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Match Reports 2005
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 - 0 Arranmore Utd Arranmore traveled to Letterbarrow knowing that only a win would give them any chance of being crowned champions this year. Due to heavy rain the referee refused to let the game take place at Letterbarrow and so this title decider was played at Eany Celtic's park. Arranmore Utd. had to do without Jack Joe because of a recent bereavement in the family. Arranmore started the game well creating numerous chances but it seemed the ball wouldn't find the back of the net. Arranmore received a big blow in the 8th minute of the game when Ciaran Sweets was injured in a 50/50 tackle where he came out worse. Laurence Gallagher took his place on the field. Arranmore seemed to be dominating the mid-field with Wan Dan, Ed and Fish receiving loads of possession and chances. Wan Dan missed a chance which seemed easier to score just before Letterbarrow had their 1st attack of the match which led to a goal, the ball deceiving Turkey and the Letterbarrow forward had the simplest of tasks to tuck the ball under the advancing Paddy Bonner. Arranmore still to their credit gave everything they had with Noel, Kevin Gallagher and Wan Dan going close in an excellent second half display. But it seemed to no avail as the Letterbarrow keeper and defense stood strong throughout. In the dying minutes Noel had a fantastic curling free-kick turned over from the Letterbarrow keeper who had a good game in goals. Congratulations to Letterbarrow who were crowned champions on the day. This result left Arranmore 4th in the league which is disappointing for what seemed such a good season. Although on the brighter side of things Arranmore still have the Brian Mc Cormick's cup semi-final to look forward to on Easter Sunday against Deele Harps. Manager Jerry Early said afterwards" I'm proud of this bunch of players and the work they put in all year and trust me, I know i always say this but Arranmore will be back and our time will come". Commiserations to Sweets also who will probably be out for 8-10 weeks with a broken shin.. Team performance from Arranmore with the mid-field playing well.. Team: Paddy Bonner, Turks, Kevin Gallagher, Roigs, T-Bags, Paddy Rodgers, Sweets, Wan Dan, Ed, Fish, Brady Subs: Rua Rua, McGhee, Tonto, Shane Rodgers, Laurence
Drumoghill Celtic 1 - 0 Arranmore Utd Arranmore traveled to Drumoghill with one of the biggest crowds of away support that has been seen in years, knowing that nothing less than a win would do if they wanted to achieve league honors this year. As it turns out they were beaten for the second game in a row on their travels in what only could be described as swamp conditions as the field was in a terrible state. Arranmore welcomed back Mickey Joe from a back injury, who replaced young Terry in the centre of mid-field. Arranmore started poorly and Drumoghill bombarded the Arranmore defense time after time but to no avail due to some good goalkeeping and some luck. Arranmore found it hard on what could nearly have been mistaken for a rugby pitch it was that bad. Drumoghill took the lead when Arranmore lost the ball up-field which resulted in a Drumoghill break and the ball was hammered home to the delight of the home support. Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Árainn as they looked to have conceded a second although the referee gave a free out as Paddy Bonner was impeded in the Arranmore goal. Arranmore got to the break at 1-0 to the relief of manager Jerry Early. Arranmore came out in the second half and they went for it as though their lives depended on it. Edward Mc Gowan had a shot heading for the top corner saved, while Wan Dan and Kevin had shots that just missed the target. Arranmore looked to have leveled in the 70 minute when Wan Dan got on the end of a Noel Early cross but he couldn't find a way passed the outstretched leg of the Drumoghill keeper. Arranmore threw caution to the wind after this and took Kevin McGhee Tonto and Paddy Rodgers on and Kevin McGhee could have grabbed a goal but just couldn't stretch far enough at the back post from a Noel Early cross. McGhee also went close with a header but it just wasn't to be for Arranmore. When asked manager Jerry Early said " on another day we would have got a point and he praised the lads on their second half showing". Sweets deserves a mention as he stood out among everyone else with a fine mid-field display winning a lot of aerial balls despite being one of the smallest players on the field. Arranmore have no game next week but play their last league game of the season against Letterbarrow Celtic on the 26th March in what will be a must win game for the islanders if they want a chance of playing 1st division football next year.. Team: Subs: Curragh Athletic 2 - 0 Arranmore United Arranmore traveled to Killygordon this weekend to face fellow title contenders Curragh Athletic in what turned out to be a fiercely contested game but to the disappointment of the whole island Arranmore lost 2-0 in what was a very close encounter. Arranmore had a re-shuffle this week as Roiger was put back in