney FC       1-2    Carrowmena FC

The opening chance fell to the visitors with David Heuston volleying over the bar after a Paul Duffy ball over the home defence before Heuston just failed to connect with JP Thompson’s free. Rasheney replied and took the lead when Barney Friel’s free found Rocky Ivers whose header hit the inside of the post and was forced home by Brian Doherty. Carrowmena equalized within ninety seconds when Duffy’s free from twenty five yards was parried by Damien Friel for Michael O’Doherty to head the loose ball home. Good interplay by Heuston and Kone saw the latters shot well claimed by Friel. On the half hour the home side’s Anthony Doherty advanced up the right and crossed for Brian Doherty who was caught by surprise and the chance was lost. The visitors responded with Duffy blasting a free over the bar before Kone’s diagonal ball found Heuston who failed to connect properly and the ball trickled wide. Carrowmena upped the tempo midway through the second period with Heuston seeing an effort tipped onto the bar by keeper Friel before substitute Paul McGowan sent a teasing cross across the face of goal which just needed a touch. Minutes later Brian Kone headed wide following a  Duffy cross. Rasheny eased the pressure forcing a few corners but created little. Carrowmena struck for the winner on 81 minutes  when Kone challenged a defender for the ball and the ball spun up and looped over Friel on its way to the net. Duffy then had an effort gathered by Friel before at the other end Michael Noone failed to collect but Rasheney failed to force the ball home.    

Greencastle FC   1-9(Nine)   Carn FC

The visitors continued their hot streak of form adding to last weeks thumping of Dunree they gave a similar beating to Greencastle. Carn started the better and raced into a seven goal interval lead.The home side had an early chance when Gavin Harkin fired a shot just wide. Carn broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when Liam Doherty ran onto Darren Loftus pass and fired past patsy Barr from ten yards from fifteen yards.Tiernan Coyne made it two nil when he fired Patsy Barr after a long ball from Kevin Ball. They made it three nil after Cathal Doherty unmarked at a corner slotted home before the same player fired a twenty five yards free to the top corner on the half hour. Doherty completed his hat trick when he converted a penalty awarded after Coyne was upended in the area.  On 42 minutes Liam Doherty crossed to the back post where Coyne had little difficulty slotting home before Liam Doherty made it seven nil after good interplay by Coyne and Loftus had set him up.Greencastle got one goal back ten minutes into the second period when Sean McQuillan was set up by Paddy Keys and Michael Barr drove a superb shot to the top corner from twenty yards. Greencastle tried hard with Keys denied by Declan O’Donnell before O’Donnell saved from Jack Keys following a corner. Carn caught the home side on the break when Brendan Tabb raced clear and slotted low past Barr.         

Sea Rovers                    2-4    Cockhill Celtic Yths

The opening half was a very entertaining affair with the teams sharing four goals. The visitors took the lead on 7 minutes  when Martin Bradley pounced on a defensive error to drill the ball low to the net from six yards. Rovers responded and got back on terms when Andrew Davis pounced to slot the ball home from close range after the visitors keeper Shane Gallivan failed to hold a cross. Midway through the half Cockhill got their noses back in front  after  Shane McDaid cut in from the left and fired a superb shot to the roof of the net from twenty yards. The home side equalized again just before the break when Davis advanced from midfield and fired a superb shot to the top corner. After an even opening to the second period the game turned when the home side were reduced to ten men after John McLaughlin        was redcarded for a second bookable defence. Cockhill made their numerical advantage count when they regained the lead for the third time when Martin Bradley fired high  past Seamus Houten from twenty yards.The home side tried to respond and had a great chance when Finbar Collins broke clear but he fired straight at substitute keeper McColgan. Cockhill responded and secured the points with their fourth with Christopher Hegarty feeding  substitute Aaron McLaughlin and he fired low to the corner from the edge of the area. Rovers replied with John Doherty seeing his effort well saved by McColgan late on in the game.  

