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.
The second half began with Rovers in control. Despite early efforts from McConnell and Plumb, it was Rathmullan who regained the lead in the 57th minute. A dangerous free kick led to Achul Eldad’s clinical finish, putting the visitors 2-1 up.
Determined to turn the tide, Rovers ramped up the pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Joel Bradley Walsh’s curling cross was met by McConnell, who slotted it home to make it 2-2.
Captains, Jay Curran and Dean McCarry along with Referee Liam McLaughlin making a welcomed return to the center of field.
Just three minutes later, Rovers completed the comeback. Joel Gorman’s perfectly weighted cross found Padraic Gilsenan, whose header gave the hosts a 3-2 lead.
Rathmullan remained dangerous on the counter, with Jay Curran coming close on multiple occasions. Curran’s chip in the 74th minute was headed back across goal but cleared off the line by a resolute Rovers defense.
Rovers nearly added a fourth late on when a Joel Gorman free kick forced a save, with Gareth Doherty’s follow-up also denied by Hagan. Despite Rathmullan’s late push, Rovers held firm to claim the victory.
Fulltime: Letterkenny Rovers 3-2 Rathmullan Celtic
Referee: Liam McLaughlin
Goalscorers: Luke Parke (14’), Caolan McConnell (66’), Padraic Gilsenan (69’)