Ulster Junior Cup Semi-Final – Castle Park, Buncrana – March 30, 2025

Buncrana Hearts 2-3 Letterkenny Rovers

Letterkenny Rovers booked their place in the Ulster Junior Cup Final with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Buncrana Hearts in a thrilling semi-final encounter at Castle Park.

Both teams entered the match knowing what was at stake, Hearts have won it three times in a row and Botha sides meeting last year in the final.

It was Rovers who struck first in the 5th minute. A dangerous free kick from the right was delivered deep to the back post, where BJ Banda was waiting to guide it into the net for 1-0.

Buncrana pushed for a quick response, forcing a corner in the 10th minute, but their header was blocked by their own player. Moments later, a dangerous cross from the left was claimed confidently by Mark Anthony McGinley in the Rovers goal.

Rovers continued to threaten, and in the 22nd minute, a super diagonal ball from Dean McCarry found Gareth Doherty on the right wing. His driven cross into the box caused confusion, and Lee McMonagle pounced to put Rovers 2-0 ahead.

Buncrana’s Bart Wesoloski remained a constant danger, but Keith Cowen and Dean McCarry marshalled the defence well. However, in the 37th minute, Buncrana were awarded a penalty when Wesoloski went down in the box, which Calvin Gallagher converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Buncrana, fired up by the goal, almost equalized two minutes later. Bart Wesoloski attempted an overhead kick from outside the box, and Caolan Doherty tried to get on the end of it, but McGinley reacted quickly to gather the ball.

The second half started with a long-range attempt from Joel Gorman, but his effort from 36 yards sailed over the bar.

Buncrana came out strong, and in the 51st minute, they broke forward down the right. Bart Wesoloski raced through on goal but was denied by McGinley. Five minutes later, they thought they had an equaliser when Caolan Doherty’s cross found the net, but the offside flag was raised.

In the 65th minute, Rovers struck again. McMonagle flicked a clever ball through, and Banda chased it down all the way to the Buncrana keeper. Under pressure, the keeper tried to clear but Banda was in front of him and the rebound headed goalward, his second goal of the game, making it 3-1 to Rovers.

Buncrana refused to give up, and in the 71st minute, a ball from the left found Matty Brown at the back post, who headed past McGinley to bring the score back to 3-2.

With just under 20 minutes to play, the game was on a knife-edge. In the 80th minute, Banda was released on the break again, but this time the Buncrana keeper Taylor Clarke rushed out and cleared the danger.

The final 15 minutes saw Rovers defend deeper, soaking up the relentless pressure from Buncrana, who were desperate for an equaliser. Despite their best efforts, Rovers held firm and celebrated at the final whistle as they secured a place in the Ulster Junior Cup Final.

Full-Time: Buncrana Hearts 2-3 Letterkenny Rovers

Goalscorers: BJ Banda x2, Lee McMonagle

Donegal Junior League Premier Division – Thursday, March 20 – Leckview Park (Grass, Under Lights)

Letterkenny Rovers continued their strong league campaign with a 3-1 victory over St. Catherine’s with a strong performance at Leckview Park.

The opening five minutes saw both sides settling into the game, with St. Catherine’s having the first half-chance when Conor Doherty delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but Dean McCarry did well to clear.

Rovers broke the deadlock in the 9th minute when a long ball found Adrian Delap, who worked his way down the right before delivering into the box, where BJ Banda arrived to direct into the net for the opener.

The home side pushed for a second, with Chris Malseed and Nathan Plumb both having chances, but St. Catherine’s remained a threat, with Josh Cunningham flicking a free kick on target just before the break, though Mark Anthony McGinley gathered comfortably.

St. Catherine’s started the second half with intent, as Doherty fired a dipping shot just over the bar in the 53rd minute. However, Rovers responded well, with Ryan Lonergan and Delap linking up down the right wing to create chances, but they struggled to convert.

Rovers eventually doubled their lead in the 67th minute, when Nathan Plumb set up Gareth Doherty who fired a shot from outside the box taking a deflection along the way and finding the corner of the net to make it 2-0.

