Defeat for Donacloney Firsts as Caledon Rovers seal league title

Donacloney Firsts hosted Caledon Rovers on Saturday past in Division 3, and Caledon won to seal the league title with an impressive 16 wins from 16 games.

However it wasn’t without a strong challenge from a Donacloney side who could have spoiled their party if they had taken the chances they created. In the opening exchanges the best chance was created by Caledon with a clever through ball expertly closed down by Jason Stokes stopping the Caledon forward getting a strike on goal. Stokes was unfortunate to be involved in the opening goal as a ball bounced up in the penalty area to hit his arm for what looked like a soft penalty to be given. Brian Gordon dispatched the penalty calmly with a chip down the middle of the goal deceiving ‘keeper Derek Curran.

At the opposite end of the pitch Tommy McElroy honestly stayed on his feet to get a shot at goal when he could have went down under a clumsy challenge. ‘Cloney defended well until half-time and could have levelled with a few breakaway chances.

The second half started off much the same as the first ended with Donacloney frustrating Caledon and not letting them get into any kind of rhythm. Ben Nelson had Donacloney’s best chance of the second half breaking through on goal only for his shot to be gathered by the opposing ‘keeper. Caledon wrapped up their league win as they played themselves in on the left side off the area before pulling back a cross with the onrushing Simon Robb heading into the bottom corner of the goal leaving Curran no chance. Ryan Malone made his debut for Donacloney showing some good touches after coming on to replace Shields.

Donacloney team; Derek Curran, Jason Stokes, Dave Watterson, Damien Higgins, Tim Carson, Johnny Brown, Darren Brooker, Steven Leckey, Tommy McElroy, Ben Nelson, Chris Shields. Subs; Ryan Malone (replaced Shields), Peter Wylie (replaced Nelson) and Gary Knox (not used).

Donacloney Reserves were away to Donaghmore Reserves and continued the poor run of results away to Dungannon sides for the team with a heavy 10-2 defeat. Keith Johnston and Chris Clague were both on target and were the only positives in what was a poor overall display from the ‘Cloney.

Donacloney Firsts head to Newmills this weekend for their Beckett Cup Quarter-Final tie. Donacloney Reserves have no fixture this week.