Devlin strike secures narrow victory for the Shamrocks

Culdaff FC          0-1    Clonmany Shamrocks

The home side know that they should have got something from this game as they created numerous chances and but for a sound performance from Peter Devlin in the shamrocks goal the visitors may have dropped points. As it was they capitalized one poor piece of defending by the home side to claim the points.Culdaff had a great chance on 6 minutes after Conor O’Brien released Niall Gordon and his attempted lob over Devlin saw the keeper get a hand to the ball and stop a certain goal for the home side.A loose ball in the Clonmany defence saw Darren Grant make a superb tackle to thwart Eugene Mclaughlin  before O’Brien’s shot was blocked to JJ Doherty who fired over from twenty yards.Clonmany had a good spell before the break with Paul McLaughlin firing just over before the same player had a cross shot well gathered by George Houten in the home goal. On the restart Michael Devlin drifted past two defenders on the edge of the area but fired over      before at the other end JJ Doherty laid the ball off to O’Brien who drove narrowly wide.On 56 minutes substitute Anthony Kelly had a header from a corner saved by Devlin and from his long clearance a misplaced ball in the home defence fell to Jason Devlin who coolly slotted low past Houten from fifteen yards.Culdaff upped the tempo with O’Brien’s snapshot well saved by Devlin before Kelly drove an angled effort into the side netting.They should have got back on terms on 63 minutes when Kelly flicked on a throw in for O’Brien but his diving header flashed past the post. At the other end a scramble in the Culdaff area fell to Jason Devlin but under prerssure he poked the ball wide from twelve yards.Culdaff continued to presswith Matthew Byrne releasing Eugene McLaughlin inside the area but Devlin advanced quickly to block before Kelly fed McLaughlin on the left and his driven cross just eluded the inrushing Derek Doherty at the back post. In a final push by the home side Kelly set up Dermot Diver but his left footed effort was gathered by the impressive Devlin.

Redcastle bounce back to winning form

Redcastle United 2-0   Aileach FC

In the opening minutes Eamon Donnelly’s free fell to Charlie McCormick whose volley was brilliantly tipped away by Ciaran Gallagher before Brian Tracey fed Eddie McIntyre but his effort was deflected wide. Aileach replied with Ciaran Craig releasing Anthony Doherty on the left and when he cut in his powerful shot was tipped over by Gerard Crossan.The home side replied with Seamus Doherty heading a corner wide before at the other end Craig’s superb volley from the angle of the area fell just wide. Redcastle opened the scoring on 31 minutes when good play by McCormick on the  end line saw his cross find McIntyre whose shot was parried by Gallagher to Andrew Porter and he fired to the roof of the net.The second period was a real midfield battle until the 80^th minute when Damien Barr made a superb goalsaving tackle to deny Treacy as he was about to shoot. Minutes later Aileach replied with Cathal McElhinney’s cross falling to Craig but his effort was well saved by Crossan. Redcastle sealed the points on 89 minutes whern Treacy’s cross was not collected by Gallagher allowing McIntyre to slot home.In the final minutes a superb run by Seamus Doherty saw his first effort saved by Gallagher and the follow up cleared off the line by Declan O’Donnell.

McColgan double earns points for the Point 

Moville Celtic      1-2    QPS 

This was a crucial victory for the visitors with two Anthony McColgan goals the difference. Moville had the best early chance after Joe Doherty laid the ball off to PJ Barr but his effort was well saved by David McGeady before a first time Oran McDermott effort from twenty yards just cleared the bar. Moville took the lead on 18 minutes when Maurice McCauley fed Nigel McMonagle who rounded two defenders and slotted low past McGeady. The point responded with Adrian McColgan’s corner going across the face of goal but no one there to apply the finishing touch. The visitors equalized midway through the half when hesitancy in the home defence allowed Anthony McColgan to hook the ball home.Moville spurned a great chance when the unmarked Tony McGeady sidefooted wide when he should have scored. A long ball by Barr sent McMonagle clear but he skied the ball over the bar before Gavin Doherty saw a long range effort drift wide. On the restart McMonagle turned the defence inside out but fired wide.The point replied with McColkgan’s overhead kick well gathered by Paul White before Adrian McColgan turned well in the area and was unlucky to see his effort hit the inside of the post and trickle across the line before White gathered.On 75 minutes McGeady in the point goal made a brilliant point blank save to deny Ritchie McElhinney.At the other end Terry McColgan saw a close range effort turned away by White before Anthony McColgan struck for the winner on 86 minutes when he turned the defender and poked the ball home. Moville went close late on but Kevin Coyle headed wide from a good position following a corner.                        

Illies blitz Glengad in opening quarter

Illies Celtic          5-2    Glengad United

Illies blitzed the visitors in the opening period and took the lead when Paddy Doherty rifled a twenty yards free to the roof of the net past Michael McLaughlin. Minutes later Doherty was upended allowing Aiden Doherty to convert and send McLaughlin the wrong way. They made it three nil on 17 minutes when Doherty’s powerful shot was parried by McLaughlin but Sean Coyle followed up to fire to the roof of the net. They had another chance when Gavin Doherty ran onto Paddy Doherty’s pass top round McLaughlin but see his effort crash off the post.Glengad replied before the break with Terence Doherty seeing an effort skim the bar on the way over.Glengad started the second period well but it was Illies who made it four nil on the hour when Paddy Doherty played a short free to Coyle who rifled to the roof of the net.Glengad got one back when Alan Orr fired through a crowd of players past Noel McDermott and within minutes they got another back after Stephen McLaughlin rounded a defender and fired low to the corner from twelve yards. Glengad suffered a blow when Lee Kelly was redcarded for an off the ball incident. Illies made it safe when Paddy Doherty fed gavin Doherty who fired to the roof of the net from inside the area.The home side were also reduced to ten men when Caolan McCann was redcarded for two bookings and from the free Orr fired over the top.            

