Letterkenny Rovers 3-1 Fanad United
Leckview Park, 8th December 2024
Letterkenny Rovers secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Fanad United in a hard-fought encounter at Leckview Park. Just two weeks after their Ulster Junior Cup clash, the teams faced off again, with Fanad determined to seek revenge, but Rovers proved too strong in the end.
The game began with both teams trading early chances. Joel Gorman struck a free kick high and wide in the fourth minute, and BJ Banda was a lively presence, creating opportunities down the left. However, it was Fanad who struck first in the 13th minute. A strong combination between Keelin McElwaine and Eoin Logue resulted in Logue slotting past Shane O’Gara to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Fanad continued to pile on the pressure, forcing Rovers to defend deep. Edward O’Reilly’s corner found Carlos O’Reilly at the back post, but his header went just wide. Rovers began to respond, with Nathan Plumb and Joel Bradley Walsh combining well down the left, though they struggled to find the decisive touch.
Rovers’ persistence finally paid off in the 43rd minute. A long throw from Padraic Gilsenan caused chaos in the Fanad box. Keith Cowen’s header back into the danger area led to Nathan Plumb’s bicycle kick being stopped on the line, but Gareth Doherty reacted quickest to bundle the ball home, leveling the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The second half saw both teams come out with intent. Fanad nearly regained the lead in the 50th minute when Patrick Carr headed over from a well-placed cross. Moments later, Daibhid Lynch’s dipping free kick forced O’Gara into a fingertip save.
The game turned fiery in the 64th minute as both teams were reduced to 10 men after a dangerous tackle. Adrian Delap and Daibhid Lynch both saw red. Despite the setback, Rovers took control and found their second goal in the 73rd minute. BJ Banda combined brilliantly with Henry Welles and Joel Bradley Walsh, who fired a dangerous ball across the goal. Fanad keeper Mark McConigley could only palm it into the path of Banda, who slotted it home to make it 2-1.
Fanad pressed for an equalizer, with Peter Carr’s header forcing a smart save from O’Gara in the 78th minute, but it was Rovers who sealed the win. In the 88th minute, Banda turned provider, slipping a perfect through ball to Henry Welles on the right. Welles calmly finished with a powerful strike to secure the 3-1 victory.
Goalscorers: Gareth Doherty, BJ Banda, Henry Welles
Referee: Richard Storey