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Inishowen Engineering Reserve League Division One

QPS Res              2-1    Redcastle  Res

In an entertaining game switched to Foyle Park Redcastle the point scored a crucial victory in their hunt for league honours.Redcastle had the opening chance but Stephen Davenport blazed over before Eamon Donnelly had a twenty five yards free rebound off the base of the post before being cleared. The point replied with Mark Duffy firing straight at Michael McCole when well placed. The point took the lead on 17 minutes when Duffy broke on the right and from a tight angle on the edge of the area drove to the roof of the net.Midwya through the half Paul Grant fed Dean Hegarty who rounded McCole but from a tight angle dragged his effort wide. At the other end James Curran found space but also failed to hit the target.   On the half hour Davenport fed Curran but from sixteen yards he fired over the bar. The point responded and doubled their lead when Grant’s free from the edge of the area took a slight deflection past McCole in the Redcastle goal. Just before the break Redcastle’s Kevin Toner put a great ball across the goal but there was no one to take advantage. On the restart the  points Grant had an effort saved by McCole and the rebound fell to Sean Harkin who fired wide from close range.         Duffy then had an effort brilliantly turned round the post by McCole before Curran ran onto a Dean Hegarty pass but fired at McCole. Redcastle hit back with Sean Curran’s corner finding the unmarked Seamus Doherty but he headed wide . They got a goal back when Donnelly’s free from wide on the left was glanced past Brian Lynch by Davenport from seven yards. On 81 minutes the point were unlucky when Duffy’s cross came off the post to Grant who blazed over the top before Grant fed Dean Hegarty who saw his effort rebound off the post.

Carrowmena Res             0-2   Gleneely Res    

The visitors started well with Danny McLaughlin feeding Corey O’Brien who fired low past Mark Doherty from fifteen yards. Carrowmena replied with Conor Doherty feeding Mark McGonagle but he fired just wide from twenty yards. On the half hour the visitors O’Brien saw a free well saved by Doherty high to his right. The home side replied with Anthony & John P McDermott seeing efforts just fail to hit the target. On 55 minutes Martin Thompson crossed for McGonagle but he was unlucky to see his effort crash back off the post. Gleneely replied on 71 minutes when a mazy run by John Doherty seeing him race into the area and fire low across the face of goal and wide. They added a second when O’Brien cut in from the left to unleash a shot which hit both posts before nestling in the net. 

Sea Rovers Res   0 1     Dunree Res         

Reversed to Malin Head Rovers made the brighter start with good work by Luke Rudden and James Gallagher setting up John Doherty but his effort from a tight angle was well saved by Roger McGilloway. Midway through the half Dunree replied with Shaun Doherty firing just over the bar from the edge of the area. Ten minutes later a Neil Moran effort was well tipped over by Michael Smith as the half ended scoreless. Again it was Rovers who started the second period well with substitute Daniel Glackin breaking on the right and crossing for John Doherty whose low drive was well saved by McGilloway.The only goal of the game arrived on 62 minutes when Rovers failed to clear a cross from the right and Sean Baldrick reacted quickest to see his mishit shot loop over Smith in the home goal. After this it was one way traffic as Rovers pressed with Matthew Doherty seeing one effort well saved by McGilloway and then on 75 minutes another effort just clear the crossbar. But Rovers best effort came in injury time as Matthew Doherty and Glackin both saw efforts well saved by the alert McGilloway.

QPS Res              8-0    Dunree Res         

Leaders the Point cruised through this game and took the lead on 3 minutes when Sean Harkin crossed from the left for Paul Hegarty to slot high past Roger McGilloway from ten yards. Within a minute they made it two when Harkin volleyed to the net following a Dean Hegarty corner from six yards.Paul Hegarty was then unlucky to see his volley bounce off the underside of the bar before brothers Dean and Paul Hegarty combined for the latter to head home from ten yards and make it three nil on the half hour. Hegarty then completed his hat trick minutes later when he converted a low cross from Grant. Dunree’s only reply came on 41 minutes when Neil Moran’s long range shot was tipped round the post by Brian Lynch in the point goal. On the resumption the point continued to dominate and added to their lead on 74 minutes after Grant squared to Hugo Curran to slide the ball home from ten yards. Number six came shortly after when Grant got on the end of a Hegarty cross to head home from eight yards. Curran then made it seven when he converted a  penalty low to the corner after he had been upended. They completed the scoring on the stroke of full time when good interplay between the Hegarty brothers and Curran set up Grant to fire low past McGilloway from close range.          

