Leckview Park, Saturday Division 1
Letterkenny Rovers came out on top in an entertaining contest at Leckview Park, defeating Strand Rovers 4–2 after a lively and attacking display from both sides.
Rovers started brightly, pushing forward through the wings with Artem Tymoshchenko and Paddy Collins linking up well.
Early chances saw Vlod Kovalchuk head narrowly over and Collins shoot from distance, while Gareth Temple’s delivery from the right was met by Nathan Bonner, whose header went just wide. Strand almost caught Rovers out on the break before Josh Wade was quick off his line to clear.
Despite Rovers’ dominance, Strand took the lead on 14 minutes when Oisin McKelvey produced a clever flick over Wade, the ball bouncing in off the underside of the bar. The home side responded quickly, with Temple’s corner finding James Gallagher, and Caolan Kelly ensured it crossed the line for the equaliser.
On 38 minutes, Kelly put Rovers ahead with a stunning strike from 30 yards that arrowed into the corner. Jordan Nugent came close to extending the lead before half-time when his shot struck the post.
Strand levelled early in the second half through Daire Gallagher’s penalty after a foul in the box, but Rovers restored control. Winston and Tymoshchenko both tested the defence before Nugent drove in a low cross on 74 minutes which substitute Adam Yisau converted to make it 3–2. Just two minutes later, Nugent’s corner found another substitute, Fouad Bashar, who headed home Rovers’ fourth.
Rovers continued to press late on, with Odhran Kelly seeing a shot deflected over and Dylan Doogan adding fresh threat up front. The defence stood firm in the closing stages to secure the win after a strong all-round performance.
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