U14 First Division Cup Semi Final
Ballyraine Celtic 2-6 Letterkenny Crusaders
It was an action-packed start with four goals inside the opening 20 minutes. Ballyraine struck first, but Jake Bonner responded immediately with a composed finish following some pressure in the penalty area. Soon after, Ruairi Gardiner found the net with a great strike at the near post. Ballyraine levelled it at 2-2 just before the break from a free kick.
In the second half, the Crusaders took control of the game, with Jake Bonner adding three more goals in a brilliant individual display to establish a strong lead. Ade sealed the victory from the penalty spot in the closing moments.
A fantastic team performance sees the Crusaders through to the final against Illistrin in a few weeks. Well done lads! ⚽
Player of the Match: Jake Bonner
U15s SFAI Cup (Ulster Section, Round 2)
Donegal Town 1 – 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers won 3–1 on penalties
Letterkenny Rovers U15s battled hard in a tense encounter against Donegal Town, eventually progressing to the next round after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Rovers started brightly, showing real intent and energy from the first whistle. Jack McLaughlin opened the scoring early with a superb finish, controlling the ball well before volleying it into the bottom right corner. The home side continued to press, with Filip Niewiadomski rattling the crossbar from distance, while goalkeeper Sam Tourish produced an excellent save just before halftime to preserve the lead.
Donegal Town fought back well in the second half and found the equaliser to make it 1–1 at full time. With no breakthrough in extra time, the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, Cayden Crossan, Lee Hegarty, and Jack McLaughlin all converted confidently from the spot, while Sam Tourish was outstanding, making two crucial saves to secure the 3–1 victory and Rovers’ place in the next round.
Player of the Match: Sam Tourish
SFAI U13 Round 2
Lagan Harps 5 - 2 Letterkenny Rovers
It was a challenging morning for Rovers in tough weather conditions in Manor. The team started brightly, showing confidence and composure on the ball following their strong performance against Illistrin.
Lagan took the lead midway through the first half, and despite Rovers’ best efforts in an open, end-to-end game, the opposition extended their advantage before the break. Rovers kept battling, with well-taken goals from Caleb Bomah and Folarin Abolaji narrowing the gap, but Lagan finished strongly to see out the result.
There are plenty of positives to take forward as the team continues to learn and grow together. Next up, the Ulster Trophy semifinal in early January.
U12 SFAI Cup Round 2
Letterkenny Rovers 6 – 0 Drumbar
Letterkenny Rovers got off to a flying start with Charlie Lynch opening the scoring early on with a smart left-footed finish after fine work from Shane O’Donnell. Zach McKinley quickly doubled the advantage with a tidy right-foot strike from inside the area.
Femi Gallagher impressed in midfield, linking play and setting up Charlie for his second goal of the match. Just before half-time, Mason Oliver made it four following superb combination play involving Alfie Gallagher, Patrick Lavin, and Femi Gallagher. Charlie played Mason through, and he finished confidently into the corner.
After the break, Rovers continued to play with great energy and teamwork, moving the ball well and creating plenty of chances. Josh Muller was excellent at the heart of midfield, threading a precise pass to James McLaughlin, who found the net via the post for number five. James added his second late on with another calm finish to round off a brilliant team display.
It was a complete performance from start to finish, with every player contributing to a memorable result.
Player of the Match: Femi Gallagher
U16 SFAI Cup
Letterkenny Rovers 2 - 1 Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers U16s faced Bonagee United in Round 2 of the Ulster section of the SFAI Cup under the lights at Leckview. Both sides began with great intensity, and Rovers took an early lead thanks to a superb volley from Colm Óg Bhreatnach from outside the box. Moments later, Helden Carvalho doubled the advantage with a composed finish from close range.
Bonagee responded well and pulled one back before the break through Kurt Obanor. The second half was a tight and competitive affair, with chances for both teams, but the Rovers defence stood firm to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory and a place in the next round.
Player of the Match: Colm Óg Bhreatnach