Sea Rovers Res   0-2    Rasheney Res

Reversed to Trawbreaga Park on Friday night  Rasheney took full advantage and got off to a dream start after 5 minutes when Michael Doherty took advantage of a defensive mix up to sidestep Seamus Houghton and fire home.Minutes later following a Rasheney corner the  ball  was cleared off the line by Matthew McGonigle. Rovers replied with Michael McColgan firing over and Patrick Logue seeing a hooked effort land on the roof of the net.Gary McGeoghaghan then had a shot charged down by the Rasheney defence to James McCloskey but he fired over the bar from the edge of the area.Midway  through the half Rovers saw a corner break to Matthew Doherty but his header was brilliantly tipped over by Sean Friel.On the half hour Rasheney’s Doherty broke clear but saw his low shot well blocked by the legs of Houghton before he denied Rasheney twice saving from Liam Barclay and John Grant when they were well placed. Just before the break Rasheney made it two nil when Grant laid the ball off to Martin Shields who advanced into the area to drill a low shot to the far corner. In the second period there was much less action with defences on top. On 71 minutes Shields crossed from the right but Grant miskicked with the goal gaping. Grant then drove wide from a good position before substitute Paddy Callaghan ran to the byeline and crossed where the ball deflected off a rovers defender and off the post before the defence cleared. The final chance also fell to Rasheney when Liam McGonigle crossed to another substitute Dean Kelly but he failed to hit the target when well placed.

Gleneely Res       1-6    Redcastle Res     

Played on Saturday night the home side’s recent run of good form ended with Redcastle hitting them for six. The visitors had the opening chance when Brendan Murphy pounced on a defensive lapse but fired wide when well placed. Minutes later the home side replied with Christy Smith racing clear in a one on one but keeper Michael McCole advanced well to save.The deadlock was broken by the visitors on 18 minutes after the home defence misjudged a long clearance allowing Shaun Curran to race clear and fire low past JP Houten from ten yards.Gleneely replied with Smith firing over when he should have hit the target at least before Gareth McLaughlin’s thirty yards free went narrowly past the post. Redcastle increased their lead on 39 minutes when Curran crossed from the left for Murphy to control brilliantly and fire past Houten from close range. Gleneely got back into the game minutes after the restart when Corey O’Brien  latched onto John Doherty’s pass and blasted to the roof of the net. But the visitors struck shortly after to regain their two goal advantage when Seamus Farren’s long ball over the top found Trevor Davenport who poked the ball past the outrushing Houten and walked the ball into the net.On the hour mark Murphy fed Davenport on the right and he crossed for Stephen Davenport to head to the top corner from twelve yards and make it four one. It was one way traffic at this stage with Stephen davenport threading a through ball for james Curran to outpace the home defence and fire low past Houten from fifteen yards. They completed the scoring on 77 minutes after Stephen Davenports well struck twenty five yards effort was well parried by substitute Hugh Brennan only for Sean Gill to slot the loose ball home.        

QPS Res              4-0    Rasheney Res

On 8 minutes Mark Duffy for the home side saw his cross well gathered by Sean Friel. Midway through the half the point opened the scoring when Dean Hegarty’s corner was headed past Friel at the near post by Damien McCallion. Minutes later Hegarty and Duffy combined but McCallion’s low effort was well saved by Friel.Rasheney responded with Martin Kelly’s free turned round the post by Brian Lynch. The point doubled their lead on 39 minutes when Paul Grant converted a penalty awarded after Hegarty was upended. Before the break Lynch smothered well at the feet of Darren Doherty as he broke into the area. Rasheney had the opening effort of the second period but John Doherty’s free failed to trouble Lynch. The point replied on 51 minutes with Hegarty seeing his free rebound off the bar before Friel excelled to deny Grant and Sean Harkin in quick succession. On 74 minutes Rasheney’s John Grant saw a scramble develop after a corner but the point defence cleared the danger. They added a third when Hegarty’s free from the right found Grant who headed home at the back post. Friel made an outstanding save on 87 minutes to tip a Simon Wallace piledriver over the top.On the stroke of full time substitute Fergal Buchanan broke from midfield and fired low past Friel from sixteen yards.           

