Brian McCormick Sports Sunday Premier Division
Leckview Park – March 2, 2024
Rovers Take Control at the Top with Convincing Win in Local Derby
Letterkenny Rovers moved to the top of the table with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bonagee United in a crucial top-of-the-table clash at Leckview Park. With Bonagee leading by two points before kick-off, Rovers, with two games in hand, knew a win would put them in pole position heading into the business end of the season.
Despite playing the majority of the game with a man advantage, Rovers had to work hard to break down a disciplined Bonagee defence, but second-half goals from Lee McMonagle, BJ Banda, and Nathan Plumb secured the vital three points.
Rovers started brightly, pressing high and forcing Bonagee into mistakes early on. In the 6th minute, Gareth Doherty won the ball high up the pitch and drove a powerful shot at goal, but Bonagee’s keeper Andrew Nicholls reacted well to save.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Joel Gorman and Adrian Delap linking well on the right, but Bonagee remained compact at the back.
Bonagee were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute, giving Rovers an opportunity to take control. Billy Banda and Chris Malseed both had half-chances, while Lee McMonagle saw an acrobatic attempt blocked.
Despite sustained pressure, Rovers couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Bonagee’s disciplined defensive work ensured the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
The second half saw Bonagee create an early chance from a corner, but Rovers defended well to clear their lines. Rovers thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute when Padraic Gilsenan headed in from a Joel Gorman free kick, but the referee ruled it out for a foul.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute. Nathan Bonner delivered a superb ball forward, and Joel Gorman crossed with the outside of the boot, Nathan Plumb did well to control and set up Lee McMonagle, who slotted home to put Rovers 1-0 up.
Rovers doubled their lead just 10 minutes later. A long ball from Mark Anthony McGinley found BJ Banda, who showed great pace to beat the Bonagee defence, round the keeper, and finish coolly into the net. 2-0.
Bonagee tried to find a way back into the game, but McGinley and the Rovers defence stood strong, denying them any clear-cut chances.
In the 94th minute, Rovers put the game to bed. Another long ball into the Bonagee half caused problems, and Nathan Plumb capitalised on a defensive mistake, winning the ball and calmly finishing past the keeper to seal a 3-0 victory.
A crucial win for Letterkenny Rovers as they take the top spot and will now look to push on.
Goalscorers: Lee McMonagle, Bj Banda, Nathan Plumb
Referee: Vincent McLoughlin
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