Voodoo Venue Cup - First Round
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 - 3 Letterkenny Rovers
In the first round of the Voodoo Venue Cup, Letterkenny Rovers secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Kilmacrennan Celtic at Ballyare Park, with a dominant second-half performance proving decisive. The match started evenly, with both sides creating opportunities, but Rovers found their stride after the break to advance to the next round.
Rovers had their first real opportunity 20 minutes in when Rory Gallagher surged down the left wing and delivered a precise pull-back to Jason Doherty. However, Doherty’s effort went wide of the left post, keeping the game scoreless.
Kilmacrennan responded in the 27th minute when Mark Patterson found space at the edge of the box, but his shot curled wide left. Shortly after, Kilmac's Toby Taylor crossed the ball to Chris Dillon, but Dillon's shot from the edge of the box sailed high over the bar.
Kilmac came close again in the 37th minute with a dangerous corner that forced Rovers keeper Josh Wade to make a crucial save. The ball then fell to Oisin Harkin, who unleashed a shot from 25 yards, but it went well over the bar. The first half ended with both teams unable to capitalize on their chances.
The second half saw Letterkenny Rovers take control. Just two minutes after the restart, Rovers were awarded a penalty after Adam Murphy was brought down in the box. Jason Doherty stepped up and calmly converted, giving Rovers a 1-0 lead.
Rovers continued to press, and in the 20th minute, their efforts were rewarded again. Artem Tymoshchenko found space 30 yards from goal and struck a low shot into the bottom left corner, doubling Rovers' advantage. Kilmacrennan struggled to respond under the increasing pressure from the visitors.
Rovers nearly made it three in the 38th minute when Darragh Morrison found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside. However, just a minute later, Rovers did extend their lead. Freddy Mekangsakile, delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Brandon Ndlovu was waiting to head home, sealing the victory.
As the match drew to a close, Rovers almost added a fourth. Adam Murphy’s floated ball into the box was met by Morrison, but his header was superbly saved by Kilmac keeper Kevin Mallon. In the final moments, Odhran Kelly, making his senior debut, came close to scoring, with his powerful strike rattling the crossbar.
Overall, Letterkenny Rovers delivered a much stronger performance in the second half to secure a well-deserved 3-0 victory. They now move on to the next round of the Voodoo Venue Cup. Well done all.