ULSTER JUNIOR CUP 29th October 2023
Letterkenny Rovers put on a dominating performance today against Clonmany Shamrock, finishing with a resounding 6-0 victory. The first half saw Rovers controlling the game, but they only managed to find the back of the net once.
The action began early, with a free kick from Zach Gorman just three minutes in, but it sailed wide to the right. Moments later, a well-executed throw from Gorman found Conor Tourish, whose header struck the right post.
Clonmany Shamrock had their first attempt at the 6-minute mark, as Aaron Porter delivered a precise ball into the box, and Jason Devlin's shot was saved by Rovers' keeper, Mark McGinley.
Rovers had their share of opportunities, with a free kick awarded 11 minutes in, but no one could direct Zach's delivery into the goal. A promising play involving Gabby Aduka and Nathan Plumb didn't result in a goal either, as Plumb's shot went straight at Clonmany's Liam McGonigle.
On the 20-minute mark, Rovers finally broke through. Zach Gorman drove at the Clonmany defense and placed the ball into the left corner of the net, giving Rovers a 1-0 lead.
Joel Gorman had a spectacular long-range attempt that struck the top of the crossbar on the 23rd minute, and Rovers had a goal disallowed for a foul on the 24th minute.
Clonmany had their chances too, with a corner going unchallenged across the Rovers goal and Shane McCaul's shot straight at Mark McGinley.
The first half ended with one final free kick for Rovers, delivered by Joel Gorman and headed by Dean, but Liam McGonigle made the save.
While Clonmany was dangerous on the counter, Rovers gained strength in the second half. Nathan Plumb nearly scored on 48 minutes with a shot that narrowly missed the right post. On 51 minutes, a free kick from Joel Gorman found Conor Tourish's head but hit the crossbar.
Nathan Plumb was in action again on 54 minutes, but his shot was stopped by the Clonmany keeper. The second goal of the match came on 55 minutes during a goalmouth scramble. Nathan Plumb managed to get the ball over the line after a Zach Gorman ball was cleared by the defense.
Clonmany had a chance on 59 minutes, but Aaron Porter's shot went wide to the right. On 60 minutes, a great ball by Zach Gorman from the right wing found Lee McMonagle, who headed it straight into McGonigle's hands.
The third goal came on 69 minutes after great work on the right wing by Leon Doherty, who set up Lee McMonagle for a clean finish. Rovers continued their scoring spree with a fantastic 40yd free kick from Joel Gorman on 78 minutes, making it 4-0.
On 81 minutes, a goal kick from Mark McGinley started a well-timed run by Nathan Plumb, who delivered a perfect cross to Lee McMonagle, extending Rovers' lead to 5-0. McMonagle secured his hat-trick on 90 minutes, chesting down a cross from Zach Gorman and slotting it into the left of the goal, sealing a commanding 6-0 victory for Letterkenny Rovers.
Referee: Stephen Laird
Cracking free kick from Joel Gorman.
Hear Stephen talk to Charlie Collins in the post match interview.