Fanad United 1 - 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers completed their league season unbeaten after a tough 1-1 draw with Fanad United at Leckview Park.
In a great show of sportsmanship, Fanad United provided a guard of honour for the newly crowned champions before kick-off, acknowledging Rovers’ achievement in securing the league title.
Fanad, eager to end the champions’ streak, took the lead in the 23rd minute. A corner was only partially cleared by the Rovers and when the ball was returned into the danger area, Oisín Langan reacted quickest, guide it past Mark Anthony McGinley to give the visitors the lead.
Rovers had chances of their own in the opening half, with Lee McMonagle involved in much of the forward play. His flick-on set up David O’Donnell, who couldn’t convert, and later McMonagle nearly beat the keeper to a long ball from McGinley, but Mark McConigley did just enough to deny him.
The hosts improved in the second half. Gareth Doherty and O’Donnell combined well down the right, and a series of attacks saw BJ Banda, Joel Gorman, and Nathan Plumb all come close.
The equaliser finally came on 70 minutes when McMonagle surged down the left and squared low across goal for Banda to tap in.
Fanad still posed a threat and had a couple of half-chances, but McGinley remained alert. Rovers pushed for a winner in the final moments, with Adam Murphy threading a brilliant ball for Banda, only for McConigley to deny him once again.
The final whistle confirmed an unbeaten league campaign for Rovers — an impressive feat in a highly competitive season.
Goalscorer: BJ Banda
Referee: Mick Langan