defense with Wan Dan moving to midfield. Young Terry Mc Gowan also started in place of the absent Micky Joe, moving Jack Joe further up field to partner Brady. Both teams started well with few chances with the first real chance coming from a Noel Early long range pass which seemed to deceive everyone, including the Curragh keeper who failed to come for the ball which just shaved the post to the disgust of the traveling support. Curragh were causing lots of problems with long balls and set pieces and Arranmore were thankful for the good handling of returning keeper Paddy Bonner and for some poor finishing from Curragh. As the half time whistle drew near Wan Dan found himself in a brilliant position inside the box but failed to control and the keeper smothered before he could get anything on it. Half Time 0-0. Arranmore came out and were looking very poor for the first 20 minutes with Curragh having numerous chances but fortunately they didn't put them away. Arranmore then seemed to settle down and they looked as though they were hanging on for a point and maybe even 3 as Kevin Gallagher had a glorious chance but his header was off target. With ten minutes left to play Jerry shuffled things around taking off Jack Joe and putting on Kevin McGhee. Within minutes this change nearly bore fruit for Arranmore as he had no-one but the keeper to beat but he scuffed the shot which resulted in Brady having 2 efforts which were saved by the advancing keeper. With 5 minutes left to play and the game destined for a draw Curragh won a free-kick on the right which resulted in a headed goal. Arranmore threw everything forward after this and were caught on the break again as a shot which deflected off an Arranmore defender evaded the outstretched foot of Paddy Bonner. Asked after the game for a comment manager Jerry Early said "we're not finished yet, not by a long shot". This result leaves Arranmore possibly needing 2 wins to have any chance of league honours this year. Arranmore travel to 4th place Drumoghill this week where nothing else will do but a win... Team Line up Paddy Bonner, Peadar Rodgers, Kevin Gallagher, Steven Early, Terry Mc Gowan, Ciaran Rodgers, Noel Early, Edward Mc Gowan, Danny Rodgers, Francis Mc Cauley, Thomas Rodgers Subs Frankie Rua, Hugh P Early, John Rodgers. Paddy Rodgers, Kevin McGhee
Arranmore United 5 - 1 Orchard United Arranmore recorded a fine home win on Sunday when they defeated Orchard Utd. 5 - 1. This was the last home game of the season, now the lads have the top three to play away so if they are going to win the league it will be earned. Jerry kept faith with the same team that did so well last week under Kevin and Noel. Playing with the strong breeze Brady gave us the perfect start after only 3 minutes when he finished well after a poor kick out. Árainn should really have kicked on from this but in truth they were very poor, over-hitting the ball on too many occasions. Michael Moyles had a great free kick well saved on the stroke of half time and you could sense that the boys were in for a roasting at half time as they made their way to the dressing room. Whatever was said worked as they were a totally transformed team in the second half. Brady got his second on the hour mark, finishing off a great through ball from Peader. This took all the pressure off the boys and they began to show why they are top of the league with some lovely free flowing football. Noel got on the score sheet on 70 minutes when he coolly finished a four man move involving Sweets, Ed, Mickey Joe. Orchard got a glimmer of hope on 80 minutes when they scored a deflected free-kick. Young Rua who had a sound game in nets made a decent save to keep us on top. Árainn began to defend deeper but then hit Orchard twice on the break in the last 5 minutes with good finishes from Sweets and Edward. A very important result this as it keeps the boys in front. Jack Joe gets the nod for man of the match as he played well in both halves. Jerry when asked how he felt the team done said " if we can play for 90 min instead of 45 he'd be happy. Next week away to 3rd place Curragh. Team Rua Rua, Turkey, Kevin, Wan Dan, Sweets, Jack Joe (Paddy Rodgers) 85 mins, Noel (Shrek) 88 mins, De Hoey, Mickey Joe (Terry) 81 mins, Brady, Roigs Subs John Beag, Jerry
Arranmore United 4 - 0 Copany Rovers Arranmore United played Copany Rovers in a game which could have ended their chances of being promoted this year. Arranmore made several changes with Jack Joe getting back in the side for the injured Laurence and Rua Rua in nets for Paddy Bonner. Their was also a managerial change as Noel Early and Kevin Gallagher took charge in the absence of Jerry who is in America. But Jerry would have been proud when he heard the result of this game as Arranmore ran out 4 - 0 winners. Arranmore started slowly and were under ia lot of pressure early on, but against the run of play Arranmore took the lead as Mickey Joe smashed home a free-kick from all of 25 yards. Shortly afterwards Arranmore went 2 up as Mickey Joe headed home from a well delivered corner. Copany came back at Árainn after this setback but the Arranmore rear-guard did well not to concede with the