Played on Saturday Night

Jackie Crossan Premier Division       

Gordon hat trick blows title race wide open again.  

Culdaff FC          4-1    Redcastle United

A superbly taken hat trick by Niall Gordon saw Culdaff cause a huge upset played in good  but cold conditions before a big crowd at Caratra Park on Saturday night. Few will dispute that the home side fully deserved their victory as they dominated the opening period and spurned numerous chances. They began well with Derek Doherty controlling a Conor O’Brien through ball on 8 minutes but firing wide as Gerard Crossan advanced smartly. Brian McGonigle then headed over at the back post before a long Dermot Diver clearance sent Doherty clear but he fired across goal and wide.The best chance came on 14 minutes when Doherty released Eugene McLaughlin overlapping on the left and when he burst into the area he should have done better than fire high over the bar from fifteen yards. Crossan collected O’Briens flicked header from the edge of the area as the champions failed to get going at all.The pressure of the home side inevitably paid off on 22 minutes after McGonigle’s free over the visitors defence found the inrushing Gordon who firmly headed to the bottom corner from ten yards. Culdaff continued to press with Diver miscuing in front of goal before they added a second on 43 minutes when Gerard Mclaughlin pounced on a poor defensive pass and squared to Doherty who controlled before firing home from eight yards. Redcastle responded well and received a lifeline in injury time when Andy Porter ‘s corner was glanced to the roof of the net by Stephen Davenport from ten yards. Despie Redcastle having more of the ball they failed to create clear openings in the second period. The home side were first to threaten when a short corner by Doherty to McLaughlin saw his cross shot tipped over by the alert Crossan.      Redcastle replied with Cathal Faulkner heading over before Brian Treacy saw an effort deflected behind after the home defence failed to clear. Culdaff should have increased their lead midway through the half when Gordon released Doherty on the left and his cross found O’Brien who headed the ball into the ground and Crossan gathered well. Crossan then advanced well to block at the feet of JJ Doherty before Culdaff added a third on 77 minutes. John McFeely’s free was headed on by O’Brien to Gerard McLaughlin who beat a defender and crossed to the near post for Gordon to slot home from six yards. Minutes later they made if four after an excellent ball from McLaughlin found Gordon who displayed brilliant footwork in a tight space to round Crossan and fire home. Redcastle tried hard with Jimmy Gallagher seeing a driven effort clip the bar on the way over. They pushed forward in the closing minutes but the home defence with Diver, McFeely, McGonigle and Matthew Byrne ably supported by keeper Martin McLaughlin stood firm. The big test for the home side is if they can repeat it against Clonmany next weekend.

Crucial three points for McDermott’s men

Aileach FC          2-1    QPS 

This was a crucial win for the home side but there was a cagey start to the game.Aileach opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Anthony Doherty crossed for Calvin Lynch to force the ball in off the post past David McGeady from six yards.    The point controlled the game for long periods but failed to create clear openings.On the stroke of half time the home side doubled their lead when Sean McKinney broke the offside trap and chipped the advancing McGeady from twenty five yards. The second period was a hard fought affair with the point forcing the home side back.They got one back on 70 minutes when Bob Buchanan fired a superb twenty yards effort to the top corner past Ciaran Gallagher.This heralded a greater onslaught but the home defence with Stephen & Declan O’Donnell in good form kept them at bay.The point did go close on 84 minutes when Adrian McColgan saw his scuffed effort clip the outside of the post and the home side held on to claim a valuable three points.                  

Jackie Crossan Premier Division               

Redcastle United 3-2   Buncrana Hearts Res

Redcastle continued with their good form in the league when they clinically disposed of a young Buncrana side. They started well but had a stroke of luck after 8 minutes when a Johnathan Havlin cross deflected off an unfortunate defender to the net to give them the lead. Havlin then crossed for Jimmy Gallagher but his diving header flew wide from close range.They increased their lead on 37 minutes after  the unmarked Cathal Faulkner sidefooted  past Paddy Quigley after a free kick delivery by Charlie McCormick. A poor back pass  saw Buncrana reply with Stephen McHugh rounding  Gerard Crossan but from a tight angle he failed to hit the target.

In the second period Crossan advanced to kick clear but Kieran McDaid’s volley from halfway went narrowly wide. On 65 minutes Damien Coyle for the home side fired over from twenty yards before McCormick’s cross was volleyed goalwards by Brian Tracey but deflected over the bar by his own man.Tracey then played a great pass to Kieran McGrory and he slotted low past Quigley from sixteen yards to make it three nil.Buncrana replied on 82 when Benny Murphy’s pass caused confusion and McHugh nipped in to chip Crossan from twenty five yards. Buncrana further reduced the deficit in injury time when Murphy’s free resulted in a scramble allowing Puaric O’Flaherty’s effort to lop past Crossan with the aid of a deflection.     

