Sunday, 12th October 2025 – Leckview Park
Letterkenny Rovers edged out Donegal Town in a hard-fought contest at Leckview Park, securing all three points thanks to a late goal from Lee McMonagle.
Rovers started brightly, dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the first half. Rory Gallagher and Simon McGlynn caused constant problems down the flanks, while Shane McNamee and Bj Banda came close to breaking the deadlock with several well-worked efforts. A Zach Gorman header and a fine McGlynn strike both had the Donegal defence stretched, but the visitors held firm, aided by a string of strong saves from goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany.
Donegal Town showed their threat on the counter through Ronan McHugh and Mark Jordan, but their forward moves were often thwarted by a disciplined Rovers back line, well marshalled by Keith Cowan and Padraic Gilsenan. Despite the home side’s dominance, the sides went in level at the break, with Rovers frustrated not to have taken the lead.
Rovers maintained control after the restart, McNamee forcing a full-stretch save from Mulreany within seconds of the second half kicking off. McGlynn and Banda continued to test Donegal’s defence, but Mulreany remained equal to their efforts.
The crucial moment finally arrived in the 82nd minute when McGlynn delivered a precise cross from the left and Lee McMonagle, only recently introduced, timed his run perfectly to guide the ball into the net from close range. The goal capped a persistent attacking display and proved enough to seal victory.
Donegal rallied late on with a few promising attacks, but Mark Anthony McGinley was steady in the Rovers goal, ensuring the home side’s clean sheet.