The hosts sealed the win in the 84th minute, as Banda’s pace saw him break free of the defense before blasting past the keeper Daniel Mullarkey to put Rovers 3-0 up.

St. Catherine’s grabbed a late consolation goal in the 90th minute, as Dillon Doherty found the net from outside the box, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the hosts, who secured a valuable three points.

Full-Time: Letterkenny Rovers 3-1 St. Catherine’s

Goalscorers: Bj Banda x2, Gareth Doherty

Referee: Marty McGarrigle

Goalscorers: Joel Gorman, Bj Banda, Chris Malseed

Brian McCormick Sports Sunday Premier Division

Leckview Park – March 2, 2024

Rovers Take Control at the Top with Convincing Win in Local Derby

Letterkenny Rovers moved to the top of the table with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bonagee United in a crucial top-of-the-table clash at Leckview Park. With Bonagee leading by two points before kick-off, Rovers, with two games in hand, knew a win would put them in pole position heading into the business end of the season.

Despite playing the majority of the game with a man advantage, Rovers had to work hard to break down a disciplined Bonagee defence, but second-half goals from Lee McMonagle, BJ Banda, and Nathan Plumb secured the vital three points.

Rovers started brightly, pressing high and forcing Bonagee into mistakes early on. In the 6th minute, Gareth Doherty won the ball high up the pitch and drove a powerful shot at goal, but Bonagee’s keeper Andrew Nicholls reacted well to save.

The hosts continued to push forward, with Joel Gorman and Adrian Delap linking well on the right, but Bonagee remained compact at the back.

Bonagee were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute, giving Rovers an opportunity to take control. Billy Banda and Chris Malseed both had half-chances, while Lee McMonagle saw an acrobatic attempt blocked.

Despite sustained pressure, Rovers couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Bonagee’s disciplined defensive work ensured the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

The second half saw Bonagee create an early chance from a corner, but Rovers defended well to clear their lines. Rovers thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute when Padraic Gilsenan headed in from a Joel Gorman free kick, but the referee ruled it out for a foul.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute. Nathan Bonner delivered a superb ball forward, and Joel Gorman crossed with the outside of the boot, Nathan Plumb did well to control and set up Lee McMonagle, who slotted home to put Rovers 1-0 up.

Rovers doubled their lead just 10 minutes later. A long ball from Mark Anthony McGinley found BJ Banda, who showed great pace to beat the Bonagee defence, round the keeper, and finish coolly into the net. 2-0.

Bonagee tried to find a way back into the game, but McGinley and the Rovers defence stood strong, denying them any clear-cut chances.

In the 94th minute, Rovers put the game to bed. Another long ball into the Bonagee half caused problems, and Nathan Plumb capitalised on a defensive mistake, winning the ball and calmly finishing past the keeper to seal a 3-0 victory.

A crucial win for Letterkenny Rovers as they take the top spot and will now look to push on.

Goalscorers: Lee McMonagle, Bj Banda, Nathan Plumb

Referee: Vincent McLoughlin

Goalscorers: Bj Banda, Nathan Plumb

Letterkenny Rovers eased to victory with a commanding performance, highlighted by a BJ Banda hat-trick and goals from Nathan Bonner and Chris Malseed. The three quick goals in succession in the first half put Rovers firmly in control, taking a 4-0 lead into halftime. Despite Swilly Rovers determined effort in the second half, the result was never in doubt.

Goalscorers: BJ Banda x3, Nathan Bonner, Chris Malseed

Referee: Mick Lagan

Bonagee United 0-1 Letterkenny Rovers

2nd February Dry Arch – Local Derby – Top of the Table Clash

Letterkenny Rovers edged a hard-fought local derby against Bonagee United, securing a vital 1-0 win in a tense battle between the two top sides in the league. A late goal from Conor O’Donnell proved to be the difference in a match that saw few clear-cut chances.

Rovers started brightly, with BJ Banda looking dangerous early on, breaking into the box in the 8th minute, only for Bonagee goalkeeper Andrew Nicholls to collect just in time. Bonagee responded in the 12th minute when Jamie Harris pounced on a loose defensive header and attempted to round Mark Anthony McGinley, but the angle proved too tight to convert.