whole team defending with great heart. Half way through the 1st half Ciaran Sweets did well to beat 2 Copany defenders and then fed Jack Joe with a well timed ball and Jack fired home across the helpless keeper. Arranmore came out and performed ok in the 2nd half with the defense, marshaled by Danny Rodgers, doing well as were the front line who created many chances with notable misses from Noel Early and Ciaran sweets. But finally in the 67th min Copany lost a 4th when Mickey Joe completed his hat-trick with a free-kick into the top corner that even David Beckham himself would have been proud of. At this point Copany had lost all hope and Arranmore just played out the game by keeping possession for long periods. Full time 4-0. When asked after the game for a comment on the performance Noel Early said "That's 1 cup final out of the way, we've got 4 more to go".. A good all round team performance with Mickey Joe needing a mention after a fine display. Arranmore United will play Orchard United at home next week in the last home game of the season...!!!! Team: Frankie Rua, Danny Rodgers, Steven Early, Kevin Gallagher, Ciaran Sweets, Thomas Rodgers, Noel Early, Edward Mc Gowan, Michael Moyles (Mickey Joe), Francie Brady, Peader Rodgers Subs Terry Mc Gowan, Paddy Rodgers, Hugh P Early, Kevin McGhee, John Rodgers Arranmore United 1 - 3 Drumbar United Arranmore United lost what was expected to be 3 points as they were overcome by a good Drumbar United team. Jerry rung the changes after a lacklustre performance in the last league game with Micky Joe coming into the fold. However, going on the first-half performance it was the last league game all over again. Arranmore's start was ok and Brady really should have giving Arranmore the lead as he missed an absolute sitter from 6 yards out. This was the turning point as Drumbar seemed to grow in confidence every time they went forward. They took the lead in the 23rd min when referee Seamus McGrory blew for a foul what seemed to be a free-kick just outside the box, but to the amazement of the Arranmore players and supporters he gave a penalty which Paddy Bonner could do nothing about. Arranmore looked deflated and Drumbar made them pay as they scored from a corner via poor defending from Arranmore. Almost immediately afterwards it was 3 - 0 as Drumbar scored with a good free flowing move. Something must have been said at half time by gaffer Jerry Early as the lads came out riled and up for the fight. Noel Early only days after his wedding struck a beauty of a free kick which found the bottom corner, almost identical to the one he scored in the dying minutes against Bonagee. Arranmore had plenty of chances after this with Micky Joe in his 1st game for Árainn having a lob cleared off the line as did Shrek. There were also two stone wall penalties that should have gone Arranmore's way but the referee was poor and failed to spot any of the fouls on Sweets. Arranmore didn't do themselves justice in the first half of this game but gave their all in the second. Arranmore play Copany Rovers in a must win game in two weeks time if they are to have any chance of winning this year's league. Jerry was asked what he thought of the game and he said "you take the good with the bad" Team line-up: Paddy Bonner, Noel Early, Ciaran Rodgers, Peadar Rodgers, Kevin Gallagher, Danny Rodgers, Steven Early, Edward McGowan, Michael Moyles (Micky Joe), Laurence Lanty, Francis McCauley Subs: Frankie Early, Shane Rodgers, Terry McGowan (on for Turks), John Rodgers, Thomas Rodgers (on for Laurence). Hugh P Early (on for Brady)
Arranmore United 2 - 2 Bonagee Arranmore got a point at home to Bonagee on Sunday. In truth it was a point more than they deserved with Bonagee dominating the game for long periods. In fairness a number of players were out through sickness and some others playing not fully fit, due to the mumps epidemic currently sweeping the island. Arranmore took the lead in the 20th minute against the run of play when Laurence Gallagher who was making his first appearance of the season made full use of a bad back pass, rounded the keeper and finished well from a tight angle. Bonagee came on strong after this set back and only some last ditch defending kept them at bay. Francie Brady had a chance to make it 2 but his shot lacked power and it was cleared off the line. Half Time:1-0 Bonagee came out flying in the second half, they were clearly the hungrier team and were well worthy of their equaliser on 57 minutes when a mix up at the back allowed their big no 10 to head home. Árainn were really on the back foot at this stage, with nobody taking responsibility and it was no surprise when Bonagee went ahead on 70 min when they scored again after another mix up at the back. Jerry made changes after this by taking Paddy Rodgers off and moving at least 3 players into different positions, this helped stem the tide but they still never looked like scoring. In the 87 min Turkey was fouled 20 yards from goal. All our hopes rested on Noel and boy did he come good when he curled a magnificent free-kick into the bottom corner. Incredibly Árainn almost won it in the last minute when Edward was denied by a