In the final clash of the Letterkenny Rovers Finn Travel Division 3 league season, the champions, Letterkenny Rovers, squared off against Fanad United at Leckview on Saturday, March 23rd. Fanad graciously welcomed the titleholders onto the pitch, forming a guard of honor as they entered.
The match burst into life early on, with Letterkenny Rovers asserting their dominance just 7 minutes in, as Adam Murphy unleashed a strike from 25 yards, finding the back of the net with precision.
Fanad United's resilience was evident as their goalkeeper, Brian Gallagher, thwarted a close-range effort from Artem Tymoschenko after 12 minutes.
The champions continued to press forward, with Darragh Morrison doubling their lead in the 37th minute, courtesy of a well-executed assist from Pavlo Shevanick.
However, Fanad United refused to give up, as Dylan McBride tested the opposition's defense with a shot just wide of the mark in the 40th minute. Their perseverance paid off just before halftime, with Cormac Sweeney pulling one back for Fanad, converting a free kick from outside the box in the 44th minute.
As the teams regrouped at halftime, Letterkenny Rovers held a narrow 2-1 advantage.
The second half saw Rovers maintain their attacking impetus, with Fanad United's goalkeeper, Gallagher, producing a fine save to deny Pavlo Shevanick's left-footed strike in the 48th minute.
Letterkenny Rovers extended their lead in the 55th minute, as Darragh Morrison capitalized on a deflected shot from Jordan Nugent, giving his side a commanding 3-1 advantage.
Despite Fanad United's efforts to claw their way back into the contest, including opportunities for McBride and Ferry in the 70th and 83rd minutes respectively, they were unable to find a breakthrough.
In the dying moments of the game, Adam Murphy turned provider, setting up Jordan Nugent for Letterkenny Rovers' fourth goal in the 90th minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the champions concluding their league campaign on a high note.