The first half saw Bonagee threatening from set pieces, particularly from long throws and corners, but Rovers’ defense held firm. Henry Welles attempted an ambitious 40-yard strike in the 27th minute, but it curled wide, while BJ Banda continued to be a threat, driving into the box in the 32nd minute, only for his effort to be cleared for a corner.

At halftime, the game remained goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear opportunities.

Rovers came out stronger in the second half, with Banda testing Nicholls with a low strike in the 46th minute and heading goalward a minute later, only for the Bonagee keeper to collect. Despite their dominance in possession, Rovers couldn’t find the finishing touch, with Joel Gorman and Gareth Doherty both seeing efforts comfortably saved.

Bonagee’s first real threat of the second half came in the 78th minute when Harris found space and fired at goal, but McGinley saved easily. The home side came even closer in the 82nd minute, forcing McGinley into a low save through a crowded box.

However, in the 86th minute, Rovers found their breakthrough. A lofted ball over the top caught the Bonagee defense off guard, and Conor O’Donnell timed his run perfectly, taking the ball down and calmly slotting past Nicholls to give Rovers the lead.

Bonagee pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, winning a dangerous free kick in the 92nd minute. Daniel O’Donnell struck it low and hard, but McGinley got down well to save. Rovers nearly doubled their lead in stoppage time when Adam Murphy played in Banda, but Nicholls produced a vital save with his foot to deny him.

A gritty and determined display from Letterkenny Rovers saw them take all three points in this crucial top-of-the-table encounter.

Final Score: Bonagee United 0-1 Letterkenny Rovers

GoalScorer: Conor O’Donnell (86’)

Referee: Michael Connolly

Ulster Junior Cup Quarter-Final

Letterkenny Rovers 3-0 St. Catherine’s

Leckview Park

Letterkenny Rovers secured their place in the semi-finals of the Ulster Junior Cup with a solid 3-0 victory over St. Catherine’s on a crisp afternoon at Leckview Park. Despite St. Catherine’s creating several promising chances, Rovers’ clinical finishing in the second half and resolute defense proved decisive.

The game began with Rovers’ Luke Parke narrowly missing the target in the opening minute. St. Catherine’s responded moments later, with Conor Doherty’s cross finding Joshua Maxwell at the back post, but Maxwell couldn’t direct his effort on target.

Rovers began to apply pressure, with BJ Banda’s solo run in the 9th minute forcing a save from St. Catherine’s keeper Padraig Byrne. Just seven minutes later, Rovers broke the deadlock when Chris Malseed threaded a perfect pass to Adrian Delap. Delap powered through the defense and calmly slotted the ball through Byrne’s legs to make it 1-0.

St. Catherine’s sought an immediate response, but Rovers’ defense held firm. Rovers came close to doubling their lead before halftime, with Joel Gorman’s deflected free kick striking the crossbar and Lee McMonagle hitting the upright. Despite creating multiple chances, Rovers went into the break with a narrow 1-0 lead.

The second half saw St. Catherine’s come out strong, with Joshua Maxwell testing Rovers keeper Mark Anthony McGinley early on. However, Rovers extended their lead in the 51st minute when a throw-in from Caolan McConnell found McMonagle, who turned sharply and fired into the net to make it 2-0.

St. Catherine’s continued to press and created opportunities through Alex McBrearty and Ryan Cunningham, but their efforts either went wide or over the bar. Rovers’ defense came

Under quick fire attempts but Padraic Gilsenan and Dean McCarry, stood tall, blocking the efforts as the visitors piled on the pressure.

In the 85th minute, Rovers sealed the win when Delap went in for a 50-50 with the St. Catherine’s keeper, and the loose ball fell to McMonagle. He made no mistake, striking low past Byrne to make it 3-0.

St. Catherine’s came close to pulling one back late on, with Joshua Maxwell delivering a dangerous ball across goal, but Josh Cunningham couldn’t convert at the back post. Rovers had the final say when Delap’s powerful strike forced an impressive save from Byrne to deny a fourth goal.

