Sunday 14th January 2024
Brian McCormick Cup (Letterkenny Area)
Letterkenny Rovers came from behind to secure a hard fought 3-1 win over Rathmullan Celtic in the Brian McCormick Sports Cup at Leckview Park.
It was the visitors who started brightly and deservedly took an early lead when Mark McAteer’s close range shot inside a crowded penalty area trickled into the net.
Indeed, the Premier Division outfit were unfortunate not to be further ahead. Dean McCarry came to Rovers’ rescue with a goal line clearance from Oisin McMenamin’s effort while a long range strike from former Rovers skipper Conal McGonigle was superbly tipped over the bar by Blake Forkan.
Despite the blow of losing Chris Malseed through injury, the home side got themselves level on the half hour mark with a 25 yard free-kick from Joel Gorman which sailed into the net.
Rovers then hit the front before half-time as Rathmullan failed to clear the ball inside their penalty area and Zach Gorman pounced to smash his effort into the roof of the net.
In the second half, Rathmullan missed a glorious opportunity to level the game when they were awarded a penalty only for McMenamin’s effort to be saved by Forkan.
Rovers wrapped up the victory with ten minutes to go. David O’Donnell went on a surging run down the left flank and his low inviting cross was expertly finished by Lee McMonagle at the near post.
Referee – Packie Coll.
Goalscorers Lee McMonagle, Joel Gorman, Zach Gorman