U16 Crusaders
Mulroy 2 - 4 Letterkenny Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders came out strong from the first whistle and quickly took control of the game. Mathew Jr. opened the scoring early on, followed by a well-taken second goal from Jayden Sweeney. Just before half-time, Josh McHugh added a third, giving us a comfortable 0-3 lead at the break.
In the second half, a number of changes disrupted our rhythm, and we found it difficult to regain momentum. However, in the 60th minute, Blue Jay extended our lead with a stunning long-range strike to make it 0-4.
Despite the cushion, we sat back too much in the closing stages, allowing Mulroy to get back into the game with two quick goals. However, the team held firm and secured an important away victory.
Player of the Match: Luke Elliot – a solid performance throughout, showing great composure and leadership.
U14 Girls
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 – 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers travelled to Kilmacrennan to kick off Phase Two of the Donegal Women’s League U14 Division 1. Despite being without several regular players, the young Rovers side—bolstered by confident performances from their U12 contingent—put in a strong display against a well-organised Kilmacrennan outfit.
Rovers struck first through Savanna Keys, who capitalised on a defensive back pass and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing Kilmacrennan goalkeeper. The hosts responded before the break, equalising from a well-delivered corner by Jorgamae McGroarty.
The second half saw Kilmacrennan dominate possession, but Rovers continued to apply pressure, forcing their opponents onto the back foot. A foul on Aoibhe Gibson on the edge of the area gave Rovers a great opportunity, but Savanna Keys’ powerful free kick was expertly tipped over the bar.
Moments later, a blocked clearance by Aoise Diver created a chance, but Kilmacrennan regained control. Aoibhlinn Hegarty found space behind the Rovers defence and finished clinically to make it 2-1. In the dying moments of the game, Kilmacrennan added a third to seal the win.
Despite the result, Rovers can take many positives from a spirited and resilient performance. Standouts on the night included goalkeeper Kerry Wade and the industrious Aoise Diver, with Leila Devenney also impressing with a strong second-half showing
U12 United
Letterkenny United 4 - 3 Illistrin Allstars
Letterkenny United welcomed Illistrin Allstars to the Aura for an early 12:30 kick-off.
Letterkenny United got off to a flyer when Evan Price got on the end of a Victor Ogunade cross to give United the lead. Illistrin pulled one back soon after to level the game with a great strike from the edge of the box. United had other opportunities from great wing play and deliveries from Victor Ogunade, but just couldn’t get anyone on the end of them. 2 quick goals from David Olaniyan had United going in on top at the break. Another goal 5 mins into the second half from
Victor Ogunade gave United a commanding 3 goal lead but fair play to Illistrin they never threw gave up, scoring another 2 to make it 4-3 with 5 mins left. Illistrin then hit the crossbar and then were denied twice by some great goalkeeping from Noah Harris. Despite the late scares, United held on for the win.
Best for Letterkenny were Isaac Joel with brilliant play on the right wing and Yehor Fedoriv with an excellent display at left back.
U12 Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders 3 - 3 Milford United
A thrilling morning of football at the Aura saw two evenly matched sides battle fiercely in a game that could have gone either way.
The intensity was there from the first whistle, with Milford United pressing high and causing problems across the pitch. Crusaders struck first with a well-executed corner routine that resulted in an own goal, but Milford responded swiftly, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to equalize before pulling ahead with a well-placed finish.
Determined to fight back, Crusaders came out for the second half energized. Noah Carr delivered an inch-perfect free kick to bring the game level, followed by a composed finish from Tiarnan Connolly, who broke through to make it 3-2.
Milford continued to push forward, creating chances, but Daralee Crossan stood firm, producing crucial saves to deny their attacks. However, in the dying moments, Milford managed to equalize from a corner, securing a hard-fought draw.
Special recognition goes to Natalia Zabillo, who was rock solid in defence, ensuring nothing passed her.
U12 Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers 4 – 0 Glenree
Rovers produced a commanding performance in perfect conditions at the Aura this morning, securing a 4–0 win over Glenree in a well-contested and sporting encounter.
The home side took an early lead when Charlie Lynch finished calmly after a pinpoint cross from the impressive Shane O'Donnell. Around the 20-minute mark, Femi Gallagher doubled the lead in spectacular fashion — picking up the ball on the edge of his own box, dribbling the full length of the pitch, and beating the Glenree defence before rounding the keeper to slot home for 2–0 at half-time.
Glenree settled into the game in the second half and enjoyed a spell of good possession, showing great character and teamwork. However, Rovers extended their lead to 3–0 when Shane O'Donnell's corner, helped by a deflection, found its way directly into the net.
The final goal came late on, following a strong tackle and surging run from Patrick Lavin. His perfectly weighted through ball found Munachi, who finished brilliantly with his left foot to round off a superb team performance.
A great display from both sides in a match played in excellent spirit.
Blitzes
Dungannon All Ireland Cup
Our 2015s travelled to Dungannon to participate in the All Ireland Cup. In torrential rain throughout, they faced some of the top teams from around the country. The league stages were extremely tight, and Rovers ended up in the Plate knockout competition missing out by a point. The boys won their semi-final 2 -1 against a strong Limavady Utd side and faced Hosts Dungannon Swifts in the final. They were trailing 1-0 in the final however, captain, Shay McLaughlin smashed home a fine volley with virtually the last kick of the game to bring the outcome to penalties.
In a tense shootout were both teams missed chances to win it. Brandon Nldovu kept his nerve to smash home the winning penalty.
It was a great day out despite the weather with the boys gaining more valuable experience at an extremely high level of competition.
Shay McLaughlin was our standout player on the day, but special mention to James McLaughlin, Oisin Cannon and Zac Doherty, who also performed well. Massive thanks to Dungannon Swifts for the invite to such a well run tournament.
Letterkenny Rovers welcomed Finn Valley, Kildrum, Milford, and Drumbar for a fantastic U10 Girls Blitz. The perfect conditions made for an enjoyable and exciting morning of football. We saw some superb goals, solid defending, and outstanding goalkeeping throughout. A brilliant morning of football. Well done to all the girls and coaches involved