great save. Definitely a case of a point saved rather than a point lost. When asked for a comment the manager said "whoever hasn't the mumps will have humps when I am finished with them, including himself. Nobody gets pass marks this week. Big improvement needed". Árainn have no games for the next few weeks. Next week is free and the following week, today's savior Noel the Fish Early ties the knot. The club would like to extend their sympathy to Carol and Noel on the sad loss of Carol's mum Kathleen on the 28 December. We extend good wishes on their forthcoming wedding. Hope Jerry has cooled down by then. Line up: Paddy Bonner, Paddy Rodgers, Steven Early, Kevin Gallagher, Noel Early, Terry Mc Gowan, Ciaran Rodgers, Danny Rodgers, Edward Mc Gowan, Francie Brady, Laurence Gallagher. SUBS: Frankie Rua, Hugh P Early, John Rodgers, Tony Early
Arranmore United 2 - 1 Dunlewey Celtic Arranmore United welcomed Dunlewey Celtic to Rannagh Park this weekend where Arranmore came out on top in an extremely even game. In wet and windy conditions both teams played well in patches. On the half hour mark Dunlewey opened the scoring with a sweetly struck shot from midfielder Eamon Canon which evaded the Arranmore defence and keeper. Arranmore did create chances before this but were unable to convert with Hugo Canon superb in the Dunlewey goal. Arranmore created their best chance of the first half in the 42nd minute when Danny Rodgers broke free and played the ball to Francis McCauley who saw his effort saved into the path of Ciaran Rodgers which was again excellently saved but succeeded in following up to score the equaliser. In the second half Dunlewey piled on the pressure but the rock solid Arranmore defence and keeper held firm despite many efforts from Dunlewey. In the 60th minute came the winning goal when Edward McGowan ran at the Dunlewey defence and crossed to an unmarked Francis McCauley who scored with a bullet of a header. Dunlewey threw everything at Arranmore after this and the home team also caught them on the break on more than one occasion. The hard fought game ended 2-1 to the Islanders who understandably are happy to be going into the Christmas break with a victory on the card. Best for Dunlewey: Hugo
Canon, Daniel Coll. Drumkeen 6 - 1 Arranmore United Arranmore United took a hammering away to Drumkeen on Sunday. Manager Gerry made five changes this week resting a number of keen players, in came the reserve and fringe players but this was not to be their day. While it would be easy to make excuses the truth is the young Árainn lads were very poor, Drumkeen were just to physical and strong for them. Árainn started nicely and were knocking the ball about quite well. Drumkeen took the lead when they scored via a deflection from a corner. They made it two on 25 minutes when a mix up at the back let in Drumkeen. Árainn upped the tempo after this but only troubled the keeper once when he pulled of a good save from Danny. Half time 2 - 0. Gerry made two changes at half time bringing on Francis McCauley and Gary McGlanaghey who was making his comeback after three months out through injury. In truth he could have taken off any of the eleven players. Drumkeen continued to have the upper hand and made it 3 on the hour. Five minutes later they made it four after more bad defending. Árainn however never gave up and pulled one back when a lob from Noel was badly misjudged by the keeper and Brady knocked it home. The boys then threw caution to the wind in the hope of pulling off a miracle. In fairness, they had chances, but Hugh Patrick, Gary and Noel all missed the target when placed. Drumkeen made us pay when they scored twice from breakaways to leave final score line 6 - 1. Gerry was not a happy bunny to say the least after the game when asked for a comment he said: “disappointed with the attitude, I gave fringe players a chance to show what they could do but they never took it. I was hoping for some lads to give me a selection problem for next week but it didn’t happen. Very poor show by the lads with nobody getting pass marks, back to bread and butter next week with a home league game against third place Dunlewey. Big improvement needed, the lads will have to get their hands out of their pockets and heads on the prize.” Team Subs Arranmore United now also have hats for sale, to order call 086-8929424. Match pictures will be available on the website soon. Copies of games on DVD can also be found on this number. Orchard Utd 1 - 2 Arranmore Utd Arranmore Utd Gained maximum points on Sunday when they overcame a very strong Orchard Utd. By a score line of two to one Árainn were decimated by injury and suspension, missing their captain Edward, top scorer Francis plus Ciaran Sweets and Gary McGlanaghy. The fact that Orchard also had 5 Brazilians in their line-up didn’t bode well. Árainn though are made of stern stuff this year and through pure hard graft and teamwork ground out a great result. Orchard started well and Árainn were on the back foot for the first ten minutes. Árainn created their first chance when a good through ball from Noel put Kevin McGhee one-on-one but the keeper, ex-county player Tony Blake, denied him