Dunree United     2-1    Rasheney FC      

Most of the action in this game occurred in the opening half and after a lively opening the home side really should have taken the lead but Brendan McDaid somehow firing over the top from six yards.The home side took the lead on 9 minutes when Liam Baldrick ‘s free kick wide on the left found Michael McGlynn and he guided the ball past Colin Doherty from close range. Rasheney responded and got back on terms within minutes when Emyln Doherty advanced from midfield to the edge of the area before firing past Johnathan Noone .Midway through the half Dunree forced a corner which Rasheney only half cleared and when the ball was returned  into the middle NJ McCarron rose highest to head home. Rasheney hit back and saw three great chances fall to Rocky Ivers. Firstly Corny McCole’s free was spilled by Noone but Ivers fired into the side netting before the same player twice fired wide when in good positions.Before the break Dunree replied with McDaid running onto Baldrick’s pass but poking the ball just wide. The second half was a much tamer affair with Rasheney’s Anthony Doherty seeing an effort from distance clip the top of the bar. Minutes later the home side’s McGlynn saw a cross find Damien Doherty but his looping header failed to trouble Colin Doherty.Rasheney created a final chance on the stroke of full time a ball over the top found Emyln Doherty who fed Anthony Doherty but he was denied by a last ditch Henry Connolly tackle.    

Carrowmena FC 3-0    Gleneely Colts

League leaders Carrowmena continued their good form and in the opening period Matthew Henry fired over before Brian Kone saw his first time volley whizzed over the bar. They had another chance after Andrew McLaughlin saw his effort tipped over by Martin Mooney. On 15 minutes Gleneely replied and had strong claims for a penalty when TJ McKinley seemed to be bundled over but their claims were waved away. Minutes later the home side took the lead after Paul Duffy fed Paul McGowan on the right who returned the ball back to Duffy whose ball over the top was bundled to the net by an unfortunate defender under pressure from Kone. Gleneely replied well with Declan Kearney and Keith McLaughlin driving them forward but they failed to trouble Michael Noone in the home goal.On 35 minutes Henry crossed from the right to McGowan to release Kone whose shot from the edge of the area went just past the post. The pressure paid off on 42 minutes after Demot Harkin’s inswinging corner found David Heuston who glanced home a header at the near post. They made it three nil on the stroke of half time after Heuston’s effort was brilliantly tipped away by Mooney but from the resultant corner Heuston volleyed to the roof of the net. Carrowmena were composed in the second period and on 70 minutes should have increased their lead when Michael O’Doherty saw a diving header skim the post before Kone had two glorious chances but with the goal at his mercy he fired over from eight yards and then saw a first time effort from the edge of the area fly wide. Johnathan Mclaughlin also saw a left footed effort go just the wrong side of the upright.                  

Coyne hits hat trick as Carn continue good form     

Dunree United         0-6          Carn FC    

An understrength home side began the game well but trailed at the interval. An early Damian Doherty shot went just wide of the post. Carn replied with Darren Loftus free punched out by Johnathan Noone but Tiernan Coyne fired over Noone to the net from fifteen yards on 21 minutes.They doubled their lead then when Cathal Doherty cut in from the wing and squared to Coyne to sidefoot home from ten yards. Before the break Liam Baldrick fed Michael McGlynn but from a good position he failed to hit the target. Dunree started the second period well but failed to break down the visitors defence and Carn broke on 52 minutes to make it three nil when the ball broke to Doherty in the area and he fired past Noone from close range.They made if four nil on the hour when Noone failed to clear and Coyne was left with the simplest of tasks to complete his hat trick. They increased their lead when Doherty converted a penalty awarded after he had been upended. The scoring was completed on 82 minutes when substitute Patrick McGuinness fired low past Noone from fifteen yards.