Moville Celtic      1-4    Glengad United  

The home side had the first chance when Ritchie McElhinney got on the end of a Conor Mclaughlin cross but his header was saved by Michael Mclaughlin.Moville took the lead midway through the half after Oran McDermott’s free found Declan McGuinness and he looped a header over keeper Michael McLaughlin from the penalty spot. Shortly after Nigel McMonagle curled an effort just over the bar.Glengad replied on 33 minutes when Michael Farren advanced into the area but McGeady advanced to block while the other end Joe Doherty had a well hit effort saved by Mclaughlin  who also saved well to deny McGuinness after quick footwork had created the chance. On the stroke of half time Glengad ‘s Paddy McDermott fired inches over from a tight angle.Minutes into the second period McDermott broke on the left and crossed for McGuinness whose flying header was brilliantly saved at point blank range by McLaughlin. Nigel McMonagle then whipped a cross into the box where McGuinness met it first time but McLaughlin made a stunning full length save.Glengad came back into the game and got back on terms on the hour after Patrick McDermott converted a penalty awarded after Terence Doherty was upended by keeper Maurice McGeady.Minutes later they stunned the home side when a corner evaded all allowing McDermott to slot home at the back post. They then made it three nil when John G McDermott ran onto Paddy McDermott’s pass to poke the ball past McGeady. John G McDermott then hit the post with an angled effort before at the other end Patrick Doherty cleared off the line to deny McMonagle. Glengad made it four one when Patrick Doherty fired home from the edge of the area after a corner was played to him. Moville replied with Gavin Doherty heading over from a corner before the same player fired over from twenty yards.

Illies Celtic          2-1    Aileach FC

This game was reversed to Burnfoot and it was Illies who made the better start. Early chances fell to Sean Coyle, PJ Mclaughlin and Kevin O’Donnell but they failed to trouble Ciaran Gallagher in the Aileach goal. On the half hour Paddy Doherty then saw a snapshot brilliantly saved by Gallagher and O’Donnell fired the follow up wide.They took the lead on 35 minutes after a Dominic Coyle free was headed home by Niall McDaid from twelve yards. On the stroke of half time Paddy Doherty saw an effort clip the top of the bar on the way over.Aileach got a dream start to the second period when they got back on terms on 57 minutes when the Illies defence failed to clear a Kieran Craig cross and Anthony Doherty pounced to drill the loose ball home.They had another chance when Craig burst into the area butr saw his effort tipped round the post by Noel McDermott. Illies regained the lead on 72 minutes after O’Donnell broke through the Aileach defence and fired across for Coyle to blast home from eight yards.Aileach exerted a lot of pressure but the nearest they came was in the final minute when Anthony Doherty’s glancing header clipped the outside of the post and went wide. 

QPS            1-0              Clonmany Shamrocks 

Played at Shamrock Park Clonmany this was a close fought affair with chances at both ends and both sides hitting the woodwork. On 10 minutes the shamrocks Steve Harkin fired wide from the edge of the area before Paul Mclaughlin’s quick free just eluded Harkin as he bore down on goal.

Clonmany’s Mark McLaughlin then saw a cross shot gathered at the second attempt by David McGeady.On 29 minutes the points Michael Nicholas delivered a corner which Kevin Wallace headed goalwards but Peter Devlin was equal to the task.The point then were out of luck when Anthony McColgan fed Raymond Buchanan but his low shot rebounded off the post. Before the break the shamrocks replied with Jason Devlin seeing an effort from the edge of the area superbly tipped around the post by McGeady. Clonmany started the second period well with Steve Harkin seeing an effort tipped away again by McGeady before Harkin was unlucky to see his header crash off the bar. The point replied with Michael McColgan firing over from twenty yards before Danny Gavin fed Anthony McColgan but he fired into the side netting. At the other end Jason Devlin then saw a low shot through a crowd of players brilliantly tipped around the post by the excellent McGeady. On 80 minutes Anthony McColgan had an effort charged down by a defender. Clonmany replied but McGeady saved easily from Mark Mclaughlin. The winner came for the point when Danny Gavin fed Anthony McColgan who fed Nicholas and his effort from twelve yards deflected off a defender past Devlin. Point substitute Sean McLaughlin then had an effort deflected wide before a late onslaught by the home side to salvage a point saw the Muff men defend stoutly to deny them.

Tracey hat trick gets Redcastle back on track  

Illies Celtic          1-6    Redcastle United

Redcastle overcame a potential banana skin when they gained three valuable points away to Illies. They started the game well and opened the scoring after 10 minutes after Brian Tracey lobbed keeper Noel McDermott from just inside the area. They doubled their lead midway through the half when Charlie McCormick’s free was badly defended by the home side and Cathal Faulkner fired high to the roof of the net from ten yards. Illies battled back and reduced the deficit on the half hour when Dominic Coyle fired a superb low shot from the edge of the area past Gerard Crossan. Redcastle hit back before the interval when McCormick released Tracey and he ran clear to slot low past McDermott. Illies started the second period well but against the run of play they fell further behind on 58 minutes after Tracey completed his hat trick converting a penalty after Kieran McGrory was fouled. They made it five after a poor clearance was seized on by McCormick who beat a defender and fired home. In the closing minutes McCormick crossed for substitute Eddie McIntyre and he fired home from close range.