with a great save. On their next attack Árainn took the lead when a great run and cross from Paddy Rodgers was neatly finished by McGhee. For the remainder of the half Orchard bombarded the Árainn goal, but the defense and keeper Paddy Bonner kept them at bay. Half time 1-0. Jerry made four positional changes to stem the flow as Orchard were giving the lads much trouble down the left hand side. In the second half Árainn were much more in the game playing counter-attacking football to great effect. Orchard had two good chances but again were denied from Paddy. We went two up on 75 minutes when good work by Tony Magoo and Wan Dan created a chance for Jack Joe who made no mistake from 10 yards. Árainn then showed great maturity by running down the clock and were only denied a clean sheet in the last minute of injury time when Saluan DeSilva scored for Orchard. A great battling display with all the players playing their part. Tony Magoo deserves mention for bringing experience and composure into the side, his first full game in two years. However man of the match has to be Paddy Bonner who was immense from start to finish. Jerry was delighted afterwards but is not getting carried away that Árainn are top at the half way stage. In fact, I over-heard him saying that he is stepping up training this week. Next game is in two weeks in the cup to Drumkeen where the fringe players are expected to get a run out. Well done so far lads. Magoo TV records every match, if interested please contact Tony on 087-203-4741. Team Subs Drumbar 1 - 1 Arranmore United Árainn traveled to Donegal town and secured what could be a vital point in their quest for promotion. To say it was a deserved point would be an understatement as they overcame the loss of their captain Edward McGowan after he was sent off in the 64th minute. The team had only one change from last week Ciarán Rodgers replacing the injured talisman Noel Early. In a first half of few opportunities, a shot by Danny Rodgers seemed to hit a hand on the Drumbar player but referee Brian O Kane waved play on. The second half started with the hosts on the front foot they narrowly shaved the post with a long range effort. The deadlock was broken on the 54th minute when Edward lost possession in a dangerous position and despite the best efforts of Peadar Rodgers the Drumbar striker managed to deflect the ball of Peadar and into the back of the net. Things looked bleak to say the least especially when Edward got sent off on the hour mark for a winger on the Drumbar midfielder and received his second yellow card. It was backs to the wall stuff for the next ten minutes but Kevin Gallagher seemed to keep Drumbar at bay with tackle after tackle. Manager Jerry Early brought on Hugh Early for Paddy Rodgers on the 68th minute and replaced Jack Joe with Kevin McGhee on the 73rd minute. The substitutes were rewarded when a beautiful left foot cross from Hugh Patrick Early saw Francis McCauley head past the Drumbar keeper. Árainn were now amazingly on the front foot Francis missed two easier chances and Danny passed to Hugh Patrick not realising that he was clean through. In the final attack of the match Drumbar found themselves clean through but an amazing recovering tackle by firstly by Kevin and then Stephen after that saw a relieved Paddy Bonner pick the ball up and the gallant 10 had secured a brilliant point. After the sending off Danny Rodgers, Peadar Rodgers and Turkey stood tall and Kevin Gallagher was named man of the match. When P.R.O Frankie Costello asked Jerry Early for his thoughts on this eventful match he commented “Very satisfied with the draw, battled hard, showed fight, vital point.” There will be no match next week as it is a free week. Team: Subs: Arranmore United 0 - 1 Curragh Árainn's great home record finished on Sunday when they went down 1-0 to Curragh. In fairness to the Árainn team they at least deserved a share of the spoils. After a bright opening Arranmore should have taken a 7th minute lead when a great cross by Jack Joe was headed wide by Francis when it looked easier to score. Noel then had a thunderous 30 yarder pushed onto the bar from ex Árainn player Dixie Doherty who tormented the home side with some great saves. Árainn again should have leveled when another pin-point cross was headed wide by Kevin. Árainn started the 2nd half on the front foot and were in total control, Noel had a free kick shave the post with the keeper nowhere near. Then Edward narrowly missed with a good shot that ended up in the side netting, Peadar also had a header from a corner taken off the line by an away defender. Jack and Brady were then denied brilliantly with great saves from Dixie. In injury time Árainn won a corner with everyone pushing up. From the corner the keeper again pulled off a miraculous save from Peadar and from the rebound sub Hugh Early rattled the post. It was not to be Árainn's day. In fairness to the away side they defended their lead as if their lives depended on it. This was a really frustrating result but the lads gave 100% and that’s all you can ask for. When asked for a comment Jerry replied "We had enough chances to win 3 games but you get days