U16 Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders U16s recorded a 4–2 win against a strong Gweedore United side this morning.
Crusaders got off to a flying start when Luca Davenport flicked the ball on for Jack McLaughlin, who finished well. Jack soon added his second after Dom Uroda played a well-timed through ball for him to finish neatly, giving Crusaders a 2–0 lead at half-time.
Gweedore came out strongly in the second half and scored twice to level the match at 2–2. Crusaders responded positively, with Dom Uroda converting to restore the lead.
Jack McLaughlin completed his hat-trick to round off the scoring after a Coalan Johnstone free kick found its way through. Charlie also made an excellent late save.
A great all-round team performance from Letterkenny Crusaders U16s. #uptherovers
U16 Girls
Raphoe Town 3–4 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers secured all three points in a thrilling encounter away to Raphoe Town.
Rovers made a flying start when Aoibhinn McLaughlin finished well from distance. Aisling McGinley soon doubled the visitors’ lead before Aoise Diver showed great composure to make it 3–0.
Raphoe worked hard to get back into the match and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time.
The second half began with Raphoe continuing to press for another goal. They reduced the deficit to one when a cross was unfortunately deflected into the Rovers net.
With both teams playing on the front foot, Rovers found some breathing space when Diver scored her second goal of the evening. Raphoe added a third with five minutes remaining, but the Rovers defence remained resilient to see out the match.
A hard-earned away win for Letterkenny Rovers. #uptherovers
U14 Girls
DWL U14 Girls League
Letterkenny Rovers 3–1 Ballyraine FC
Letterkenny Rovers claimed all three points following a competitive encounter with Ballyraine FC.
Both teams began brightly, with chances limited in the opening stages. Rovers opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Laila Devenney produced an excellent strike to put the hosts ahead.
The goal gave Rovers momentum and, five minutes later, Aoise Diver doubled the advantage after a superb solo run. Rovers went into the break with a 2–0 lead.
Both sides made changes at half-time, and Rovers added a third through Faith Adun to make it 3–0.
Ballyraine continued to battle and were rewarded when Moyà Clarkin scored for the visitors. Ballyraine pushed forward in the closing stages, while the Rovers defence worked hard to protect the lead and secure a 3–1 victory.
Well done to both teams on an enjoyable and competitive game.
U14 Crusaders
Dunfanaghy Youths 3–3 Letterkenny Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders returned to league action after the Foyle Cup, making the trip to Dunfanaghy on a perfect evening for football.
The visitors made a sharp start and took the lead in the third minute. Jack Robb delivered an excellent corner, which Filip Blaszczok met to put Crusaders ahead.
Crusaders enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the first half, moving the ball well and finding space across the pitch. Their pressure brought a second goal before the break, as Robb provided his second assist of the evening for Anthony McGarrigle, who calmly placed his finish into the bottom-right corner.
McGarrigle added his second shortly after the restart with a superb free-kick, bending the ball into the top corner at the near post.
Dunfanaghy responded well and showed great determination to work their way back into the game. They pulled a goal back with a strike from outside the box before adding a second with a precise finish into the left corner. The home side then found an equaliser to ensure the match finished level.
There were plenty of positives for Crusaders to take from the performance, including strong spells of possession, good link-up play and some excellent attacking moments.
A big thank-you to Max Bowden for stepping into goal with both regular goalkeepers unavailable.
#uptherovers 💪🖤🤍🖤🤍💪
U12 Girls
Letterkenny Rovers 2–0 Ballyraine
A lovely evening and a freshly cut pitch set the stage for a great game of football.
It was a frantic but even first half, with both teams battling hard and trying to play football. Rovers created the clearer chances, with Nino Imnadze, Ada Diver, Martina Perri and Meave McGlynn all coming close, but Ballyraine’s goalkeeper was outstanding.
Ballyraine carried a threat through Chloe Strain and Arianne Sterritt, keeping the Rovers defence on their toes.
Just before half-time, Martina Perri broke the deadlock with a calm finish into the bottom corner following some excellent build-up play.