Greencastle Res            3-3    Gleneely Res

In an entertaing game a share of the spoils was a fair result in the end. The home side started well with Tony Boyce advancing on the right but his shot was well saved by JP Houten. On 19 minutes Gleneely broke the lead after John Doherty evaded a challenge on the edge of the area and fired low past Patsy Barr from sixteen yards.Midway through the half they doubled their lead when Corey O’Brien curled a superb free kick to the top corner from twenty five yards. Gleneely continued on top and had the final chance of the half when Doherty raced clear but fired over the top. Greencastle started the second period well with Liam Kelly and played interchange of passes with Boyce who fired a superb low effort from twenty two yards to the bottom corner. Shaun Doherty then went close with two free kicks for the home side before on 61 minutes Kevin McLaughlin’s long ball fell to Doherty who tucked the ball neatly past Houten from eight yards and level the game. Gleneely pushed hard and when Doherty crossed the ball broke to Martin McLaughlin who somehow failed to hit the target from point blank range. Gleneely then forced a couple of corners and restored their lead when O’Brien poked home from close range following one of those corners. Greencastle pushed hard and equalized on 85 minutes when Mike Price found Jim Dohertywho drilled a low shot to the bottom left hand corner from sixteen yards. The final chance for the home side fell to James McColgan whose header went narrowly over the top.                

Redcastle Res      2-4    Dunree Res         

The home side started well and broke the deadlock after an inswinging James Curran corner was headed off the line by Shaun Doherty but James Toner fired the loose ball low to the corner on 11 minutes. Minutes later Kevin Toner fed brother James but he fired wide when well placed. Dunree replied and got back on terms after Sean Baldrick advanced on the right and cut into the area to curl a left footed effort to the top corner from sixteen yards on 21 minutes. Dunree took the lead on 33 minutes after David Eccles headed a Sean Baldrick corner home at the near post past Liam Davenport. Redcastle had the last chance of the half after a corner broke to Kevin Toner on the edge of the area but he fired wide. On the restart Seamus Farren saw his free kick well gathered by Roger McGilloway in the visitors goal .At the other end Niall Moran fed Malcolm McGee but his drive was pushed round the post by Davenport before Moran’s dipping effort was tipped over by Davenport. Dunree increased their lead on 71 minutes when Johnny Toland pounced on a defensive lapse to fire home at the second attempt after Davenport had blocked the initial effort.Redcastle responded with Brendan Murphy firing just over the top. Dunree broke and added number four when Eccles latched onto as long ball and fired low past Davenport from the edge of the area. Redcastle scored a consolation on 88 minutes when Shaun Curran converted a penalty awarded after Murphy had been upended.              

Sea Rovers Res   1-1    Carrowmena Res

The visitors started the game the better and took the lead on 16 minutes after good work by Mark McGonagle on the right saw his cross knocked home from close range by PJ Thompson. Rovers replied with Luke Rudden firing wide from the edge of the area.Rovers got back on terms when a defensive mix up allowed John Doherty to race clear and fire low past  Andrew McLaughlin from twelve yards. The second half was a dour affair but Matthew Doherty found himself in the clear twice but fired wide on one occasion before McLaughlin spread himself well to deny hi on the other. On 75 minutes McGonagle for the visitors saw his thirty yards effort tipped round the post by Michael Smith. Rovers had a late chance when John Doherty saw his effort gathered by Mclaughlin. Carrowmena hit the home side on the break and had a late effort ruled out for offside.                

Greencastle Res            0-2    Dunree Res

The home side had the first chance when Ian Cavanagh fed Sean Downey but his effort was well saved by Roger McGilloway. Dunree hit back and took the lead when Damien Doherty fired a powerful shot past Ciaran McDonald from twenty five yards.Greencastle replied with Sean Doherty heading over before McGilloway saved well from the same player. Tony Boyce beat the offside trap a couple of times but failed to hit the target on each occasion.Dunree had the last chance when Doherty’s free kick was well saved by McDonald. On the resumption Greencastle exerted a lot of pressure but poor finishing and good goalkeeping. On 80 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Cavanagh was upended but he fired the spot kick wide. Mike Price then had a header cleared off the line by the visitors defence.Dunree broke upfield and a long ball found David Eccles who raced clear and fired low past McDonald after 86 minutes to seal the points.