Despite a spirited second-half performance from St. Catherine’s, it was Rovers’ ability to capitalise. on their chances that proved the difference.

Goalscorers: Adrian Delap, Lee McMonagle x2

Referee: Patrick Martin

Letterkenny Rovers saw their FAI Junior Cup journey come to an end at the fifth-round stage following a 3-1 loss to Mervue United at Leckview Park. Despite a promising start, the visitors responded strongly to secure victory and progress to the last 16.

Rovers got off to a dream start when BJ Banda fired them into the lead after just three minutes, sprinting past defenders before finishing clinically into the bottom corner. However, Mervue quickly settled and equalised in the 10th minute through Aaron Neary, who found the net with a well-placed strike from the edge of the area.

Neary struck again just before half-time, finishing a well-worked move to give the Galway side a 2-1 advantage at the break.

The second half saw Rovers push for an equaliser, with Lee McMonagle and Banda both testing the Mervue goalkeeper. However, Mervue remained dangerous on the counterattack, and their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Jason Molloy’s free-kick, delivered from wide on the right, found its way into the net to extend the visitors’ lead.

Rovers had a golden opportunity to get back into the game in the 84th minute when Banda won a penalty after being brought down by Mervue keeper Peter Healy. However, Healy made up for his foul by producing a crucial save from the spot-kick before gathering the rebound.

Mervue finished the match with 10 men after Healy was shown a second yellow card in injury time for another foul on Banda outside the box, but it was too late to impact the result.

The defeat marks the end to Rovers’ cup campaign.

Goalscorer: Bj Banda.

SUNDAY PREMIER DIVISION

Letterkenny Rovers and Kildrum Tigers battled out a scoreless draw for the second time this season as neither side could find a breakthrough goal on a bitterly cold afternoon at Leckview Park.

In a largely forgettable first half, chances were few and far between with Rovers goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley denying Johnny Robb from close range while at the other end BJ Banda was off target with a back post header.

The second half was a more lively affair with Brian Breslin narrowly missing the target for the visitors and McGinley had to be alert to save a low free-kick from Tiernan Brown.

On 66 minutes, the home side came closest to scoring when Banda rattled an effort against the underside of the crossbar before the ball was cleared to safety.

A darting run from Robb with ten minutes remaining nearly grabbed the points for the Tigers but his flashed wide.  

Both sides finished the game with ten as Kildrum’s William Lynch was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 85^th minute before Ryan Lonergan also picked up a second yellow card deep in stoppage time.

Rovers will be hoping for an improved performance in two week’s time against Mervue United in the FAI Junior Cup when they will have Adrian Delap and Lee McMonagle back from suspension.

Referee – Gerald Devine  

Letterkenny Rovers 3-1 Fanad United

Leckview Park, 8th December 2024

Letterkenny Rovers secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Fanad United in a hard-fought encounter at Leckview Park. Just two weeks after their Ulster Junior Cup clash, the teams faced off again, with Fanad determined to seek revenge, but Rovers proved too strong in the end.

The game began with both teams trading early chances. Joel Gorman struck a free kick high and wide in the fourth minute, and BJ Banda was a lively presence, creating opportunities down the left. However, it was Fanad who struck first in the 13th minute. A strong combination between Keelin McElwaine and Eoin Logue resulted in Logue slotting past Shane O’Gara to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Fanad continued to pile on the pressure, forcing Rovers to defend deep. Edward O’Reilly’s corner found Carlos O’Reilly at the back post, but his header went just wide. Rovers began to respond, with Nathan Plumb and Joel Bradley Walsh combining well down the left, though they struggled to find the decisive touch.

Rovers’ persistence finally paid off in the 43rd minute. A long throw from Padraic Gilsenan caused chaos in the Fanad box. Keith Cowen’s header back into the danger area led to Nathan Plumb’s bicycle kick being stopped on the line, but Gareth Doherty reacted quickest to bundle the ball home, leveling the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.

The second half saw both teams come out with intent. Fanad nearly regained the lead in the 50th minute when Patrick Carr headed over from a well-placed cross. Moments later, Daibhid Lynch’s dipping free kick forced O’Gara into a fingertip save.