McMonagle hat trick punished defensive errors

Culdaff FC          2-4    Moville Celtic

Moville showed great spirit and resilience to come from behind but they were helped in no small manner by individual errors in the home side which led to three of the goals. Culdaff got off to a dream start in the opening minutes after Derek Doherty flicked the ball on past a static Moville defence for Anthony Kelly to race clear and fire low past Maurice McGeady from twenty yards. Moville replied and when the home defence failed to clear Nigel McMonagle fed PJ Barr but with a clear sight of goal he miskicked. Michael Byrne replied with an effort from a wide position which McGeady held well at the base of the post before at the other end Joe Doherty made space on the edge of the area but fired just wide of Martin McLaughlin’s left hand post. Moville were very dangerous on the break and from one counter attack McMonagle fired well over from twenty yards.They got back on terms on 43 minutes when the home defence failed to deal with Conor McLaughlin’s ball through the middle and McMonagle’s diagonal run from the left saw him fire a superb shot to the top right hand corner from fourteen yards.     Culdaff regained the lead in the opening minute of the second period when Byrne’s free was knocked down by Kelly to JJ Doherty who sidefooted home from six yards. McMonagle replied with a left footed effort which flashed past the post before JJ Doherty had a superb dipping effort from twenty five yards just clear McGeady’s crossbar.Moville leveled on 58 minutes after a left wing corner deflected off a home defender past McLaughlin.Minutes later when a Culdaff attack broke down Barr cut acroos from the right to feed McMonagle who turned and fired left footed past McLaughlin from fourteen yards.Midway through the half a long free kick from Shane Canning down the middle eluded the home defence and fell to Declan McGuinness but his effort was well smothered by McLaughlin. Moville made it four on 73 minutes when a misplaced pass by the home side fell straight to McMonagle who raced clear and rounded McLaughlin before firing low to the net. Culdaff tried hard in the closing period but failed to trouble the visitors.

McDermott spot on to earn share of the spoils

QPS            1-1              Glengad United

Played in Gleneely the point started the game much better with Daniel Gavin firing into the side netting after turning a defender before Raymond Buchanan fired across the face of goal and wide. Buchanan then crossed for Adrian McColgan but he fired over before Kevin Wallace saw his header crash off the bar. Wallace opened the scoring on 27 minutes when he got on the end of Buchanan’s corner to head powerfully past Michael McLaughlin. Glengad tried hard to get back into the game with Alan Orr releasing John G McLaughlin whose angled shot was cleared off the line by Gavin. In the second period Terry McColgan released Adrian McLaughlin but his effort was held by McLaughlin. Orr then saw a well struck free deflect off a defender with keeper David McGeady scrambling to turn the ball behind.On 66 minutes McGeady held onto a dangerous Orr cross in a crowded area. The point replied with Gavin’s twenty five yards effort held low down by McLaughlin.Orr then floated in a free with Anthony Toland heading over on 75 minutes.    Glengad got back on terms when Patrick McDermott converted a penalty awarded after Terence Doherty was tripped in the area.Glengad pushed hard for the winner but the point defence with Oisin McColgan and Wallace in commanding form stood firm.

Harkin double inspires the shamrocks      

Buncrana Hearts Res   1-3    Clonmany Shamrocks 

Buncrana’s inability to defend set pieces cost them dearly as they conceded three goals from corners.Clonmany started the game well and opened the scoring on 7 minutes when Steve Harkin unmarked headed home at the back post. Midway through the half another corner broke to Harkin and he hammered home his second of the game. Buncrana had a lot of possession but failed to trouble the Clonmany defence. The opening period of the second half was well contested but both sides had few clear opportunities.

Buncrana reduced the deficit when Michael Furey crossed for Brendan Murphy to knock the ball home at the back post on 72 minutes. But almost immediately Clonmany broke upfield forced a corner and from the delivery Darren Grant tap in from close range. The home side tried hard with Puaric O’Flaherty heading wide from point blank range while at the other end Michael Devlin blazed over the top from close range.

Entertaining draw in Caratra Park           

QPS                     0-0    Redcastle United

Played in good conditions before a large crowd at Caratra Park this was a hard fought entertaining encounter with a draw a fair result in the end. Redcastle had most of the possession but failed to create many clear chances with the point defence superbly marshaled by Oisin McColgan.The point created the first opportunity on 8 minutes when a quick free by Michael McColgan released Bob Buchanan inside the area on the right but he blazed wide when he should have hit the target.Redcastle dominated the remainder of the half in terms of possession but Jimmy Gallagehr headed wide from the edge of the area before Eddie McIntyre had a long range effort well held by David McGeady. Damien Coyle then picked up McIntyre’s flick but fired wildly over the top before on the stroke of half time Cathal Faulkner headed a Seamus Doherty free well over in what were no more than half chances. Ten minutes into the second period Redcastle came very close when Oisin McColgan headed a Seamus Doherty free just past his own post and from the corner Raymond Campbell fired goalwards but McGeady blocked on the line. McIntyre and Coyle then had shots blocked in quick succession on the edge of the area as Redcastle pressed.The point rallied and posed a real threat on four occasions in the closing twenty minutes.Anthony McColgan headed well over before a quick corner saw Colm McLaughlin’s low cross sidefooted wide from four yards by Oisin McColgan.Substitute Michael Nicholas then crossed for Terry McColgan who diverted the ball wide at full stretch before another great turn and cross by Nicholas saw Terry McColgan outjump the advancing Crossan but head the ball over the top. Redcastle surged forward in the closing minutes but failed to penetrate the point defence.

Aileach revival too little too late

Moville Celtic      5-3    Aileach FC

The first opportunity fell to the visitors when Anthony Doherty advanced on goal but Maurice McGeady smothered well at his feet before the same player beat the offside trap and flicked the ball just past the post.Moville replied with Nigel McMonagle having an effort well saved by Ciaran Gallagher before Joe Doherty set up McMonagle and he fired just past the top corner.Moville broke the deadlock on 36 minutes after a neat one two between Gavin Doherty and Declan McGuinness enabled Doherty to fire low to the bottom corner from twelve yards.They doubled their lead just before the break when Shane Canning’s long clearance found McMonagle and he laid the ball off to Joe Doherty to chip Gallagher from twenty yards. Minutes into the second period Declan McGuinness crashed a half volley to the roof of the net from twenty yards. Aileach replied with Doherty firing inches wide before the same player fired over the top when well placed.The home side then went close with Oran McDermott seeing an effort trickle past the post before on 64 minutes a poor clearance by keeper Gallagher saw McMonagle win the race and slot the loose ball home to make it four nil. Joe Doherty then rounded the keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line before the visitors staged a recovery. On 77 minutes Anthony Doherty raced into the area and squared to Stephen O’Donnell to fire low past McGeady. Minutes later Doherty converted a penalty awarded for handball before the same player headed home a Cathal McElhinney cross from close range to make it four three approaching injury time. Moville settled the nerves in injury time when McDermott broke clear on the left and squared for Graham Doherty to tap to the unguarded net.