Rasheney Res               1-3    Greencastle Res

In a whirlwind start the visitors raced into a three goal lead after only ten minutes. They opened the scoring on 2 minutes when Martin Cooley advanced down the right and squared for Ian Cavanagh to fire low past Sean Freil from six yards. They doubled their lead minutes later when Cooley again was the provider crossing for Matthew Harrison to slot home from close range.  Harrison then crossed from the left for Tony Boyce to control and fire low past Friel from ten yards to make it three nil.Rasheney tried to respond with Darren Doherty cross cleared away by a defender before Michael Kelly twice went close inside the area. They got a goal back after a Doherty corner broke to Sean Doherty and he fired a looping shot over keeper McClenaghan.They had another chance on 41 minutes after Corny McCole’s free found Kevin Noone but his header flew across the face of goal and wide. On the stroke of half time the visitors Shaun Doherty saw his well struck effort gathered at the second attempt by Friel. Rasheney dominated the second period with John Doherty and Noone delivering good crosses which went abegging. On 65 minutes Kelly was played clear of the Greencastle defence but from a great position he fired well wide. John Doherty then saw a free kick deflect goalwards off the wall but McClenaghan back traced to tip it over the bar. On the break neat interplay between Cooley and Cavanagh saw the latter’s effort well blocked by McCole before Shaun Cavanagh fired straight at Friel from twenty yards. They almost added another when Boyce’s shot on the run after cutting in from the right clipped  the bar on the way over. At the other end home substitutes John Grant and Donal Kelly saw the latter fire just over the top.

Dunree Res                   1-2              Carrowmena Res

Played in St Egneys Park Dunree in good conditions Carrowmena caused a bit of an upset when they claimed their second league win of the season to move away from the foot of the table.After a slow start the opening period was a dour midfield struggle with defences on top. Carrowmena took advantage of their first opportunity on 27 minutes when Mark McGonagle beat two defenders on the right and chipped Roger McGilloway for a fantastic opening goal. Dunree responded and they equalized on 36 minutes when Bernard Doherty’s free was parried by keeper Mark Doherty and Henry Connolly converted from close range.Carrowmena regained the lead within minutes when McGonagle collected a loose ball sidestepped a defender and fired to the top corner form thirty yards.Dunree started the second period well exerting constant pressure on the visitors but failed to create any clear chances. The visitors were content to sit back on their lead and with good defending from the likes of keeper Doherty , McDermott and McLaughlin they held on to claim three points.

Inishowen Engineering Reserve League Division One

QPS Res               1-1     Gleneely Res

This Game Was played at Glenview Park in Saturday night under Lights and

Both teams will wonder how there weren’t more goals in this game of free flowing football, Gleneely got the first opportunity when Danny Mc Laughlin cut in from the left but his shot didn’t trouble Brian Lynch in the QPS goal, then Corey O’Brien headed over from a William Hutchinson header, the swifts replied and Simon Wallace put in a cross from the right and Sean Harkin’s shot was blocked by a defender, Gleneely took the lead after 13 min when Danny Mc Laughlin crossed from the left and John Doherty headed past Lynch to make it 1-0, on 16 min Simon Wallace got his head onto a Dean Hegarty free but Houghton in the Gleneely goal gathered easily, then a Paul Hegarty free set up Paul Grant his effort was blocked by the legs of Houghton, Grant then shot over from a Hegarty corner, the point then had a big shout for a penalty waved away by the referee when Curran was upended in the box Gleneely replied and John Doherty broke down the right only for Lynch to make a fine save to turn his shot around the post, then Christy Smith shot over when well placed, QPS levelled after 33min when Alex O’Brien crossed for Sean Harkin to side foot past Houghton from 6 yards, the swifts should have been ahead on 35 min O’Brien crossed for Hugo Curran to lay the ball off to Dean Hegarty and he beat Houghton from 12 yards the referee initially awarded the goal then changed his mind amid protests from the Gleneely players, Curran and Hegarty then combined to set up Sean Harkin but Houghton got down well to save his shot, 3 min into the second half Hugo Curran broke into the box and layed the ball back to Dean Hegarty his shot was turned around the post by the legs of Houghton, Gleneely then spurned a great chance when keeper Lynch failed to hold a long ball it fell to Corey O’Brien but with an empty net he shot wide, O’Brien then broke up the left but saw his shot come off the upright, the points Dean Hegarty floated in a corner to the back post but Damian Mc Callion’s header was straight at Houghton, another Hegarty corner saw Sean Harkin head straight at Houghton, Gleneely then forced two corners but both were headed wide, again it was the points turn this time Trevor Gallagher crossed and Paul Hegarty saw his header crash off the crossbar it fell to Hugo Curran and his goal bound shot was blocked on the line by Martin Mc Kinney, the point were awarded a penalty in injury time but Houghton got down well to block Paul Hegarty’s spot kick the rebound fell to Hegarty but again Houghton saved with his legs and so this highly entertaining game ended QPS Reserves 1 Gleneely Reserves 1