O’Donnell penalty rescues a point     

Carrowmena FC 2-2    Cockhill Celtic Yths     

Played at the Warren the home side made a bright start but Cockhill broke in the 5 minutes after a long kick from keeper Leo McColgan was not dealt with and fell to Aiden Porter who fed Kieran McLaughlin and he fired a superb first time effort to the roof of the net from the edge of the area. Carrowmena responded with Paul Duffy feeding Matthew Henry and he found David Heuston on the left who struck a sweet low shot which McColgan parried but the visitors defence scrambled the ball clear. Cockhil’s Seamus Gill then saw a free clip the crossbar on the way over. Carrowmena pressed hard before the break and equalized on the stroke of half time after Dermot Harkin’s cross caused confusion allowing Brian Kone to slot home from point blank range. The home side upped the tempo on the restart and took the lead on 58 minutes when Paul McGowan crossed for Matthew Henry to sidestep a defender and fire low past McColgan from twenty yards.Cockhill got back on terms on 74 minutes when Eamon Porter was upended and James O’Donnell fired low past Johnathan McLaughlin from the spot. Carrowmena tried hard to get a winner had late claims for a penalty waved away. Cockhill were also dangerous on the break but in the end both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Home side pay for missed opportunities

Rasheney FC       2-2              Greencastle FC  

The home side started well and were on top for the opening quarter of the game with Brian Doherty, Alan Friel and Emyln Doherty all having efforts go just over the bar.Midway through the half Vincent Brennan drilled a twenty three yards effort past the wall but the wrong side of the post.Against the run of play the visitors took the lead when Tom Casey found space in a central position and fired a twenty two yards effort past Colin Doherty in the home goal. Rasheney responded positivelywith McCole’s cross from the left just eluding John Doherty before Alan Friel’s overhead kick was well gathered by Philip McClenaghan. Greencastle replied with Paddy keys free driven straight at Doherty while at the other end Anthony Doherty saw his shot brilliantly tipped away by McClenaghan on the stroke of half time. Greencastle made a brighter start to the second half with substitute Ryan McClenaghan firing into the side netting and Casey flashing a dangerous cross across the face of goal and wide. At the other end McCole was twice denied seeing a looping header saved by McClenaghan before McClenaghan also saved a rasping shop.Rasheney leveled on the hour when Alan Friel’s free was not cleared by the visitors defence and Brian Doherty hammered the ball home from ten yards. They took the lead minutes later when another high ball into the area saw an unfortunate defender head past his own keeper under pressure from Damien Friel.On 78 minutes the visitors leveled when Keys was upended in the area and he picked himself up and fired the kick home. Greencastle pushed hard and Casey then had a shot blocked before Keys saw his effort well saved by Doherty.Rasheney replied and forced a corner and from inswinging Friel kick McClenaghan punched clear under serious pressure.In the end both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.   

Late Doherty strike earns the points for Rovers

Sea Rovers FC              3-2    Gleneely Colts

Played under lights Rovers upset the colts to move level on points at the foot of the table. Gleneely started the better with Emmet McConway and JP Lafferty releasing TJ McKinley who crossed to Ruairi Kelly but he was unable to direct his effort goalwards. They took the lead on 16 minutes when Johnathan Mc Laughlin headed the ball over the rovers defence to McKinley to fire past Declan Lafferty from six yards. McKinley then set up Kelly but he fired over the top from ten yards. Rovers responded and equalized when Simon Ward converted a penalty low past Keith McLaughlin after he had been upended. On 34 minutes Lafferty and Declan Kearney combined for Johnathan Mclaughlin but he fired just wide. On the restart a defensive mix up in the colts area allowed Paddy Doherty to slot the ball home from close range and give rovers the lead.Gleneely tried to hit back with Kearney crossing to McConway but his first time effort hit the side netting. Substiute Ronan Kearney then fed Iarlaith McLaughlin and he fired low past Lafferty from eight yards to restore parity.Gleneely pressed hard but were caught on the break on 89 minutes when Jim Grant’s long clerarance found John Doherty whose effort from twenty five yards deceived Mclaughlin in the home goal and give Rovers victory.              