Doherty hat trick destroys the visitors          

Glengad United   7-2    Culdaff FC

After a bright opening the home side took the lead on 14 minutes after Alan Orr chipped the ball to the back post for Terence Doherty to lift the ball over keeper Martin McLaughlin from close range. On 33 minutes an inswinging corner from Orr was deflected past McLaughlin by a defender to double the home side’s advantage. Minutes later John G McDermott fed Terence Doherty to drive low to the corner from fourteen yards.They made it four nil when Ruairi Doherty released Orr on the right and his low cross was sidefooted home by Doherty from close range. Culdaff replied midway through the half and went close when Dermot Collins chipped Michael McLaughlin but Ruairi Doherty cleared off the line. Minutes later Glengad increased their lead after Paul McGonagle’s corner found Orr who headed home from close range. Patrick McDermott then fed McGonagle who crossed deep for the unmarked Stephen McLaughlin to tap in and make it six nil. Culdaff got one back when Derek Doherty’s corner was headed home by Brendan Lafferty at the near post. Collins then fed Derek Doherty but his effort was well saved by McLaughlin. On 90 minutes Terence Doherty ran at the home defence before firing past McLaughlin from the edge of the area.Doherty got a consolation for the visitors when he ran onto Lafferty’s flick to sidefoot home in injury time.         

Kerr strikes for last minute winner

Buncrana Hearts Res   3-2    Illies Celtic

In a very entertaining game the home side came from two down to win with the last kick of the game.After a quiet opening period the home side had the first chance when Colm McLaughlin had an effort well saved by Noel McDermott in the Illies goal. Patrick McMeyler then had an effort from the edge of the area also well saved. Illies struck against the run of the play when Paddy Doherty crossed for Niall McDaid to head past Kevin O’Loughlin from six yards. They went close again when Aiden Doherty rattled the crossbar with a well hit free kick from thirty yards. On the restart Buncrana started well with Stephen McHugh seeing a volley well saved by McDermott.Illies replied with McDaid heading just wide before at the other end McDermott excelled again to tip a McMyler effort onto the bar. McHugh then beat three defenders and raced in one on one but again McDermott foiled him.Illies made it two nil when a long ball released Aiden Doherty and he slotted low past O’Loughlin from fifteen yards on 68 minutes.Buncrana rallied and reduced the deficit after Kieran McDaid’s cross shot deflected off a defender and into his own net. On 81 minutes McHugh was upended and he picked himself up to drive home the spot kick and level the game. In the last minute a scramble in the Illies area fell to Dale Kerr and he fired to the top corner for an excellent victoey.

Doherty strikes stunning winner for Culdaff    

Aileach FC                    1-2    Culdaff FC

This game was reversed to Caratra Park on Saturday evening and was a very entertaining game between two fully committed sides. Aileach will certainly feel they should have got something from the game and all three goals were quite brilliant.Culdaff began well with Brian Harris’s ball over the top spilled by Ciaran Gallagher who recovered well to block Anthony Kelly’s follow up with the ball breaking for Derek Doherty who hooked it just past the post from the edge of the area.They took the lead minutes later with an excellent goal. A superb ball up the left from Stuart McKeague released Doherty who crossed for Kelly to unleash a powerful volley from sixteen yards which found the bottom corner.Another cross from Harris broke to Dermot Diver on the edge of the area but he fired over the top. Aileach grew into the game and leveled on 16 minutes when Ciaran Craig capitalized on a defensive error to crash a brilliant shot to the roof of the net from twenty yards.    On the half hour Harris’s cross from the right found Eugene Mclaughlin but his header was well gathered by Gallagher before at the other end a quickly taken Enda McDermott free had Martin McLaughlin scrambling across his line but the ball went just wide.A quick break by the home side ended with McLaughlin feeding Dermot Collins but his effort failed to trouble Gallagher.Aileach ended the half strongly with Criag having an effort deflected wide before McLaughlin brilliantly tipped an Anthony Doherty header from close range around the post.Culdaff started the second period well and regained the lead on 53 minutes after Gerard Mclaughlin won possession and released Derek Doherty on the left who crashed a stunning left footed shot to the top corner from sixteen yards.Aileach upped the tempo with Anthony Doherty lobbing just wide before the same player should have hit the target when unmarked he headed a Gerard Boyle cross over from twelve yards.Midway through the half Doherty broke on the left and squared across to Boyle who looked certain to score but McLaughlin cleared the danger with his feet.In a moment of brief respite Culdaff’s Gerard McLaughlin fed Kelly who controlled brilliantly with his right and fired over the top with his left. Aileach responded and with the home defence appealing for offside Sean McKinney raced clear but his effort was again blocked by the advancing McLaughlin.Aileach pressed in the final ten minutes but  the home defence with Conor O’Brien, McKeague and McLaughlin in commanding form stood firm. This result is a major boost for them in their attempt to clinch champions league qualification.

