Letterkenny Rovers opened their new season with a 1–0 victory over Kilmacrennan Celtic in the Voodoo Cup at Leckview Park on a wet, challenging afternoon.
Before kick-off, a planned minute’s silence in memory of Ollie Horgan was held, with all in attendance observing respectfully.
The contest began at a measured pace as both sides looked to settle into their rhythm. Rovers went close early: in the 9th minute, a corner rattled the post and landed safely with the Kilmac keeper. Moments later, Volodymyr Kovalchuk was denied in a one-on-one and Fouad Bashar’s header from a Nugent corner was gathered by the keeper. Kilmacrennan’s first chance fell to Terence Shiels, who broke clear before his attempted chip drifted just wide.
Activity built steadily as Henry Welles stopped a dangerous Kilmac cross and Paddy Collins’ header at the other end was comfortably claimed. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, when Welles delivered a perfectly-weighted free kick from the left and Fouad Bashar guided a header into the corner of the net to give Rovers the lead. Kilmacrennan responded with efforts from distance but Rovers keeper Josh Wade handled them confidently. Further Rovers’ efforts, including a free kick from Pavel Shevaniuk, were capably dealt with by Kilmac’s Connaghan.
After the interval, Rovers stayed on the front foot; Kovalchuk headed over early and Welles sent a strike just wide before substitute Oisin McMenamin was denied inside the box. Kilmacrennan finished strongly, earning a series of corners and seeing a header glance narrowly off target. Their late penalty appeal, when Doherty went to ground in the box, was waved away by the referee.
At full time, Letterkenny Rovers claimed the win as they advanced in the Cup, but know improvements will be needed as the campaign progresses. Kilmacrennan Celtic, despite a youthful lineup, produced an impressive second-half showing and were unfortunate not to take something from the game.