Letterkenny Rovers 7–1 Ballybofey United
Ulster Shield
Letterkenny Rovers put on a dominant display at home to comfortably defeat Ballybofey United and advance in the Ulster Shield. The Rovers' relentless attack was on full display, while Ballybofey struggled to match their intensity and quality.
The match started with Letterkenny Rovers pressing high and creating chances early. In the 13th minute, Gareth Temple fed Jordan Nugent on the left, whose powerful drive forced a save from Ballybofey goalkeeper Daniel Callaghan. Moments later, Jason Doherty struck the upright with a long-range effort.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Adam Murphy dribbled skillfully into the box and slotted a composed finish into the bottom left corner.
Rovers continued to dominate, and their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Conor O’Donnell cut in from the right and scored from a tight angle. Five minutes later, Jordan Nugent extended the lead with a well-taken strike inside the box, sending Rovers into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The second half began as the first ended, with Letterkenny Rovers on the front foot. In the 50th minute, Jason Doherty’s superb run down the left set up Conor O’Donnell for his second goal, a thunderous finish to make it 4-0. Five minutes later, O’Donnell turned provider, setting up Gareth Temple for an easy tap-in after a neat passage of play.
Ballybofey United found a glimmer of hope in the 69th minute when Caolan Marley delivered an excellent cross for Cain Thompson to head home, bringing the score to 5-1. However, Letterkenny quickly extinguished any momentum, dominating possession and creating chances.
In the 80th minute, a corner from Conor O’Donnell caused confusion in the Ballybofey box, with James Barlow Gallagher's effort directed across goal and tapped in by Keelan Dunleavy to restore the four-goal margin.
The scoring was rounded off in the 85th minute when Conor O’Donnell struck from 20 yards out to seal his hat-trick and a comfortable 7-1 victory.
Referee: Vincent McLaughlin
Goalscorers:
Adam Murphy (16'), Conor O’Donnell (28', 50', 85'), Jordan Nugent (35'), Gareth Temple (55'), Keelan Dunleavy (80')