Houston’s cracker sends Carrowmena on their way        

Carrowmena FC           2-0    Dunree United

This was a crucial result for the home side and a big dent for the visitors promotion and title ambitions.After a very tight opening period the home side had the first chance midway through the half when Matthew Henry fed Gerard Gill whose first time effort flashed past the far post. On the half hour Paul McGowan fed Henry but he rushed his effort and Johnathan Noone held well. Dunree were always dangerous on  the break with Brendan McDaid and Philip McGuinness lively in attack. Carrowmena were forced into a re shuffle when keeper Michael Noone was replaced by Johnathan McLaughlin shortly after the interval. On 55 minutes the home side’s Andrew Mclaughlin fed Paul Duffy who in turn fed David Houston whose effort was well saved by Noone.The pressure paid off on 63 minutes when Dermot Harkin’s corner was cleared  to Duffy who headed the ball across to Houston to volley to the roof of the net from the edge of the area.Dunree kept pushing forward with NJ McCarron finding Liam Baldrick but he just failed to connect properly. At the other end carrowmena should have doubled their lead after a corner saw Brian Kone’s header cleared off the line. Dunree should have leveled shortly after when McCarron played a ball into McGuinness in space on the left but he blazed over from the edge of the area. The home side sealed the points after a long clearance by keeper McLaughlin was picked up by Henry to relase Harkin on the left and he cut in  to set up Kone to sidefoot home low past Noone from eight yards. The final chance fell to the home side when McGowan unselfishly crossed to Niall McColgan but he headed wide from six yards.

Keys brothers unhinge the Colts

Greencastle FC             4-2    Gleneely Colts

Greencastle started this game the better and had a few early chances but failed to hit the target. Good interplay by Paddy Keys and Stephen Bonner saw the former denied by a good save from Ruairi Kelly before Bonner ran onto Keys through ball but he lobbed the ball wide.They opened the scoring on 27 minutes when Jack Keys found the ball at his feet six yards out and blasted to the roof of the net at the third attempt when Ruairi Kelly had saved twice.          They made it two minutes later after a good run and cross by Keys saw his cross find Sean McQuillan to sidefoot home from six yards.

Gleneely tried to respond with Declan Kearney seeing a free kick well saved by Philip McClenaghan.Ten minutes into the second period the home side’s Michael Barr released Ryan McClenaghan but he scuffed his effort and Kelly gathered easily. On the hour the colts reduced the deficit when Barry kearney’s long ball fell to JP Lafferty who controlled and fired low to the net. Greencastle replied and made it three one when Paddy Keys advanced into the area to slide the ball across to Jack Keys to slide the ball home.They made it four one when Jack Keys and Barr released Paddy Keys and he squared for McClenaghan to slot home. Gleneely got a consolation when Barry Kearney fed TJ McKinley who executed a superb finish past McClenaghan.  

Grants men keep clinch treble over Rovers

Rasheney FC       5-1              Sea Rovers

The home side got off to a perfect start in the second minute after Brian Doherty collected a loose ball and fired a superb twenty yards effort low to the corner. Rovers responded with William Logan seeing his dipping free just clear Kieran Friel’s bar.Rasheney upped the pace with Emyln Doherty surging forward and feeding Damien Friel whose low cross just eluded Doherty.Midway through the half they added a second after Friel volleyed home a John Doherty cross after a good flowing move.Friel then had two efforts one of which was blocked while he failed to hit the target with another.Rovers replied before the break with Gary Farren shooting wide before flashing a dangerous cross across the face of goal but there were no takers. On the resumption Rasheney started well with Brian Doherty feeding Alan Friel but from a good position he blazed wide. Doherty then set up Anthony Doherty but he fired over the crossbar. Midway through the half they made it three nil when Emyln Doherty’s powerful shot was parried and Brian Doherty followed up to slot home. Rovers then were reduced to ten men after Farren was redcarded for dissent but reduced the deficit on 71 minutes when Andrew Davis fired low past Friel from the edge of the area.

Rasheney responded with sub Donal Kelly fire over before at the other end davis’s cross cum shot flashed over the bar.Rasheney got their fourth on 89 minutes when Damien Friel’s cross shot came off the post to John Doherty who fired to the roof of the net. Rasheney sub Martin Shields then saw his effort come off the post and they completed the scoring in injury time       when full back Barney Friel set up Kelly and he volleyed home from eighteen yards.

