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’)