The game turned fiery in the 64th minute as both teams were reduced to 10 men after a dangerous tackle. Adrian Delap and Daibhid Lynch both saw red. Despite the setback, Rovers took control and found their second goal in the 73rd minute. BJ Banda combined brilliantly with Henry Welles and Joel Bradley Walsh, who fired a dangerous ball across the goal. Fanad keeper Mark McConigley could only palm it into the path of Banda, who slotted it home to make it 2-1.

Fanad pressed for an equalizer, with Peter Carr’s header forcing a smart save from O’Gara in the 78th minute, but it was Rovers who sealed the win. In the 88th minute, Banda turned provider, slipping a perfect through ball to Henry Welles on the right. Welles calmly finished with a powerful strike to secure the 3-1 victory.

Goalscorers: Gareth Doherty, BJ Banda, Henry Welles

Referee: Richard Storey

FAI Junior Cup 4th Round – Leckview Park, December 1, 2024

Letterkenny Rovers delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Peake Villa, advancing to the 5th round of the FAI Junior Cup. A combination of early goals, a resilient defense, and relentless pressure ensured the hosts’ progress at Leckview Park.

The game began with a fast tempo, as both sides tested each other early. Peake Villa’s Keith Cahill looked dangerous, creating two early opportunities that were well dealt with by Rovers goalkeeper Shane O’Gara. However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Bj Banda linked up with Gareth Doherty, who played a dangerous ball into the box for Lee McMonagle to calmly slot past Peake Villa’s keeper Evan Comerford, making it 1-0.

Rovers continued to control the tempo, and just before halftime, Banda doubled the lead. A pinpoint ball from Chris Malseed sent Banda through on goal, and the striker showcased his composure with a clinical finish to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute. Peake Villa had a late chance in the half, but Cahill’s effort flew high and wide, leaving the visitors with an uphill task in the second half.

Rovers started the second half with the same intensity, creating numerous chances. Banda remained a constant threat, narrowly missing a couple of opportunities early on. Peake Villa’s best spell came around the 50th minute, with Stephen Carroll and Darragh Byrne testing the Rovers defense, but they were unable to capitalize on their brief momentum.

The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Banda produced a moment of individual brilliance. After a throw-in from Padraic Gilsenan, Banda weaved his way across the pitch, creating space to unleash a low, hard strike into the bottom corner, sealing the result at 3-0.

Rovers maintained their dominance, with McMonagle rattling the crossbar from distance and Joel Bradley Walsh forcing Comerford to save from a free kick. Despite Peake Villa’s efforts to push forward, Rovers’ defense, remained solid and composed, denying the visitors any clear-cut chances.

This was a confident and dominant performance by Letterkenny Rovers, who now advance to the 5th round of the FAI Junior Cup.

Goalscorers: Lee McMonagle (12’), Bj Banda (41’, 60’)

Referee: John Coll

Assistants: Patrick Martin, Gerard Devine

Ulster Junior Cup – Leckview Park

Letterkenny Rovers secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Fanad United in the Ulster Junior Cup, taking control with two goals before halftime and sealing the win with a third late in the second half. The result sees Rovers advance to the next round.

The match began with Rovers showing intent, as BJ Banda headed over the bar from a Joel Bradley Walsh corner in the opening minute. Fanad countered with a dangerous low strike across the goal, but neither side could create clear chances early on.

In the 10th minute, Rovers’ goalkeeper Shane O’Gara was called into action, coming well outside his box to clear a Fanad counterattack led by Oisín McMenamin. Moments later, a long throw from Fanad’s Edward O’Reilly caused problems for the Rovers defense, but the resulting shot flew over the bar.

Rovers began to assert control, with Joel Gorman’s 32nd-minute effort producing the game’s first clear chance, but Fanad keeper Mark McConigley saved comfortably. Just before halftime, Rovers broke the deadlock from a dangerously delivered corner by Joel Gorman with the Fanad keeper McConigley saving but resulted in an unfortunate own goal by a Fanad defender.