Sea Rovers Res   0-5    Redcastle Res

Redcastle started the game on top with Brendan Murphy firing wide and James Curran having an effort saved by Gary McGeoghaghan in the home goal. Rovers only chance of the half was a John Doherty shot gathered by Michael McCole.Redcastle opened the scoring on 54 minutes when Murphy’s shot was parried by McGeoghaghan for Damien Coyle to pounce and drill the ball home. On the hour Murphy cut in from the right and fired low to the corner from twelve yards before he added his second when he got onto Coyle’s long ball and rounded the keeper and slotted home. On 81 minutes Redcastle made it four when Kevin Toner cut in  from the right wing and fired low across the keeper to the corner.They completed the scoring when Seamus Farren took the ball from midfield and fired low to the corner from twenty two yards. Rovers replied but were denied a consolation after good work by James Gallagher set up John Doherty but his effort was well saved by McCole.

Dunree Res                   0-2    Rasheney Res

Played in a constant drizzle in the opening period Dunree went close when Sean Baldrick’s corner fell to David Eccles whose effort was cleared off the line by Martin Kelly. They should have opened the scoring on 33 minutes when Malcolm McGee got on the end of a corner but fired over from six yards.Rasheney against the run of play took the lead when Liam Barclay fed Kevin Noone on the right and he fired low past Roger McGilloway from fifteen yards.Dunree started the second period well and indecision in the visitors defence allowed Eccles a clear sight at goal but Sean Friel reacted well to turn the ball away. Midway through the half Friel turned away a Bernie Doherty free. Rasheney struck again on 71 minutes when Darren Doherty played a ball through to John Grant who squared across to Damien Friel to sweep the ball home from twelve yards. Rasheney had another chance when John Doherty raced clear and fired just past the far post. Dunree replied with Baldrick’s header just wide and Thomas Mulhern denied by a last ditch tackle from Kelly.          

Greencastle Res  1-2    Carrowmena Res         

The home side started well with Martin Cooley skipping past a few defenders and firing low past Johnathan Mclaughlin from twelve yards for a dream start. Midway through the half Carrowmena went close when Martin Thompson broke clear on the edge of the area but rattled the bar with his effort. Minutes Later Gerard Gill fed Anthony McDermott but he fired wide. Greencastle replied on 37 minutes with Sean Doherty shooting just wide before Doherty fed Ian Cavanagh but he failed to hit the target when well placed. On the stroke of half time Sean Downey sidestepped a defender but fired wide of the near post. Two minutes into the second period Carrowmena were reduced to ten men when McDermott was redcarded for two bookings. This seemed to galvanise Carrowmena and they spurned a great chance when Ryan Killen blazed a penalty over the top. On the hour Gill advanced and squared to John McDermott and he fired past Patsy Barr from fifteen.Greencastle tried hard but Carrowmena broke and from Gill’s corner the ball evaded all defenders and landed in the net. For the remainder of the game Greencastle pushed forward forcing five corners but the closest they came was when Mike Price’s header crashed off the bar.

Dunree Res                   2-1    Gleneely Res

There was littler action in the opening period with both teams looking decidedly rusty after the enforced break. Dunree settled the better and took the lead on 35 minutes when Neil Moran fed Sean Baldrick to fire low past JP Houten from six yards.They kept the pressure on until the interval but Gleneely were always dangerous on the break. Dunree started the second period well but failed to create any clear cut chances.They increased their advantage on  75 minutes when Bernard Doherty curled a superb free kick from thirty yards round the wall and past a stagnant Houten.Dunree seemed to relax and Gleneely got one back after  a defensive error allowed William Hutchinson to fire the ball low past Roger McGilloway from six yards. Gleneely pushed hard in the closing ten minutes but the home defence with Brian Devlin and Frank Kelly to the fore stood firm.              

QPS Res              4-1    Greencastle Res 

Played in Maginn Park the point opened the scoring on 4 minutes after Dean Hegarty chested down to Mark Duffy who returned the ball to Hegarty to volley to the top corner from twenty yards past Patsy Barr. Barr then turned a Hegarty free around the post before midway through the half Tony Boyce ran onto a long clearance only for Point keeper Brian Lynch to advance and gather.Greencastle’s Martin Cooley then beat three defenders but saw his effort saved by Lynch before John Gillen headed wide when well placed after good work  by Jim Doherty. The point replied on 38 minutes when Sean Harkin saw his twenty five yards effort superbly saved one handedly by Barr.The point increased their lead      on 41 minutes after Paul Hegarty released Duffy and he fired high past Barr from twenty yards. Greencastle spurned a great opportunity on 47 minutes when Cooley’s well struck spot kick, awarded for handball, was brilliantly saved by Lynch high to his right. They went close again when Sean Doherty fired straight at Lynch from distance. The point replied and made it three nil when Hegarty’s corner was headed home at the back post by Hugo Curran.Greencastle reduced the deficit on 74 minutes when Sean Doherty (Snr) converted another spot kick awarded again for handball.Greencastle went close again after Doherty(Jnr) saw his free kick crash off the bar. The point sealed the tie on 88 minutes when Paul Grant advanced on the left and crossed for Dean Hegarty to sidefoot home from ten yards.