like this, happy with the performance, but very frustrated by some of the chances missed". In a decent performance young Terry Mc Gowan was outstanding in his first league start of the season. Team: Paddy Bonner, Noel Early, Kevin Gallagher, Steven Early, Peadar Rodgers, Danny Rodgers, Paddy Rodgers (Hugh P Early) 70 mins, Edward Mc Gowan, Terry Mc Gowan, Francis Mc Cauley, Thomas Rodgers Subs: John Beag Rodgers, Frankie Early, Kevin McGheeDetails of the Donegal league can be found on www.yellowjersey.co.uk Arranmore United 3 - 0 Letterbarrow Celtic Árainn continued their recent good run when they overcame Letterbarrow Celtic 3-0, at Rannagh park. This result puts Árainn in second place, one point behind the leaders Drumoghill, and Árainn with a game in hand. We took the lead on 15 minutes when Edward finished a great ball from Noel with a superb left foot volley which gave the keeper no chance. For the remainder of the first half Árainn huffed and puffed without creating any clear cut chances. At the start of the second half Letterbarrow grew in confidence and only good defending kept them at bay. It must be said that the Árainn defense are playing out of their skin this year, in five cup and league matches at home they have yet to concede a goal. Árainn should have wrapped the game up on 70 minutes when Brady crossed for Jack Joe who was denied by a good save. In the last 20 minutes Árainn's fitness told and they went two up on 75 when a perfect through ball by Brady was brilliantly finished off by Edward, again with the left foot. Jerry in fact threatened to cut off his left leg last week, but it was lethal this week. The scoring was rounded off when Wan Dan crossed for Sweets who rose brilliantly to head home the 3rd on 87 minutes. When asked about the game Jerry replied "I'm happy with the result but not with the performance" (changed days indeed). Again the whole back-line were good with Edward deserving a mention as well for his two finishes. Team Paddy Bonner, Paddy Rodgers, Kevin Gallagher, Noel Early, Steven Early, Peader Rodgers, Edward Mc Gowan, Hugh P Early (Ciaran Rodgers 50 mins), Danny Rodgers, Thomas Rodgers (Terry Mc Gowan 72 mins), Francis Mc Cauley (John Rodgers 84 mins) Other Subs Frankie Early. Kevin Mc Ghee Arranmore United 2 - Drumoghill Celtic 0 Arranmore United showed their renowned fighting spirit when they overcame league leaders Drumoghill Celtic on Sunday at Rannagh Park. Make no mistake, this is a game Árainn would have lost last year, but this year its different, fitness levels are good and there is a great team spirit. Árainn won the toss and decided to play against the strong wind. In the first half they didn’t allow Drumoghill a sniff with the back line of Peader, Turkey, Kevin, Noel and Paddy in complete control, with Paddy Bonner constantly directing things in front of him. Edward as usual was putting in a great shift in the middle of the park with Danny and Hugh also getting stuck in, with the score 0 - 0 at half-time. Arranmore started the 2nd half on the front foot and were rewarded when Jack Joe scrambled home the opener after the visiting keeper pulled of a brilliant double save from Brady. After this the visitors came into the game and showed why they were top of the table. Árainn though who still haven’t conceded a goal at home this season weren't about to lose that record and defended stoutly with Peader and Kevin making some great blocks. Whenever Drumoghill did get past the defence they still had to get past Paddy, no joy for them there as he pulled of two good saves, and with his handling top-class its easy to see why Jerry coaxed him out of retirement. Just as Árainn were holding out for a slender 1-0 win, they won a corner, only committing a few players up Edward swung it in and Danny finished brilliantly on the half volley to the delight of the large home crowd. Once again a great team performance from Árainn with Peadar and Kevin getting the bosses nomination as best for Árainn. Asked for a comment by Frankie Costello (club's PRO) Jerry the club's manager just said "One game at a time" "One game at a time"!! Line Up Goals: Subs Arranmore United 6 - Copany Rovers 0 Arranmore Utd, showed what they are capable off when they totally out-played Copany Rovers to record a fine 6-0 home win. Playing with the breeze Arranmore got off to a perfect start on 4 minutes when Paddy Rodgers scored from 30 yards. Árainn went two up when Francis was put through by Kevin and finished well into the bottom corner with his left foot. Thomas Rodgers got into the action on 10 minutes when he bulleted home a brilliant cross from Noel. Árainn continued to dominate playing some great stuff, Danny had a header saved after a brilliant Árainn move involving six players. The Árainn defense never allowed Copany into it, with Peadar, Kevin and Turkey on top. Half time = 3-0. Copany began the second half better and Árainn had to defend well to keep them out, Francie Brady wrapped the game up on 55 minutes when he finished off a great ball from Edward. He completed his hat-trick 7 minutes later when Peadar put him through on goal. With the game won Árainn played some delightful football