Letterkenny Rovers made it another three points in the Donegal Junior League Sunday Premier Division with a 1–0 win over St. Catherine’s at Leckview on January 18th, played in dry, brisk conditions. Shane McNamee’s first-half goal was enough to settle a competitive contest in which St. Catherine’s carried a threat without finding an equaliser.
Rovers began with purpose, BJ Banda repeatedly driving at the St. Catherine’s back line and forcing early defensive blocks. The visitors answered with good moments of their own, including a dangerous low ball across the face that Rovers had to deal with inside the six-yard area. As chances came and went at both ends, Rovers’ back line—marshalled well by Dean McCarry and Keith Cowan—stood firm when St. Catherine’s worked openings around the box.
The breakthrough arrived late in the first half when Rovers found space down the left and, after the build-up involving Rory Gallagher, McNamee struck low into the corner to beat Michael Mullin and put the hosts 1–0 up. Rovers continued to look for a second before the interval, but St. Catherine’s stayed organised and limited clear-cut chances.
After the restart, Rovers kept pressing, with Gareth Doherty supplying from the right and a spell of corners that St. Catherine’s defended strongly, consistently getting the first contact in the box. St. Catherine’s remained dangerous from set pieces and deliveries into the area, but Mark McGinley was composed—claiming cleanly under pressure and punching clear when needed. With neither side able to add to the scoring despite late pressure and several efforts from range, Rovers saw the game out for a valuable 1–0 win at Leckview.
Referee: Michael Connolly
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