Wednesday 31st Aug 2022
Letterkenny Rovers 2 Ballybofey Utd 2
Both these sides began the game knowing they had already qualified for the semi finals and were playing for positions which would see the table toppers secure home advantage in the semi finals.
Rovers started the game on the resplendent Leckview Astro in quick style and dominated early proceedings and took the lead after just six minutes wit a goal of the season contender when the in form Ultan McMonagle fired one in from distance off the underside of the crossbar giving Odhran Boner in the visitors goal no chance.
That set the tone for the opening period with Aaron Temple firing just wide while Bonar was alert to deny Sam Harvey. Temple then came close with a header before Ballybofey stunned their hosts on 35 minutes when the impressive Cathal Kennedy fired home when the home defence failed to deal with a corner.
The side went into the break and Ballybofey should have gone in front straight after when Kenendy shot high over the bar when well placed before the home side retook the lead on 51 when Faolan Gibson was fouled in the box before he converted the resultant penalty,
Gibson then saw a 70th minute penalty saved superbly by Bonar before Temple then channelled his inner Erling Haaland when using his strength to best two defenders running onto a Jack Long throughball but saw his thunderous effort crash off the crossbar.
Ballybofey again showed their stubborness and never say die attitude and drew level in the 80th minute when a long ball caught the home rearguard napping and in stepped Kennedy to capitalise and restore parity.
Ballybofey had the better of the final moments chasing what would have been a dramatic winner but the home side held out for the point required to see them back at Leckview for their semi final clash with Kilmacrennan Celtic next Wednesday while Ballybofey travel to face Bonagee in the other last 4 clash.
