James Barlow Gallagher opens the scoring for Rovers on the 9th minute rising heights.
Letterkenny Rovers 4-1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Saturday First Division – Leckview Park
Letterkenny Rovers displayed a commanding performance with a 4-1 victory over Kilmacrennan Celtic. Early goals, solid defense, and clinical finishing secured all three points for the home side in this Saturday First Division clash.
Rovers got off to a strong start, taking the lead in the 9th minute when James Barlow Gallagher rose highest in the box to nod home from a long throw. Rovers doubled their advantage in the 20th minute after Conor O’Donnell’s shot led to a handball in the Kilmacrennan box. O’Donnell stepped up to calmly slot home the resulting penalty, putting Rovers in control.
Kilmacrennan struggled to break down a resolute Rovers defense but managed to pull one back just before halftime. Mark Patterson’s dangerous run on the right led to a cross, and Owen Browne finished with precision to give the visitors hope heading into the break.
The second half saw Rovers regain their composure and dominance. In the 56th minute, Adam Murphy delivered an quality cross, and Kealan Dunleavy rose to head home Rovers’ third goal. Ten minutes later, Jordan Nugent added a moment of brilliance. After a Gareth Temple throw-in, Nugent flicked the ball forward with his first touch and calmly finished past the onrushing keeper to make it 4-1.
Kilmacrennan continued to push for a response but found the Rovers’ defense, led by James Barlow Gallagher, unyielding. The visitors had several half-chances, with Edwin Doherty and Shane McDevitt both coming close, but they were unable to find the net.
Rovers maintained their composure in the closing stages and could have added a fifth, with chances falling to Kealan Dunleavy and Gareth Temple, but the hosts will be content with a convincing win.
Fulltime: Letterkenny Rovers 4-1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Referee: Leo Devenney
Goalscorers:
James Barlow Gallagher, Conor O’Donnell (pen), Kealan Dunleavy (56’), Jordan Nugent