The home side doubled their lead a minute later. A superb delivery from Joel Bradley Walsh bounced dangerously in the 18-yard box, and Lee McMonagle rose high to direct it over the keeper and into the net. Fanad went into the break down 2-0 and facing an uphill battle.

Rovers continued to press early in the second half, with McMonagle and Banda both threatening. Fanad responded with their best spell of the match, forcing O’Gara into two excellent saves, including a fingertip effort to deny Carlos O’Reilly’s dipping strike in the 60th minute.

Despite Fanad’s persistence, Rovers remained composed and sealed the victory in the 69th minute. A controlled buildup ended with BJ Banda’s shot from the right wing being saved, but McMonagle was on hand to pounce on the rebound and slot it home for his second goal of the game.

Rovers saw out the remainder of the match with disciplined defending and continued to create chances, with Banda and Padraic Gilsenan both coming close to adding a fourth.

Fulltime: Letterkenny Rovers 3 - 0 Fanad United

Referee: Patrick Martin

Goals: Own goal (43’), Lee McMonagle (44’, 69’)

Letterkenny Rovers advance confidently to the next round of the Ulster Junior Cup and will take great encouragement from this commanding performance as they prepare for another encounter with Fanad in league action in a couple of weeks.

Sunday Premier Division – Friday, November 15th

Letterkenny Rovers edged a thrilling contest under the new lights at Leckview Park, overcoming a determined Rathmullan Celtic side 3-2 in a tightly fought Sunday Premier Division clash.

The match got off to a lively start, with Caolan McConnell almost giving Rovers the lead in the opening minute, his low drive skimming narrowly wide. Rathmullan responded in the 7th minute with Kevin Doran firing just wide after creating space on the left.

Rathmullan struck first in the 12th minute when Ridha Abdullah found the net after Shane O’Gara saved two prior attempts, giving the visitors a perfect start. Rovers reacted swiftly, leveling just two minutes later when Padraic Gilsenan’s pinpoint cross from the right found Luke Parke, who converted with ease.

Rovers applied consistent pressure, with Parke and Nathan Plumb both forcing saves from Rathmullan keeper Killian Hagan, while Achul Eldad came close for the visitors with a strike from distance. The first half ended evenly, though Rovers edged the balance of play.

FAI Junior Cup Round 3

St. Catherines 1 - 2 Letterkenny Rovers

In a tightly contested match at Emerald Park, Letterkenny Rovers claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St. Catherines in the first of two back-to-back games. Nothing separated the sides at the end of the first half, and all three goals came in a lively second.

The first half saw St. Catherines pressing early, with Rovers struggling to settle. Rovers had a close attempt in the 13th minute when Adrian Delap’s pressing won him the ball, though his 25-yard shot was comfortably saved. St. Catherines nearly broke through as well, with Joshua Maxwell’s shot forcing Rovers keeper Shane O’Gara into a save. As the half progressed, Rovers grew into the game, creating their best chance in the 20th minute when BJ Banda broke through on the left and pulled the ball across the box. Gareth Doherty struck powerfully, but St. Catherines’ keeper Daniel Mullarkey did well dealing with the deflection.

Just 30 seconds into the second half, St. Catherines seized the lead when Paul O’Hare found himself unmarked on the far side of the box and struck the shot well coming off the underside of the crossbar and into the net, putting the home side 1-0 up.

Rovers responded well, and in the 55th minute, they drew level. A Joel Bradley Walsh free kick initially hit the wall, but the ball rebounded, and Walsh made no mistake on the second attempt, smashing it into the net.

Ulster Junior Cup

Letterkenny Rovers 8 - 0 Monaghan Town

Letterkenny Rovers delivered a dominant display, overpowering Monaghan Town 8-0 to progress in the Ulster Junior Cup on a cold, damp day. The home side controlled the match from start to finish, demonstrating sharp attacking play and rock-solid defense.

Rovers opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Keith Cowan headed in a well-placed cross from Joel Gorman at the back post. Just seven minutes later, Gorman set up another chance, playing a precise ball down the line for Caolan McConnell, who crossed for BJ Banda to slot into the bottom-right corner.