Jackie Crossan Premier Division               

Buncrana Hearts Res   0-1    Glengad United  

In a very entertaining game played at Castle Park before a good crowd it was Glengad who had the opening chance when Patrick McDermott released Paul McGonigle but his shot was well saved by Rory Kelly in the home goal. Buncrana replied with Stephen McHugh seeing his free kick well saved by Michael McLaughlin at full stretch.At the other end McGonigle went close again with another free kick which just grazed the post.Buncrana had the last chance of the opening period when Colm McLaughlin ran onto McHugh’s through ball but saw his low shot brilliantly saved by McLaughlin low to his left. Buncrana had the better start to the second period with a superb run and cross by Colm McLaughlin somehow hooked from beneath his own bar by Shane Doherty. On 58 minutes Greg Bradlay advanced on the right played a neat one two with McHugh but saw his effort well saved by McLaughlin. A long kick out by Kelly was not dealt with by the visitors defence but McHugh fired straight at keeper McLaughlin before firing a free kick over the bar from the edge of the area. Glengad broke the offside trap on 85 minutes with Alan Orr breaking clear and his mishit shot deceived Kelly and rolled into the net. On full time Terence Doherty spurned a great opportunity when he ran clear but fired wide from inside the area.

Clonmany Shamrocks  2-1    Aileach FC

The shamrocks were forced into an early reshuffle when they lost centre half Philip Devlin who had to be replaced with an injury inside the opening five minutes.They could still have taken an early lead after Paul McLaughlin’s cross was headed against his own bar by Cathal McElhinney and Raymond McDaid headed the rebound off the bar.Midway through the half Aileach’s Ciaran Craig saw his effort blocked at the back post by Daniel McLaughlin. Clonmany broke the deadlock on 28 minutes when Jason Devlin played Michael Devlin and he fired low past Ciaran Gallagher from the corner of the eighteen yards area. Aileach replied with Dermot Doherty firing high and wide after a corner was not cleared by the home defence before Gerard Boyle had a snapshot which saw Peter Devlin dive full length to turn the ball behind. In the second half Aileach leveled on 51 minutes after Enda MCdermott sidestepped a defender and played Ciaran Craig in on the left and he finished superbly past Devlin from fourteen yards. Clonmany tried to reply with Daniel McLaughlin’s free breaking to Michael Grant whose effort bounced off the underside of the bar before being cleared. On the hour the home side regained the lead when Peter Devlin released the ball quickly to Grant who fed Michael Devlin to cut the ball back from the byeline for Mark McLaughlin whose mistimed shot bobbled into the net.Substitute Kevin McCarron then fed Paddy Doherty who advanced into the area but Gallagher saved his effort. Paul McLaughlin then saw a cross shot crash off the angle of bar and post. Aileach then pressed to the end and forced a number of corners but failed to take advantage.

Jackie Crossan Premier Division               

McLaughlins on the double for the shamrocks

Glengad United             0-2    Clonmany Shamrocks 

The home side started the better with Alan Orr sending Patrick McDermott clear on goal but his effort was deflected behind by Peter Devlin.From Orr’s corner delivery McDermott saw his effort cleared off the line by Philpat Doherty. Clonmany settled and broke the deadlock midway through the half when Kevin McCarron’s cross was only partially cleared by the home defence and Mark McLaughlin struck a superb shot to the roof of the net. The remainder of the half was a tight affair with few chances at either end and defences on top.Glengad started the second period well with Orr’s corner finding John G McDermott whose near post header drifted just over.Clonmany replied with a fine solo run from Jason Devlin seeing his effort well saved by Michael McLaughlin. Clonmany sealed the points on 73 minutes when Liam Hirrell advanced up the left and feed Daniel McLaughlin who flicked the ball to Paul Mclaughlin who slotted home from close range.   

Superb late goal by Donnelly gives Redcastle victory

Redcastle United           2-1    Moville Celtic

Moville started the better with Graeme Doherty seeing a twenty five yards effort well saved low down by Gerard Crossan. Shane Canning then saw his free find Nigel McMonagle but he volleyed wide. Redcastle replied with Brian Tracey’s cross just eluding Charlie McCormick at the back post. Midway through the half Eddie McIntyre released Tracey whose cross found McIntyre running into the area but he headed over the top. Tracey then released Seamus Doherty who crossed from the left for McCormick to head past Maurice McGeady from eight yards. On 36 minutes Eamon Donnelly’s cross was deflected goalwards by a defender but Conor McLaughlin acrobatically cleared off the line. Moville got back on terms  before the interval when Joe Doherty flicked on a long clearance for McMonagle to shoot low past Crossan from ten yards.On the resumption Tracey’s free was flicked just wide by Jimmy Gallagher. Moville replied with Joe Doherty crossing to Nigel McMonagle on 67 minutes but Crossan advanced and blocked with his feet.Redcaste struck for the winner on 81 minutes when the Moville defence cleared to Donnelly and he volleyed a stunning effort to the top corner from thirty yards to seal the points in a very entertaining game.