Strand Hotel First Division                 

Carn FC              5-0    Gleneely Colts

Carn continued their good run of form with this comprehensive victory at St Patricks Park.They opened the scoring on 12 minutes when Ronan Doherty’s free kick delivery found Gerard McEleney who powerfully headed the  ball home at the back post past Daniel McCauley.Minutes later a great ball from Andrew Doherty found Shane Doherty but his effort crashed off the bar.Midway through the half they added another goal after good play by Andrew Doherty ended when he found Cathal Doherty who laid the ball off for Eannagh Newton to cooley slot the ball home from fifteen yards. Before the interval they added another when Shane Doherty dispatched a cracking shot to the roof of the net from the edge of the area after Cathal Doherty had headed the ball back to him. Gleneely replied with Ruairi Kelly’s effort from distance just clearing the bar. The home side continued to press on the restart with Dermot and Cathal Doherty combining for the latter to see his well struck effort brilliantly tipped over by McCauley. At the other end a Declan Kearney free beat the wall but drifted the wrong side of the post before TJ McKinley saw a first time shot from fifteen yards tipped round the post by Declan O’Donnell in the home goal.Carn upped the tempo when Brendan Tabb saw his close range effort turned away by McCauley.Substitute Tiernan Coyne made it four nil at the back post with his first touch after great work by Tabb after 85 minutes before they completed the scoring when Liam Doherty cut inside the full back to fire home from a tight angle. 

Sea Rovers          1-2    Greencastle FC  

Played in good conditions the opening period was even but Rovers Finbarr Collins attempted chip from twenty five yards drifted just over the top on 11 minutes. Minutes later William Logan fired a free kick just wide before at the other end Seamus Houten in the home goal spread himself well to deny Paddy Keys.Midway through the half Greencastle took the lead when the home defence failed to clear and Kevin Cavanagh fired low to the net from six yards. At the start of the second period Andrew Davis saw his effort parried but the loose ball fell to Collins who drilled a low shot from twenty two yards to the bottom corner to equalize. Midway through the half Greencastle regained the lead when with the home side appealing for offside Sean McQuillan raced clear to drill low past Houten from twelve yards. Rovers replied with Kevin McColgan and Gary Farren both had shot saved before in the final minute Logan’s corner found John Doherty but his header lacked power.

Rasheney FC       0-1    Carrowmena FC

Carrowmena started in whirlwind fashion with Paul Duffy having a shot beaten away by Kieran Friel before Brian Kone headed over when well placed in the opening minutes. Rasheney responded with John Doherty looping a header over the top before Anthony Doherty volleyed over the top. Carrowmena upped the tempo with Michael O’Doherty heading just wide before they broke the deadlock on 35 minutes after the home defence failed to clear and David Houston rifled a superb shot past Friel from twenty yards. A minute later a fantastic strike from Kone was brilliantly fingertipped over the top by Friel. Rasheney had the last chance when Alan Friel saw a free kick well held by Noone. Carrowmena started the second period well and good link play between Kone and Houston saw Friel advance to save well and deny the visitors. On the hour Rasheney created three chances in the space of five minutes with Noone fingertipping substitute Vincent Brennan’s effort over the bar. Shane Collins then advanced towards the goal but fired straight at Noone. The best chance came when John Doherty failed to hit the target with a clear header from eight yards. Then Rocky Ivors headed just over before at the other end Friel advanced smartly to gather the ball before substitute Paddy McClenaghan. Brennan then had another header saved by Noone who also saved well from Alan Friel late in the game.            

Strand Hotel First Division 

Substitute Doherty blasts title race open           

Carn FC              1-0    Carrowmena FC

After an even opening Carn’s Ronan Doherty fed Cathal Doherty whose neat lay off sent Ennagh Newton clear but he fired just wide.Carrowmena replied with a free kick from Paul Duffy tipped round the post by Declan O’Donnell.They had another chance when Matthew Henry released Brian Kone but O’Donnell smothered at his feet on 21 minutes. Carn replied with good interplay between Fergal and Andrew Doherty releasing Newton but his  low hard shot saw Michael Noone get a hand to divert the ball behind.On 43 minutyes Tiernan Coyne’s header found Gerard McEleney but his header was cleared off the line by Duffy.Carn started the second period well with Newton sending Dermot Doherty clear but Noone advanced to save at his feet.Good build up play on the hour ended with Cathal Doherty’s effort just clearing the bar from twenty five yards. Midway through the half Carrowmena responded with  Henry’s corner finding JP Thompson but he headed just over. The deciding goal came on 81 minutes when Ronan Doherty’s free was headed down by Cathal Doherty to substitute Shane Doherty to slot home from six yards. Carrowmena pushed hard but the home defence well marshalled by McEleney and Kevin Hirrell stood firm.     

