U14 1st Division Cup Final - Champions 🏆
Letterkenny Crusaders 4–0 Illistrin Celtic
It was a closely contested first half with very little between the sides. Letterkenny took the lead when Jake Bonner calmly converted a penalty after Ade was brought down in the box. Illistrin pressed hard and had a strong appeal for a penalty just before the break.
Illistrin started the second half brightly and were unfortunate not to find the net from a set piece. Ade Alimi doubled the Crusaders’ lead with a well-placed effort that found its way into the corner. Ruairi Gardiner added a third, reacting quickly to a rebound following a powerful strike from Michael John. Delroy Gonyora sealed the win with a fine finish from distance.
Credit to Illistrin Celtic and their coaches for their effort and sportsmanship throughout the final.
Player of the Match: Ade Alimi
U12 Champions League – Semi-Final (Leg 1)
Letterkenny Rovers 2–0 Gweedore United
On a windy evening at Leck View, Letterkenny Rovers made a strong start to their Champions League semi-final campaign with a well-earned first-leg win over Gweedore United.
Letterkenny Rovers began brightly, creating several early chances and forcing multiple corners. The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when Lucas Casburn arrived at the back post to finish superbly from a fine Shane O’Donnell cross.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Rovers pressing forward and testing the Gweedore goalkeeper, who produced a number of excellent saves to keep his side in the game.
Midway through the half, Rovers had to regroup after going down to eight players when goalkeeper Scott was sent off for handling outside the area. Alfie Gallagher stepped up impressively in goal and made a crucial save from the resulting free kick to preserve the lead.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rovers showed great character and teamwork. Their resilience paid off five minutes from time when Lucas Casburn struck again from distance to make it 2–0 and give Rovers a strong advantage heading into the second leg.
Every player gave their all, delivering an excellent team performance.
Player of the Match: Lucas Casburn for his two goals and all-round contribution.
All to play for next week in the second leg!
U14 Europa Cup
Bonagee 5 - 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Rovers were trailing by one goal coming into the second leg against Bonagee. A few quick goals from Bonagee early in the first half made it the challenge even more difficult. Rovers continued to battle to the final whistle and had their chances to impact on the game but it was to be.
U12 Girls
Our U12 girls wrapped up their season yesterday with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Convoy. It was a closely contested game from start to finish, with very little separating the two sides.
From the first whistle, both teams showed great energy and determination, creating chances at both ends. Rovers looked the more likely to score on several occasions but were denied by some excellent goalkeeping and the woodwork.
Just before half-time, Convoy managed to take the lead with a well-taken goal. The second half continued in the same exciting, end-to-end fashion, with Rovers pushing hard for an equaliser. Despite several near misses, it just wasn’t to be on the day.
While the result didn’t go our way, every one of our girls can be proud of their effort, teamwork, and commitment. They’ve shown fantastic progress throughout the season and represented the club with pride and passion.
Congratulations to Convoy on their win, and a huge well done to our Rovers girls for a great season — you’ve done us all proud⚪️⚫️