Kelly the catalyst for Caratra side’s victory

Culdaff FC          3-0    Buncrana Hearts Res

Played in good conditions at Caratra Park this was not a great game overall and the final scoreline was harsh on a young but committed Buncrana side. Culdaff began with a lot of possession but their first effort on goal did not come until after 23 minutes when Conor Keddy set up Dermot Collins who fired just over the top from twenty yards.The home side took the lead on 28 minutes after Brian Harris throw in was controlled well on the edge of the six yards area by Anthony Kelly who turned and fired low to the far corner past Kevin O’Loughlin.Buncrana tried hard with an excellent Stephen McHugh burst into the area foiled by the advancing Martin McLaughlin.On the stroke of half time Colm McLaughlin fed McHugh who sent Robbie Fullerton overlapping on the left but the young fullback fired wide of the far post from a tight angle.Culdaff started the second period well with Matthew Byrne advancing up the left but firing across the face of goal and wide. Good interplay between Kelly and Conor O’Brien saw Kelly set up O’Brien but he fired across O’Loughlin and wide  when he should have hit the targetBuncrana upped the tempo at this stage with Kieran McDaid feeding McHugh on the left but he drove wide when well placed before substitute Dale Kerr fired well over from the edge of the area. McDadi then had a goalbound shot headed behind by Byrne and from his corner to the back post McHugh’s header was cleared off the line by Dermot Collins. Culdaff awoke from their slumber and sealed the points on 82 minutes when Kelly laid the ball off to O’Brien and he fired a superb volley to the top corner from the edge of the area.O’Brien than had a snapshot  gathered at the second attempt by O’Loughlin before at the other end McHugh was denied by a superb Adrian McGonigle tackle. Culdaff made it three when Kelly knocked the ball into the path of Dermot Diver and he fired to the corner from six yards. The last chance fell to the home side when O’Brien fed Kelly who controlled well and turned to volley just over the top.

Doherty strikes for last minute winner      

Buncrana Hearts Res   1-2    Aileach FC

Played in Maginn Park on Saturday evening it was Aileach who struck for a late winner in this entertaining clash.On 5 minutes a well worked short corner between Greg Bradley and Kieran McDaid saw McDaid fire over from the edge of the area. Midway through the half Puaric O Flaherty and Tommy Caldwell combined well but the latter fired wide from fifteen yards. They took the lead on 31 minutes when O’Flaherty fired to the roof of the net after Bradley’s effort was deflected into his path. Before the break Aileach replied with Enda McDermott’s glancing header drifting just past Rory Kelly’s left hand post.On the stroke of half time Gerard Boyle and Anthony Doherty set up McDermott but his low drive was brilliantly saved low to his right by Kelly. On the restart McDaid’s corner was headed over by Michael Caldwell from eight yards. A defensive error in the Hearts defence allowed Boyle clear but Kelly smothered well at his feet. On the hour a great run by Doherty on the left saw him cut in but his shot lacked power.Aileach’s pressure told on 71 minutes when another superb run by Doherty saw his effort deflect into the path to Boyle who sidefooted home from six yards. Buncrana replied with Harry Forshaw crossing for McDaid but he fired over from ten yards. On the stroke of full time Aileach forced successive corners resulting in Doherty poking home from close range after the Hearts defence failed to clear.

Missed spot kick proves costly for the Point

Culdaff FC                    3-1    QPS 

Played in cold but excellent conditions Culdaff ended their run of defeats with a hard earned victory over a battling swifts side who will feel they had the chances to take something from the game.The home side got off to a dream start after 3 minutes when Gerard McLaughlin fed Conor O’Brien on the edge of the area and he sidestepped a defender before drilling a low shot across JP McColgan to the bottom corner from sixteen yards. The visitors hit back with Colm McLaughlin heading over at the back post before Terry McColgan’s point blank effort after poor defending was superbly deflected behind by Martin McLaughlin in the home goal.The visitors pressure continued and when Derek Doherty’s short backpass was seized on by Bob Buchanan he was upended but his weak spot kick was well saved by McLaughlin in a real let off for the home side. Culdaff replied and Anthony Kelly headed just over from a free kick. The point then got back on terms  midway through the half when Sean McLaughlin seized on hesitancy in the home defence and cut in from the right to unleash a superb left footed effort  from twenty two yards which flew in off the post. Culdaff regained the lead on 38 minutes after O’Brien was upended in the area allowing Dermot Diver to send McColgan the wrong way from the spot. Again the point replied positively with Buchanan rounding a defender but seeing his driven effort well blocked by McLaughlin before Colm McLaughlin went close with a free kick on the stroke of half time.The second period was much tighter but the visitors created one gilt edged chance on 54 minutes after Terry McColgan released Sean McLaughlin whose attempted lob from just inside the area went well over the top. Colm McLaughlin then saw a rising effort clear the bar from twenty five yards with McLaughlin at full stretch. The defining moment for the home side arrived on 78 minutes when Dermot Collins left wing corner sailed over McColgan and dropped in at the back post. It was all Culdaff after this and they could have added another two or three goals as they had some great chances. Firstly brilliant work by Conor Keddy took him along the byeline from the corner flag past two defenders and when he squared the ball across Anthony Kelly at full stretch just failed to apply the finishing touch. Kelly then flicked the ball into the path of Diver but he fired wildly wide before a Brian Harris free broke to Eugene McLaughlin who with a clear sight of goal failed to hit the target from twelve yards.

Shamrocks maintain title challenge with narrow victory                

Clonmany Shamrocks  3-2    Moville Celtic

In a very entertaining game Moville started well with PJ  Barr and Ritchjie McElhinney posing a threat on the right and Joe Doherty and Oran McDermott lively in attack. Clonmany settled and created the first chance on 21 minutes when Paddy Doherty advanced from midfield and squared to Kevin McCarron whose shot crashed off the bar with Maurice McGeady well beaten.Moville then took the lead when Joe Doherty retrieved the ball following a corner and fed McDermott to slot low to the net from twelve yards. Clonmany replied with Brendan Devlin striking the bar twice once with a free kick and then with a header as the half ended. In the second period Clonmany leveled on 38 minutes after Devlin headed the ball down for Steve Harkin who bundled the ball home from ten yards. Moville lost Joe Doherty through injury and this gave the initiative to the home side. They took the lead on 56 minutes when Paddy Doherty broke into the area and fired a left footed effort which squeezed past McGeady at his near post. They increased their lead after Steve Harkin and Michael Devlin combined for Harkin to cross to Mark McLaughlin who fired home from ten yards. Moville hit back immediately after a free kick was not cleared allowing McElhinney unchallenged to stroke the ball from ten yards past Peter Devlin. Moville pressed hard with the Clonmany defence on edge but it was Clonmany who came closest to scoring after Moville substitute Benny Mullan cleared off the line twice to deny Brendan Devlin.