Carrowmena Res                    0-4    Redcastle Res

After a good start by the home team early efforts from  Gerard Gill, Eamon Doherty and Paddy McClenaghan all failed to trouble Michael McCole in the visitors goal. Midway through the half the visitors Damien Coyle fed Brendan Murphy but he fired over from the edge of the area. Trevor Davenport then raced clear of the home defence but keeper Mark Doherty came to the rescue clearing with his feet. Before the break Carrowmena’s Ryan Killen fed McClenaghan but his rising shot  was well saved by McCole. On the restart Carrowmena’s Martin Thompson fed Damien McGonigle on the right but again McCole saved well low to his right. Redcastle broek the deadlock on 66 minutes after Davenport’s corner was headed home from close range by Seamus Farren. A free kick by James Curran deceived Doherty and landed in the top corner to make it two nil minutes later. Redcastle were rampant at this stage and Curran then crossed for Davenport to slot low to the corner to make it three nil.They completed the scoring after 85 minutes after Evan McDermott’s corner was headed home by James Curran. The final scoreline was a bit harsh on the home side especially as it was scoreless until 66 minutes.            

Rasheney Res      4-0    Sea Rovers Res  

League action resumed at the Isle on Friday night and the home side were flattered by the winning margin as the game was scoreless entering the final third.Rasheney created the opening chance when John Doherty’s dipping shot was tipped onto the bar by Seamus Houghton who recovered well to gather. Conditions were difficult for both teams with swirling wind and driving rain but Rovers responded with Luke Roddens effort claimed by Sean Friel in the home goal. Doherty then side stepped a defender to release Michael Kelly but he fired across goal and wide. On the half hour rovers had a good chance after Matthew Doherty advanced through the centre and laid the ball off to John Doherty but he hesitated and the chance was lost. Rasheney then saw Kelly’s corner find the unmarked Doherty but Houghton saved brilliantly from point blank range as the half ended scoreless. On the restart Rovers had an early opening when John Doherty blazed over when he had a clear sight of goal. The deadlock was broken on 63 minutes when Rasheney’s John Doherty saw an effort deflect into the path of Owen McGonigle who fired to the roof of the net from ten yards. They increased their lead six minutes later after Kevin Noone’s effort was blocked by Houghton only for Michael Doherty to slot the loose ball home. Rovers lost their shape at this stage and Rasheney added a third when John Doherty fed substitute Darren Doherty who flicked the ball past the advancing keeper Houghton and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle. They completed the scoring on 84 minutes when Noone surged down the left and cut in to fire goalwards and although Houghton got a hand to it he was unable to prevent it crossing the line. Overall the final scoreline was rough on a gallant Rovers side.

Gleneely Res       1-0    Sea Rovers Res

Played on Saturday night this was a close game with rovers starting well when James McCloskey ran onto James Gallagher’s pass but his shot was easily saved by Eddie McNamee. The home side replied with Daniel McLaughlin seeing his header flash past the post before William Hutchinson’s corner fell to Martin McKinney but he headed into the side netting.Midway through the half the colts Cory O’Brien saw his shot from a tight angle well saved by Seamus Houten in the rovers goal. Rovers replied with John Doherty feeding namesake Matthew but he failed to test McNamee from the edge of the area.        On the stroke of half time Colts Duffy’s free was flicked on by McLaughlin but Houten saved brilliantly low to his left. In the second period John Doherty for the home side crossed for McLaughlin’s flick to be well saved by Houten.Gleneely pressed hard but the rovers defence with Gallagher and Donal Doherty keeping them at bay. The home side made the breakthrough on 75 minutes after McLaughlin’s shot from twenty five yards was parried by Houten and Christopher Smith followed up to drill the loose ball home.