Celtic pay the penalty for missed opportunities

Cockhill Celtic Yths      0-0    Rasheney FC

Cockhill had the first attempt but Shane McDaid fired a free kick well over the top from twenty yards. Liam McCarron then released eamon Porter but from eight yards he blazed over the top. Porter then ran onto a Kieran McLaughlin pass but keeper Friel advanced to block with his feet and when the loose ball fell to Michael Gallagher his well struck effort drifted just wide.  Cockhill continued on top with Shaun Porter heading over from a corner .On the restart Cockhill spurned a great opportunity when Porter was upended in the area but Porter fired the spot kick wide of the post. Rasheney replied on 74 minutes when Shane Collins in a good position fired wide from ten yards. Cockhill replied with Liam McCarron crossing for Aiden Porter but his header rebounded off the post. In injury time the home side spurned another clear opening when James O’Donnell’s corner was headed wide from point blank range by Sean Porter.

Noone excels in Dunree victory

Greencastle FC   0-2    Dunree United    

In good conditions the home side went close when Paddy keys found Tom Casey who lobbed Johnathan Noone but just cleared the far post. On 19 minutes good interplay between Michael Barr and Ryan McClenaghan saw Barr feed Stephen Bonner whose effort grazed the bar. Dunree looked dangerous on the break with Brendan McDaid denied by Michael Brown in the home goal. On the stroke of half time Keys corner found Casey whose looping header dropped over the bar. Ten minutes into the second period McClenaghan fed Keys whose volley was superbly saved by Noone. Jack Keys then fed Casey whose shot on the turn was excellently turned behind by Noone. On the hour Dunree forced a corner and in the resulting scramble the ball fell to Neil J McCarron who side footed home from the edge of the area. Greencastle responded well with Keys twice hitting the post before Noone saved well. Noone excelled again to deny Casey from point blank range. On the break Dunree sealed the points when Philip McGuinness crossed from the left for McDaid to slot home from six yards. Greencastle had further chances with Charlie Gill and JP O’Doherty also denied by the excellent Noone.       

Colts second half surge clinches the points

Gleneely Colts     3-1    Sea Rovers

The colts started the better with Declan Kearney feeding Ruairi Kelly but he failed to connect. Minutes later Finbarr Collins for the visitors saw his effort tipped onto the post by Martin Mooney.The colts went close on 27 minutes when Kearney crossed to Kelly who fired an effort which came off the bar. They took the lead on 41 minutes when Kearney converted a penalty awarded after JP Lafferty was upended in the area.Robvers got back on terms before the break when Kevin McColgan’s effort was deflected past Mooney in the home goal. On the restart Lafferty played a great ball into Kelly who slotted home from eight yards to regain the lead on 52 minutes.Midway through the half Kearney’s free found Lafferty and he headed home from six yards to make it three one. The colts continued to press with Corey O’Brien beating two defenders but his effort was well saved by Seamus Houghton.          

Greencastle FC             2-5    Carrowmena FC

The home side started well and took the lead in the opening minutes when Paddy Keys effort was parried by Micheal Noone and  Sean McQuillan slotted home from close range.They had another chance when Keys released Tom Casey but Noone superbly turned his effort round the post. Carrowmena responded well and got back on terms on 21 minutes when the home defence failed to clear allowing Paul McGowan fired a low angled drive to the bottom corner past Stephen Henry.The home side then forced a series of corners with Michael Browne and Charlie Gill heading over from good positions. Carrowmena then took the lead when David Houston ran onto McGowans pass and fired a low drive past Henry. Carrowmena continued on top and Paul Duffy added number three when he dispatched a superb free kick from thirty yards to the top corner. A minute later Andrew McLaughlin then fired another free to the top corner to make it four one. Greencastle started well with Casey and keys denied by Noone. The visitors responded and added another when Matthew Henry was unmarked to send a looping shot over Henry from the edge of the area.Greencastle gained a consolation on 83 minutes after Casey crossed from the right for Paddy keys to slot home from close range.

