A dramatic 90th-minute equaliser from Dean McCarry salvaged a point for Letterkenny Rovers on a cool, damp night at Leckview Park, as the newly-crowned champions kept their unbeaten record intact against a spirited Gweedore Celtic side.
The visitors took the lead through Darragh Mac Aoidh, who calmly finished after breaking in behind the Rovers defence. Despite pressure from the hosts Rovers struggled to find a breakthrough.
Chances were few and far between in a tightly contested first half. Lee McMonagle and Caolan McConnell had efforts saved, while Gweedore’s keeper Michael McKelvey produced a standout display throughout the match.
Rovers pushed harder in the second half. McConnell forced a diving save early on, while McMonagle, Rory Gallagher, and Nathan Plumb all went close, but the Gweedore defence held firm.
First team debutant Odhran Kelly had a late chance to level, and Keith Cowan’s deflected shot was brilliantly tipped away, but it was only in stoppage time that Rovers finally found their reward.
With Rovers throwing everything forward, including goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley, Gareth Doherty’s corner dipped dangerously into the six-yard box. Gweedore’s keeper misjudged his punch, and the ball defelected off McCarry, finding its way into the net to spark relief and celebration from the home bench and supporters.
Both sides had late opportunities to steal victory, but it wasn’t to be and on the final whistle is was all square 1-1.
Goalscorer: Dean McCarry
Referee: Patrick Martin
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