with every player doing his bit. Jerry who was quieter than usual, which is a good sign made a double switch by bringing on Terry and John Beag for Brady and Hugh. Paddy Bonner who was kept quiet all game pulled off a great save to ensure a clean sheet. In the last minute of an highly entertaining game Wan Dan made a great run that was nodded home by Ciaran Rodgers who had just come on for Edward who again led by example. This was Árainn's best performance for many a year and if they play like this every week they wont be far away at the end of the season. A really good team performance! Team Paddy Bonner, Paddy Rodgers, Steven Early, Noel Early, Peadar Rodgers , Kevin Gallagher, Edward Mc Gowan = Ciaran Rodgers (82 mins), Danny Rodgers, Hugh P Early = John Rodgers (70 mins), Francis Mc Cauley = Terry Mc Gowan (70 mins) Goals Francis 8, 55, 62 Erne Wanderers 3 Arranmore United 2 Arranmore suffered a heartbreaking
defeat away to Erne Wanderers of Ballyshannon. Caretaker manager
Noel Early made changes with many of the fringe players coming
in to the team for their first match of the season. John Beag
Rodgers, Terry McGowan and Hugh Patrick Early started with Noel
himself and Frances McCauley on the bench. In a first half of
few chances the deadlock was broken when Peadar laid the ball
off Edward McGowan who beat two men and blasted a great shot
into the bottom corner. Arranmore was looking comfortable but
Erne equalised on the stroke of half time when Arran failed to
clear a corner. The second half was much the same with both defences
on top. Frances was introduced for Jack Joe on 62 minutes and
Noel came on for Hugh Patrick. Arran scored what looked to be
the winner on the 82 minute when Noel received a ball from Patrick
Rodgers, outpaced the defence and cracked a low shot beyond the
keeper. Erne began an all out assault on the Arran back line
and were rewarded when a shot flew into the top corner on the
final whistle leaving it 2-2. In a good team performance John Beag Rodgers and Edward McGowan played blinders. Arran’s next match will be against Copany Rovers at their home grounds of Leabrannagh in a league game. Team: Subs: Arranmore vs Bonagee 1-4 Arranmore’s good start to the season came to an end in Letterkenny on Sunday when they went down 4-1 to Bonagee they say the score line doesn’t lie but this one certainly does, as Arranmore dominated for long spells in this game. Bonagee took the lead after only four minutes when after their first attack a midfielder struck a cracker from 30 yards giving Paddy no chance in goals. Arranmore then took over and a combination of bad finishing and good goalkeeping kept the home side in front. Arranmore went two down when a Bonagee defender had a free header from a corner kick and landed it in the box. Half time 2-0 Arranmore began the second half playing some great stuff and it only looked like a matter of time till they would pull one back. Bonagee attacked and their centre forward took a blatant dive in the box, unbelievably the referee gave a penalty to the home side which was scored giving Arranmore an up hill struggle. Jerry made three changes, bringing on Paddy Rodgers, Hugh early and Terry McGowan and Arranmore went for broke. Ten minutes from end Bonagee got their fourth after a quick break. Arranmore to their credit never stopped trying and got their consolation goal 5 minutes from the end when Edward McGowan finished off a good move involving Peader and Kevin. In a clean game the referee had a stinker, a real (Homer) and booked four Arranmore players. Best for Arranmore: Noel Early and Peader Rodgers.
Team for Sunday 11/09/2005. Paddy Bonner, Noel Early, Kevin Gallagher, Stephen Early, Gazza, Roiger, Edward, Sweets, Wan Dan, Jack Joe, Brady Subs: Shrek, Paddy Rodgers, Terry McGowan, Rua, John Beag Arranmore United vs Dunlewey Celtic, 4th September 2005. Arranmore opened up their league campaign with a fairly comfortable victory over neighbours Dunlewey. The match was played in hot conditions and it took Arran 20 mins to settle into their rhythm. Arranmore took the lead in 17th min when a long clearance from Paddy Bonner saw Thomas Rodgers net his second goal of the season. Arran then created numerous chances but failed to take them, the main culprits being Thomas Rodgers, Edward McGowan and Hugh Early. Manager Jerry Early made a tactical switch, which saw Hugh Early drop to midfield and Ciaran Rodgers move up front. The switch was immediately rewarded when an Edward McGowan cross was beautifully headed into the bottom corner by Ciaran Rodgers. The second half was somewhat a non-event with the solid Arran defence keeping Dunlewey at bay registering their 4th clean sheet in a row going back to last season. The lads will be away next Sunday to Bonagee United a team fancied to win the league this season but Arran will hope to build on there great start which has seen them win the Gweedore area shield in a solid team performance. Best for Arranmore: Edward McGowan and Stephen Early. Result: 2-0 Goal scorers: Thomas Rodgers 17 minute Ciaran Rodgers 30 minute