Monaghan struggled under pressure but managed their first real chance in the 24th minute. Jamie Krisivlevicus rose to meet a cross from Shay Kelly with a header that went wide. Rovers responded quickly, nearly adding another in the 26th minute when McConnell chipped a ball to Dylan Woods, who chested it down but sent his shot just wide.

Letterkenny continued to press, and in the 42nd minute, Nathan Plumb delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, which Banda met with a powerful header to make it 3-0. Monaghan’s Niall McKenna had a strike from distance as halftime approached but couldn’t find the target.

Letterkenny Rovers 5 - 1 Swilly Rovers

Letterkenny Rovers earned a commanding 5-1 victory over Swilly Rovers under blustery conditions at Leckview Park.

The home side applied early pressure, and just 2 minutes in, Joel Bradley Walsh’s free-kick forced a great save from Swilly keeper Barry Gallagher. From the resulting corner, Walsh’s initial header was saved, but BJ Banda was on hand to ensure it found the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead.

Rovers kept pressing, with Dean McCarry coming close, but Swilly threatened on the break, particularly through Thomas Mullen, who nearly equalized in the 11th minute. However, the Letterkenny defense, bolstered by Adrian Delap’s crucial block, held firm.

Letterkenny doubled their lead just before halftime when Banda laid off a pass for Nathan Plumb, who calmly slotted home. Despite playing against strong winds in the first half, Rovers took a 2-0 advantage into the break.

Swilly Rovers started the second half brightly, and in the 54th minute, they pulled one back through Lawrence Toland after a well-worked free-kick. The visitors grew in confidence, but Rovers quickly regained control of the match.

In the 73rd minute, substitute Lee McMonagle assisted Christopher Flanagan for a crucial third goal, and just five minutes later, McMonagle himself got on the scoresheet after pouncing on a rebound from a Bradley-Walsh free-kick.

Rovers sealed the win in the 80th minute when Joel Gorman met Bradley-Walsh’s cross and headed in to make it 5-1.

Referee: Gerard Devine

Scorers:

BJ Banda (3’), Nathan Plumb (44’), Christopher Flanagan (73’), Lee McMonagle (78’), Joel Gorman (80’)

FAI Junior Cup Second Round

Letterkenny Rovers 5 - 1 Gweedore Celtic

Letterkenny Rovers secured a convincing 5-1 win over Gweedore Celtic in the second round of the FAI Junior Cup under the lights at Leckview Park.

Rovers’ first real chance came after 7 minutes when Aidy Delap cut in from the right wing, finding Gareth Doherty, whose curling effort forced a fine save from Gweedore’s keeper. Just moments later, BJ Banda had the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside.

Gweedore responded quickly, with Colm O’Dochartaigh striking narrowly wide. However, Rovers took control in the 16th minute. Goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley launched a long ball from a Gweedore corner, allowing BJ Banda to outpace the defense, round the keeper, and slot in the opener. Two minutes later, Banda was at it again, hitting the crossbar with a lobbed effort, but Nathan Plumb was on hand to tap in the rebound, doubling Rovers’ lead.

Gweedore continued to create chances, particularly through O’Dochartaigh on the right wing, but they couldn’t convert, with McGinley handling any shots that came his way. Rovers thought they had a third in the 30th minute when Nathan Plumb crossed for Joel Bradley Walsh, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The second half saw Rovers continue their dominance, with Henry Welles coming close from a Joel Bradley throw. Gweedore’s Michael McKelvey made several important saves, but the visitors pulled one back when Colin McNicholas broke through the middle and finished calmly.

Rovers responded quickly, with BJ Banda smashing in a goal from a tight angle after being set up by Gareth Doherty. In the 77th minute, Joel Bradley Walsh delivered a cross from the left for Nathan Plumb, who sent it back into the box for Caolan McConnell to finish neatly.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 85th minute when a Luke Parke corner caused chaos in the Gweedore defense, resulting in an own goal to make it 5-1. Despite a late chance for Gweedore, the home side remained dominant, securing a well-earned victory.

Scorers:

BJ Banda (16’, 68’), Nathan Plumb (18’), Caolan McConnell (77’), OG (85’)