Dunree Res                   1-3    Greencastle Res

In the opening period the home side started well and on 5 minutes Sean Baldrick fired a superb shot to the top corner past Patsy Barr to give the home side the lead.Dunree well on top with Baldrick denied on a couple of occasions by the Greencastle defence. The visitors settled and on 38 minutes Sean Doherty fired low to the bottom corner from the edge of the area despite Roger McGilloway getting a hand to it.Greencastle began the second period well and topok the lead on 55 minutes when Stephen Toland volleyed superbly to the net from twelve yards after a great cross from Doherty.They increased their lead on 77 minutes when McGilloway parried a Stephen Doherty effort but Martin Cooley chipped the loose ball over the keeper and defender. Dunree applied late pressure but the Greencastle defence stood firm.                 

Carrowmena Res                    3-5    Rasheney Res

The visitors took the lead on 8 minutes when John Grant fed Damien Friel who fired a low shot past Mark Doherty from the angle of the area. The home side got back on terms when Ryan Killen’s free from wide on the left found Gerard Gill to sidefoot past Sean Friel from eight yards. On the half hour Johnathan Mclaughlin fed JP McDermott but Friel made a brilliant save to deny him.  Rasheney hit three goals in a fifteen minute period to settle the issue. On 53 minutes Owen McGonigle advanced up the right and saw his weak shot squirm past Doherty in the home goal. Doherty then made a superb save to deny Philip Ivers as he bore down on goal.They made it three one when Darren Doherty’s left wing cross found Grant whose ffort was cleared off the line by Paul McDermott but McGonigle drove a rising shot to the net from fourteen yards. It was four one on the hour when substitute Liam Barkley was on hand to slide the ball home after good work by Grant. Carrowmena replied with Gill denied by a good save from Friel. They got one back on 70 minutes when Gill blocked a clearance and the ball fell to Anthony McDermott who blasted home. Rasheney restored their three goal advantage when Darren Doherty converted a penalty awarded for an infringement in the area. Indecision in the visitors defence allowed Finbar McCallion to slide the ball home from close range. Gill then had a late chance when his free kick from the edge of the area scraped the ourtside of the post.

Rasheney Res      0-3    Redcastle Res

Played on Saturday night in wintry wet conditions Redcastle stated well and took the lead on 18 minutes after Evan McDermott surged down the left and fed Brendan Murphy to fire low past Sean Friel from the edge of the area. They increased their lead when Damien Coyle’s deep corner was turned home at the back post by Gary Kelly. Rasheney were restricted to a couple of Brian Doherty efforts which failed to trouble Michael McCole in the visitors goal. On the restart the home side went close after Damien Friel’s low cross was hooked over the top by Doherty. Redcastle replied with Murphy ever dangerous and they made it three on the hour when Coyle advanced up the middle and fired low past Friel from twenty two yards. Rasheney responded with Damien Harkin feeding Damien Friel who squeezed the ball through McCole’s legs but it rebounded off the post before Doherty headed wide when well placed.On 76 minutes the visitors wasted a good chance when Murphy collected a cross field pass on the left and advanced but Friel smothered his low effort before the same player saw a powerful cross shot hit the side netting.Near the end of the game the home side had another let off after Murphy squared across to substitute Greg Breslin who somehow blazed over the top from point blank range. The final action saw the home side’s James McConnellogue fire in a shot which rebounded off the crossbar before the defence completed the clearance.

Carrowmena Res                    1-2    QPS Res

A crossfield breeze spoiled the game as a spectacle but the Point maintained their challenge at the top of the table. Carrowmena began well with Ryan Killen’s early free saved by Brian Lynch before the same player delivered a superb cross which went abegging. The visitors replied with Dean Hegarty sending Mark Duffy clear on the right but his cross was well claimed by Gerard Gill. Midway through the half Fergal Buchanan turned sharply but fired just wide of Gills left hand post. Hegarty and Buchanan combined for the former to see his rising effort superbly saved by Gill.Gill then blocked well with his legs to divert Buchanan’slow effort. Carrowmena replied with Eamon Doherty running onto a long clearance but keeper Lynch made a superb foot tackle to disposess him. Before the break Hegarty’s corner found unmarked Alex O’Brien but he headed wide for the point. Carrowmena took the lead on the stroke of half time when a corner was cleared to Paul McDermott whose volley crashed in off the underside of the bar. The point started the second period well with Hegarty delivering a great free which eluded Duffy and Buchanan. They dominated the remainder with Gill palming away a Buchanan effort.They got back on terms on 62 minutes when Buchanan dispatched a penalty to the roof of the net after a handball infringement. In a scramble in the home area Buchanan then drove over the top before at the other end Conor Doherty saw his effort tipped round the post by Lynch.From the corner Martin Thompson’s header was cleared off the line by Cathal McColgan.On 73 minutes Gill made a superb tip over save to deny Buchanan before the point struck for the winner on 81 minutes when Duffy’s cross was volleyed to the roof of the net by Sean Harkin.   