The second half was just as competitive, with both defences pushed to their limits. Debutant Elis Lavin then produced an excellent run and finish to make it 2–0.
A great game played in the right spirit, with both teams giving everything and using their substitutes without disrupting the flow of the game.
Well done to all the girls and everyone involved! 👏⚽️💙
#uptherovers
U12 Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders 5–1 Glenree Academy
Letterkenny Crusaders started brightly, with Cody McGarrigle opening the scoring early on following good work from Aidan McCann. The boys continued to press forward, with McGarrigle also striking the post before Brandon Ndlovu added the second goal from a corner.
Shay McLaughlin went close with a fine header, while the Glenree goalkeeper made a number of good saves throughout the match.
Crusaders added a third shortly after half-time when Cody McGarrigle was brought down in the box and Zac Doherty converted the resulting penalty. Shay McLaughlin then scored a fine fourth goal from distance, before McGarrigle completed his brace ten minutes from time following a strong run and finish.
Glenree Academy scored late on from a free kick. It was a strong all-round team performance from Crusaders, with every player playing their part in an excellent display.
U12 Athletic
Kenny Woods Memorial Trophy – Bushmills
Letterkenny Athletic travelled to Bushmills on Sunday to compete in the Kenny Woods Memorial Trophy, returning home with the Shield following a strong all-round performance.
Across eight matches, the side faced Portrush, Oxford, Ballymoney, Bushmills United, Carniny Colts, Bushmills Colts, North End United and Cookstown Youths in the final. Letterkenny Athletic recorded five wins from their eight games and conceded just two goals throughout the tournament. Goals were shared across the squad, with eight of the eleven players finding the net.
The final against Cookstown Youths went to a penalty shoot-out, where goalkeeper Colan Duddy made two important saves to help secure the win and deliver Letterkenny Athletic their first trophy of the season.
There were positive contributions throughout the squad, with every player playing their part in a disciplined and determined team performance. The tournament was excellently organised and was a credit to the hosts at Bushmills.
A memorable day for Letterkenny Athletic and a well-deserved first piece of silverware for the season. #uptherovers
Letterkenny Athletic recorded a 6–0 win over Ballyraine Wanderers on the Back Pitch at Aura.
Anoula Dada opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, before James Gallagher added a second. Dada went on to complete his hat-trick, with Shane Toner providing two assists.
Ballyraine began the second half with good energy and created a couple of opportunities, while Coalan Duddy was dependable when called upon. Ryan McLaughlin and Cian Dillon completed the scoring for Letterkenny Athletic.
U9 Girls
Our Under 9 Foyle Cup girls were back on the tournament trail today following an invitation earned during their brilliant Foyle Cup week.
The girls enjoyed an excellent group stage, finishing unbeaten with three wins from three, topping their group and keeping three clean sheets. Goals came from Poppy Oliver, Stefania Peri and Cliodhna Connolly, while Nessa Connolly put in a standout performance.
The semi-final against Bonagee finished level and went straight to penalties. The shootout went to sudden death, with Rovers narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
A fantastic tournament and a brilliant effort from every girl. The coaches could not be prouder.
Up the Rovers 💪🖤🤍🖤🤍💪
U7s
Rangers Academy Tournament — Well Done Rovers!
A massive well done to both Letterkenny Rovers 2019 teams who represented the club at the Rangers Academy Tournament today.
Facing strong opposition from clubs including Shamrock Rovers, Crusaders, Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers and Larne, our young players showed great character and represented Letterkenny Rovers with pride throughout the day.
One team progressed to the overall semi-final, where they were narrowly defeated by Immaculata in an exciting 4–3 match. Both groups gained valuable experience and enjoyed the opportunity to compete at a fantastic tournament.
Different results and different experiences, but plenty for both groups to be proud of.
A huge thank you to Rangers Academy NI for the invitation and for hosting such a well-organised tournament for the players to enjoy.
Well done to all the players, and thank you to the parents for their fantastic support throughout the day. ⚫️⚪️⚽