Arranmore united vs Gweedore Celtic, 28th August 2005 In harsh weather conditions Arranmore United came out on top in this fiercely contested area final. Both teams started brightly with both Arranmore and Gweedore having early opportunities but none were successful. The deadlock was broken in the 7th minute when Peadar Rodgers cleared from inside his own half and this was met by the advancing keeper who mis-hit the ball to the delight of Arranmore striker Frances McCauley who had the simplest task of tapping the ball home. With 30 mins gone Gweedore came close with a 20 yard strike which saw Paddy Bonner make his first real save. Then 10 mins after the restart the ball was cleared from the Arranmore defence and with the help of a strong wind the Gweedore keeper fumbled on his own goal line and with Frances McCauley closing in he tapped the ball home with his outstretched leg. With less than a half hour to go manager jerry Early began changing players Terry McGowan was subbed for Ciaran Rodgers Patrick Rodgers subbed for Thomas Rodgers and Hugh Patrick Early Subbed for Frances McCauley. With a win looking likely Arranmore came under a lot more pressure as Gweedore pushed for a goal to get them back in the game, but time after time Arranmore goalkeeper Paddy Bonner along with his rock-solid defence kept them at bay, leaving Arranmore United to play in the county finals later on next year. Best for Arranmore United: Peadar Rodgers & Edward McGowan. Best for Gweedore Celtic: Michael Curran & Paul Gillespie. Referee: G. Gallagher. Result: 2-0 Goal scorers: Frances McCauley 7 minute Frances McCauley 52 minute Arranmore United vs Dunlewey Celtic, 21st August 2005. Arranmore United came out on top in their first outing of the season, which was also the first game of the Bryan McCormack Cup, as they had a comfortable 3-0 win over Dunlewey Celtic. In wet conditions both teams were inseparable until the 35th minute when Stephen Early played a delightful through ball to Thomas Rodgers who finished with the aid of the advancing keeper. Then 5 minutes later Danny Rodgers cleared the ball from his own 18-yard box and found Frances McCauley who ran in on goal, rounded the Dunlewey goalkeeper and placed the ball in the back of the net. Against the run of play Dunlewey came close to pulling a goal back with an 18-yard strike, which ended with Paddy Bonner making a comfortable save. Seconds later with the half time whistle nearing the Dunlewey goalkeeper pulled of a brilliant save from Noel Early. At the beginning of the 2nd half Dunlewey had their 1st real opportunity when they hit the post from an in-swinging corner but Arranmore cleared after a goalmouth scramble. With merely twenty minutes left in this game Terry McGowan was subbed for Thomas Rodgers and Hugh Patrick Early for Frances McCauley. With 10 minutes remaining Noel Early played a brilliant ball through the Dunlewey defence to Hugh Patrick Early who ran in on goal and slid the ball past the keeper. Best for Arranmore United: Danny Rodgers and Kevin Gallagher. Best for Dunlewey Celtic: Hugo and Patrick Cannon. Result: 3-0 Goal scorers: Thomas Rodgers 35th minute Frances McCauley 42nd minute Hugh Patrick Early 80th minute
Match Reports 2003 Results & Goalscorers
This Sunday
13th April can see Árainn gain promotion. A win against
Convoy (away) who are League Champions along with a Ballybofey
win against Drumoghill will
Those attending matches should send reports to matchreports@arainnmhor.com Match Report 2001 Archive Arranmore FC 2-0 Dunlewey Arranmore Utd.got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win away to Dunlewey. This was by all means a good result as Dunlewey beat the league leaders Whitestrand 4-1 the previous week. Despite many of the players celebrating Noel Early's 21st birthday party Arranmore got into their stride early and took the lead through Noel from a free kick, they then defended very well for the remainder of the match and secured all 3 points when Francis McCauley scored in injury time. It was a very good team performance with all players playing their part. It is hoped the improvement will continue in the coming weeks. Jerry Arranmore finally recorded a victory this weekend with a hard fought two nil victory over Dunlewey. With much of the team struggling to get out of bed due to Noel Early's 21st party, the win was even better. Noel's party continued into the next day with the goalkeeper gifting him a goal as he let the ball roll under his body from a free-kick. Francis sealed the three points in the 90th minute and in between John Paul Breslin (our new keeper) made some good saves and Turkey cleared once of our goal line. A good team performance all round. Edward Arranmore FC 2-2 Drummoighal ArranmoreUtd dropped another two points last week-end drawing 2-2 at home to Drummoighal.Once again they let the points slip by conceding what only can be described as silly goals. Arranmore took the lead through Francis McCauley, but then fell behind, Arranmore had plenty opportunities to score more but they took only one of their many chances scoring again in the last 10 minutes with another goal from Francis.They play away this Sunday against Dunlewey, it is hoped their can be some improvement in performance in the coming weeks. Jerry |