Sea Rovers Res             0-2    Dunree Res         

Rovers had the benefit of the wind in the opening half with James Gallagher and a Gary McGeoghaghan  free kick both drifting wide. Dunree’s best chance of the half came on the break when David Eccles had a back post header well saved by Brian O’Donnell.A quick throw in by Brendan Monagle released Puaric Doherty but his shot was well turned round the post by the visitors Roger McGilloway. On 40 minutes rovers Matthew Doherty saw his effort from the edge of the area hit the post. On 55 minutes Doherty then beat three defenders but fired straight at McGilloway. Dunree took the lead after the home defence failed to clear a corner allowing Bernard Doherty to fire to the top corner on 66 minutes. The home side replied immediately after Matthew McGonigle had an excellent shot well saved by McGilloway. Dunree added their second on 80 minutes when O’Donnell parried Doherty’s low effort but Eccles tapped the loose ball home.     

Greencastle Res            2-2    Redcastle Res     

The home side made a bright start with Ed Kelly having two early efforts well saved by Liam Davenport in the visitors goal. On 10 minutes Sean Downey ran onto a through ball from Sean Kavanagh but Davenport advanced well to save. Redcastle responded and took the lead on 17 minutes when Robert Craig headed home a Shaun Curran cross past Patsy Barr in the home goal.  Craig spurned a great opportunity shortly after when he fired wide from point blank range with the goal at his mercy. On the half hour Charlie Gill had an effort from inside the box shave the outside of the post for the home side before Gill leveled the scores on the stroke of half time when he fired low to the corner from ten yards after a good cross from Downey. On the restart Redcastle exerted pressure on the home side forcing a number of corners but they failed to create any clear chances. Midway through the half Craig fired over the top from twenty yards before Seamus Farren also failed to hit the target when well placed. Midway through the half Greencastle took the lead again when Downey fed Kelly inside the area and he calmly rolled the ball low to the corner from fifteen yards. Redcastle upped the pace with Farren firing a rising shot from twelve yards past Barr to level the game again after 83 minutes.

Gleneely Res       3-1    Rasheney Res     

The home side got off to a dream start in the 5^th minute after John Doherty played Christy Smith through and he fired low past Sea Friel from a very acute angle. Shortly after Rasheney replied with Corny McCole finding John Grant but he fired into the side netting. Midwaa through the half Rasheney went close again when Darren Doherty turned well but his effort from the edge of the area was well saved by JP Houten. Midway through the half Gleneely responded with Cory O’Brien feeding William Hutchinson who rounded a defender but saw his effort well saved by Friel. On 34 minutes Smith then beat two defenders but his shot was well saved by Friel low to his left. In the first minute of the second period Paddy Doherty had a first time effort well saved by Friel low to his left. Midway through the half Rasheney leveled from the spot after a handball and Darren Doherty drove powerfully past Houten. Gleneely regained the lead on 71 minutes when Danny McLaughlin headed a Hutchinson corner to the net from six yards. They increased their lead on 82 minutes when Friel’s clearance was collected by Enda Folan who coolly chipped the stranded keeper from thirty yards.

Carrowmena Res                    2-2    Sea Rovers Res  

Rovers made a better start and took the lead on 14 minutes with James McCloskey feeding John Doherty who fired low past Mark Doherty from fourteen yards. The home side replied with Eamon Doherty  seeing a twenty yards effort well saved by Brendan Monagle before Gerard Gill  then fired just over the bar from sixteen yards. Rovers came back into the game and on 32 minutes Donal Doherty fired over from fifteen yards after the ball broke to him following a corner. Carrowmena got back on terms minutes later after  Anthony McDermott fed Gerard Gill and he fired low to the bottom corner from the edge of the area. On the resumption  Rovers James Gallagher and Michael Smith both fired over from the edge of the area. The home side replied midway through the half with JP McDermott also firing just over the top. Rovers Mark Smith broke on the right and cut in only to see his well struck effort crash off the bar with the home defence clearing the ball to safety. Rovers pressure finally told and they took the lead again on 85 minutes when McCloskey crossed for Matthew Doherty to fire a shot to the bottom corner in off the post from the edge of the area. In the last minute a long ball from Martin Thompson for the home side was collected by Gill and he  fired to the top corner from sixteen yards to salvage a share of the spoils.