U12 Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders delivered another commanding performance this morning, dominating possession from the opening whistle and setting the tempo throughout.
Despite creating numerous chances in the first half, it was the Lagan Harps goalkeeper who kept the scoreline level until the 25th minute. Folarin Abolaji, showing great composure and adaptability, finally broke the deadlock with a well-timed tap-in after rounding the keeper.
Halftime Score: 1 - 0
The Crusaders returned from the break with renewed intensity, maintaining their shape and working the ball up the pitch with precision. Their efforts paid off with a flurry of goals, including a well-earned hat-trick from Folarin Abolaji and a brace from Tiarnan Connolly, both left-footed finishes that left the keeper with no chance.
Defensively, the team was rock solid, limiting Lagan Harps’ opportunities and ensuring the Crusaders goalkeeper had a quiet morning—securing the squad’s first clean sheet of the league campaign.
A fantastic team effort all around. Next up: Bonagee. Let’s keep the momentum going and lock in that League Playoff spot!
Up the Rovers
U12 Athletic
Letterkenny Athletic overcame a determined Glenea Aontaithe side at PCC Falcarragh.
The match was a scrappy affair, with Glenea defending in numbers and looking to threaten on the counter. Athletic found it difficult to settle into their usual passing rhythm, especially in midfield, but still managed to create chances. Kacper Niewiadomski and Jake Devlin both went close before James McLaughlin broke the deadlock on 22 minutes with a fine strike from the edge of the box.
Zac Kelly Doherty was a constant threat on the right wing and produced the goal of the game just before half-time, smashing a spectacular volley into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles to put Athletic 2–0 up.
After the break, Athletic introduced fresh legs and began to move the ball with greater fluency. Blake Watson added two well-taken goals, while Kacper Niewiadomski, Brandon Ndlovu, and James McLaughlin also found the net to round off a comprehensive victory.
Zac Kelly Doherty impressed throughout with his wing play, but it was Brandon Ndlovu who earned the Man of the Match award for an outstanding all-round performance.
Referee: Danny Doherty
U12 Rovers
U12 Premier DivisionGweedore United 1 – 0 Letterkenny Rovers
On a lovely evening in Gweedore, our lads were narrowly beaten by a single goal despite dominating the game from start to finish. We struck the woodwork on several occasions and were denied by an in-form Gweedore goalkeeper who pulled off some excellent saves.
The only goal of the game came in unfortunate circumstances, a deep free kick from inside Gweedore’s own half dropping in under the bar with Alfie unsighted by the setting sun.
Shane O’Donnell produced a standout display in an unfamiliar position, while every player can hold their head high after a fantastic team performance full of quality.
U12 Girls
U12 GIRLS
Letterkenny Rovers 1–1 Killybegs
An entertaining draw in warm conditions
Letterkenny Rovers and Killybegs played out a thrilling 1–1 draw in warm conditions, with end-to-end action from start to finish.
Rovers began brightly, with Martina Perri, Lydia McLaughlin, and Caitlin Crampsie creating chances. However, Killybegs struck first against the run of play with a stunning long-range effort.
Undeterred, Rovers kept pressing. The second half mirrored the first, with the Killybegs goalkeeper excelling to deny the hosts. As Rovers pushed for an equaliser, Killybegs created dangerous chances, but Rovers goalkeeper Rachel O’Donnell made superb saves to keep her side alive.
Rovers’ persistence finally paid off. A flowing move involving Louise McGahey, Martina Perri, and Ruby Peoples led to a quality cross, which Lydia McLaughlin finished calmly to level the game.
Both teams can take positives, with standout performances from Rovers’ Rachel O’Donnell and Anna Dear.
Special thanks to referee Eunan Brolly for ensuring a free-flowing, enjoyable game of football.
Blitzes
U9 Blitz at Leckview Park. A big thank you to the visiting clubs, Glen Rovers F.C. and Kilmacrennan Celtic F.C. for attending and making it such an enjoyable day.
Well done to all the young players who took part and to the coaches for their time and effort in giving the kids a brilliant, fun-filled experience. Medals for everyone to cap off a great day!
Under-6 Blitz at Leckview Park
Today our youngest stars from Letterkenny Rovers took to the pitch at Leckview Park for a brilliant blitz against very strong opposition from Illistrin and Sion Swifts.
It was fantastic to see so much skill, effort, teamwork, and most importantly – smiles – on display throughout the games. Every player gave their all, showing great promise for the future and enjoying the spirit of friendly competition.
A huge thanks to Illistrin and Sion Swifts for coming along and making it such a memorable day, and to our coaches, parents, and volunteers for all their support.
Well done to all the boys and girls who took part – the future is bright!