Rasheney FC                4-3    Gleneely Colts    

Rasheney started well and took the lead when Brian Doherty’s low effort was well parried by Daniel McCauley but the loose ball fell to Shane Collins who slotted to the net from close range. Play was even then until the colts McKinley blaxed over from the edge of the area. Rasheney replied with Emlyn Doherty’s effort parried by McCauley but the loose ball fell to John Doherty who with the goal gaping blazed over the top.

The home side doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart after neat trickery by Collins took him past two defenders played a neat one two with Doherty and raced into the area to drill the ball home from twelve yards with the visitors appealing in vain for offside. Gleneely responded with TJ McKinley feeding substitute Christy Smith but he fired wide.The visitors reduced the deficit on 61 minutes when McKinley was impeded in the area and Barry Kearney hammered home the spot kick.Rasheney regained their two goal advantage when Kevin Noone’s drive was parried by McCauley and  Collins then completed his hat trick slotting low to the unguarded net.

They made it four one from the penalty spot when Emyln Doherty converted from the spot after Collins was upended in the area. Gleneely staged a fightback then with two goals in two minutes when Declan Kearney’s free was brilliantly turned away by Kieran Friel but Eddie McNamee drove an angled shot to the corner. Within a minute  Smith ran onto a through ball he fired low past Friel from inside the area. Gleneely pushed hard but the home defence stood firm to claim the points.

Colts earn late share of the spoils               

Dunree United               2-2    Gleneely Colts

Gleneely started well with TJ Mckinley seeing an early header cleared off the line by Jason McLaughlin. Dunree settled with Philip McGuinness feeding Michael McGlynn who crossed for Brendan McDaid but he sidefooted over the top from close range. Dunree opened the scoring on 28 minutes after good build up by Derek Murphy and Liam Baldrick released Ryan Bradley who fired to the roof of the net from an acute angle. McGuinness then played a neat one two with Murphy to tee up McDaid but again he fired over the top.Gleneely started the second period well and got back on terms on the hour following a Declan Kearney corner which saw Barry Diver head home at the back post. Dunree replied with Baldrick sending Bradley clear on 77 minutes and he coolly slid the ball low to the corner from just inside the area. Gleneely thre everything forward and gained a point on 87 minutes when Kearney’s corner was headed home by Ruairi Kelly at the back post. The colts almost snatched a winner when McKinley broke clear but his effort was half blocked by Johnathan Noone allowing Paul Craig to complete the clearance.

Keys hits 81^st minute winner for Greencastle   

Cockhill Celtic Yths      1-2    Greencastle FC

In the opening half it was a very tight midfield battle with neither keeper tested and while the home side had a lot of possession they failed to utilize it. In the second period the visitors Paddy Keys saw an early effort from fifteen yards hit the inside of the post and roll across before Leo McColgan smothered it. They took the lead on 54 minutes when Tom Casey glanced a header from keys corner to the net from six yards. This spurred the home side into action with Seamus Gill and James O’Donnell off target with two efforts. They got back on terms on 71 minutes after Martin Bradley fed Gill on the right and he crossed for Aiden O’Donnell to fire home from ten yards. Cockhill were on top but Greencastle were dangerous on the break and regained the lead on 81 minutes when           Keys latched onto a long clearance to fire low past McColgan from ten yards.Cockhill threw everything forward but Ciaran McDonald denied Liam McCarron, Aiden Porter and Bradley in the closing stages.