Redcastle hit five in storming second half   

Redcastle United           6-0    Glengad United  

Redcastle made no mistake with this comprehensive victory over a Glengad side who had started well.Glengad started well with Stephen McLaughlin feeding Terence Doherty but his shot was blocked behind for a corner by Gerard Crossan. But from the corner Redcastle broke upfield and following a swift move Brian Trcaey fed  Charlie McCormick whose effort was parried by Michael McLaughlin but the ball fell to Jimmy Gallagher who fired home from twenty yards. Glengad replied with Alan Orr’s corner finding JG McLaughlin but with a free header he e headed straight at Crossan. Before the break Michael Doherty created an opening in the area but Crossan again saved low to his left. On the stroke of half time a solo run by Seamus Doherty took him clear but he blazed wide. On the resumption McCormick’s corner was headed home by  Raymond Campbell  from ten yards to double the lead. Glengad replied with Terence Doherty firing over from the edge of the area.Redcastle added three goals in a five minute spell on the hour mark. Firstly Eddie McIntyre tapped home after McCormicks header was brilliantly parried by Mclaughlin. Within in a minute Martin Farren saw his header parried by McLaughlin but McCormick reacted quickest to slot home. Then McIntyre found McCormick with a crossfield ball and he slotted low past McLaughlin to make it five nil.Stephen Davenport completed the scoring when he fired low past McLaughlin with a crisp low shot from twenty yards.

Super sub McLaughlin sinks Hearts  

Clonmany Shamrocks  2-0   Buncrana Hearts Res

Clonmany had a lot of pressure but Conor O’Donnell in the visitors goal was equal to most things thrown at him.Midway through the half Jason Devlin crossed to brother Michael but his effort was scrambled off the line by Patrick McMeyler. Minutes later Jason Devlin saw a first time effort well saved at full stretch by O’Donnell. Paul McLaughlin then crossed for Steve Harkin whose near post glancing header drifted wide of the back post. The best move of the game came on 34 minutes when Michael Grant and Kevin McCarron combined for Grant to pull the ball back to Michael Devlin but he blazed wildly over. The second period followed a similar pattern with John McLaughlin and Paul McLaughlin seeing  efforts well saved by O’Donnell. McCarron then broke into the area and crossed for substitute Brendan Devlin to see his effort deflected behind.Buncrana replied with Greg Bradley running onto a long ball with Peter Devlin advancing to clear. Clonmany broke the deadlock with Grant crossing to substitute Mark McLaughlin who stabbed the ball home from close range. They sealed it in the final minute when Mark McLaughlin collected a loose ball thirty yards out and fired a superb shot over O’Donnell for an excellent strike.

McElhinney strike seals the points

Culdaff FC                    0-1    Aileach FC

Played in showery conditions on Saturday night this was a poor game but one which the visitors will be glad to have taken the points from. For the home side it is now three defeats on the trot and they need to steady the ship.The first chance of the game fell to the home side  when Niall Gordon’s neat lay off fell to Gerard McLaughlin whose first time shot was well held  by Ciaran Gallagher. Aileach replied with Anthony Doherty breaking on the left and when his cross broke to Stephen Doherty his effort was deflected behind by a defender.On 29 minutes the home side forced a corner and when Conor Keddy slipped the ball back to Derek Doherty his angled effort was easily gathered by Gallagher.Aileach were unlucky minutes later when Neil McElhinney’s thunderous header crashed off Martin McLaughlin’s left hand post. Culdaff then struck the woodwork on the stroke of half time after Doherty’s inswinging corner crashed off the face of the bar and away to safety.Aileach struck for the only goal on 47 minutes after the home side failed to clear a corner and McElhinney followed up to slam the loose ball home. Enda McDermott then released Anthony Doherty on the left and he fired just past the far post from the left hand corner of the area.Culdaff replied midway through the half when Dermot Collin’s corner fell to Dermot Diver whose close range effort rebounded off a defender on the line with Gallagher stranded.Culdaff were pushing forward and it was no surprise when substitute  Gerard Boyle found space but saw his effort beaten away by McLaughlin before Anthony Doherty blazed wide from a good position. Culdaff spurned a gilt edged chance on 83 minutes when Collins released Gerard McLaughlin who went too wide when he rounded the advancing Gallagher but crossed to Conor Keddy whose effort was deflected over the bar by a combination of defenders.

Nicholas strike gives point crucial victory

Illies Celtic          0-1    QPS 

Illies dominated the majority of the game but paid the price for failure to convert some good chances. They started well with Aiden Doherty and William McLaughlin going close before McLaughlin crossed for Doherty who fired at JP McColgan from point blank range. The point broke the deadlock midway through the half when the home defence failed to clear allowing Michael Nicholas to blast to the roof of the net from twelve yards. Illiesa replied immediately but William McLaughlin fired wide from a good position. They had another great chance when Paddy Doherty crossed to brother Aiden but he fired wide when he should have hit the target. On the restart McColgan was keeping the point in it with McLaughlin shooting wide when well placed. At the other end Sean McLaughlin beat the offside trap but saw his effort rebound to safety off the post. On 83 minutes Niall McDaid saw a close range header well tipped over by McColgan before in the last minute David Doherty’s rising shot clipped the bar on the way over.