Collins double earns the win for Isle men

Sea Rovers                             0-2    Rasheney FC      

Rovers had the first effort with John Doherty’s wind assisted effort parried by Fergal Doherty to Andrew Davison whose follow up went straight at Doherty. They continued to press and went close following a corner when Kevin McColgan’s effort came back off the bar. Rasheney replied with Donal Kelly set up Shane Collins to sidestep a defender and fire low past Seamus Houghton from fifteen yards.Rovers started the second period well with McColgan bursting through the visitors defence but fired wide before Seamus Doherty had an effort well saved by Doherty who then denied Davison with another good stop. Rasheney responded with a lot of pressure but failed to trouble Houghton.They sealed the points on 85 minutes after Collins ran onto a long clearance and headed over the advancing Houghton from fifteen yards. Rovers had late chance but Gary farren was denied by a fine save from Doherty.

Sea Rovers FC    2-1    Carrowmena FC

Carrowmena started welll and took the lead on 11 minutes when David Heuston’s corner was headed to the roof of the net by Paul McGowan past Seamus Houten. Rovers replied and equalized with Declan Walsh feeding John Doherty and he beat a defender before slotting low past Michael Noone from fourteen yards. Carrowmena responded with Heuston heading wide, McGowan seeing a twenty yards effort saved by Houten and James Henry firing straight at Houten from twenty yards. Rovers broke after 35minute against the run of play Finbarr Collins ran onto Daniel Greene’s pass and lobbed the keeper from the edge of the area.On the resumption Carrowmena upped the pace with Henry and Heuston failing to hit the target. Rovers replied and John Doherty had an effort well saved by Noone. On 71 minutes the visitors McGowan went close with a shot which went just wide before Brian Kone set up Henry whose low effort was well saved by Houten. Carrowmena threw men forward in the closing stages and Kone fired just wide before Kone saw a last minute header well saved by Houten.

Carrowmena stretch their lead at the top

Carrowmena FC 4-1    Rasheney FC

Played in blustery conditions on a good surface the home side with the elements took the lead on 11 minutes after Andrew McLaughlin’s deep cross from the right for Brian Kone to head to the top corner giving Damien Friel no chance. Midway through the half they spurned a glorious chance when James and Matthew Henry combined for Kone to race clear but he fired wide with Friel to beat. Rasheney replied with Brian Kelly feeding Anthony Doherty but his effort was well saved by Michael Noone. Carrowmena had further chances with James Henry and Dermot Harkin both firing wide from reasonable positions.With the weather deteriorating in the second period Rasheney started well pinning the home side back. On 63 minutes they forced five consecutive corners but on 70 minutes Carrowmena broke with Johnathan McLaughlin feeding Paul Duffy who crossed for Harkin to side foot past Friel from twelve yards.The home side increased their lead on 76 minutes after substitute David Heuston collected a Kone pass and swiveled to fire to the top left hand corner from twelve yards. Rasheney reduced the deficit on 80 minutes  after Ed Kelly fired a twenty five yards free to the top right hand corner despite Noone in the home goal getting a hand to the ball. Carrowmena hit back and completed the scoring when another substitute Paddy McClenaghan split the defence with a superb pass for Duffy to flick the ball over the advancing Friel.

Keys fires injury time leveller

Greencastle FC   2-2    Gleneely Colts    

The Colts started well and when Declan Kearney fed brother Ronan his low shot from fifteen yards was well saved by Michael Brown. They went close again when JP Lafferty headed on for Ronan Kearney but he fired over from a good position. On 21 minutes Sean McQuillan broke for the visitors and crossed to Michael Barr but he headed just wide from ten yards. The remainder of the half was an even affair. On 51 minutes a poor headed back pass let Tom casey in and his lob landed on the roof of the net. Greencastle went close again on 54 minutes when Paddy keys rounded keeper McCauley and saw his effort kicked off the line by Daniel Nolan but the loose ball fell to Keys who drove to the top corner from an acute angle. On the hour Jason McElhinney released Ronan Kearney and he fired low past Brown from eight yards. McElhinney then released Lafferty who made no mistake from ten yards to give the colts the lead. On 72 minutes the visitors Casey turned well in the area but saw his well struck shot excellently saved by McCauley. Greencastle went sloe late on when Keys drove a cross shot just past the post. They salvaged a point when PJ O’Doherty’s long ball in injury time fell to Keys and he fired to the roof of the net in injury time. Casey then had a final effort tipped over the top by McCauley as they almost snatched a winner.