Gaelic Games

Kelly’s goals crucial as Donegal champions Glenswilly book Ulster club final spot

Michael Murphy also on target in entertaining victory over Roslea

Glenswilly’s Michael Murphy fires home his side’s second goal against Roslea at Healy Park. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Presseye/Inpho
Glenswilly’s Michael Murphy fires home his side’s second goal against Roslea at Healy Park. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Presseye/Inpho
Mon Nov 18 2013 - 01:00

Glenswilly 3-9 Roslea 2-8: Glenswilly, a tiny club founded just 31 years ago in the heart of Donegal, are on the verge of creating a momentous piece of history, after qualifying for the Ulster Club Championship final.

Michael Murphy’s warriors saw off stubborn Roslea at Healy Park, with the Donegal captain hitting one of the goals and setting up another.

The other two were netted by Colin Kelly, vital strikes which set up a meeting with Derry giants Ballinderry in the final on Sunday week.

Glenswilly struck for a goal after two minutes, Kelly availing of ample space to unleashing a shot that was parried by goalkeeper Sean Boyle, who couldn't prevent the ball from creeping over the line.

Swept forward
Seamie Quigley's two early scores helped keep Roslea in it, but with Neil Gallagher turning in a huge display at midfield, the Glen swept forward.

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Murphy, Darren McGinley and Ciarán Bonner slotted over points, as they eased into a 1-4 to 0-2 lead.

Roslea's route one strategy to target-man Quigley failed to spark the Fermanagh men, with Eamon Ward and Joe Gibbons particularly vigilant.

And in the 20th minute, Glenswilly struck for a second goal as Kelly turned provider, crossing to the far post for Murphy to fire home.

Quigley had to drift deep to power over a long range effort, his side’s first sore in almost 20 minutes, but they narrowed the gap to five through wing back James McMahon.

Glenswilly led by 2-5 to 0-5 at the break, but Roslea d narrowed the gap through Kevin Cosgrove and Peter Lynch.

Three goals in the space of four minutes threw the contest wide open. First Kelly flicked home his second from Murphy's floated free kick to open up an eight-point gap, but Quigley slotted home a penalty after Niall Cosgrove was brought down.

And the Erne men closed to two points when full back Conor Mulligan's long ball was misjudged by goalkeeper Philip O'Donnell and went straight to the net. Glenswilly regrouped and Joe Gibbons, Kelly and Gary McFadden hit points to seal their win.

GLENSWILLY: P O'Donnell; B McDaid, R Crawford, K McFadden; C Kelly, JP McDaid, E Ward; N Gallagher, C Bonner (0-1); J McFadden, J Gibbons (0-1), C Kelly (2-1), D McGinley (0-1), G McFadden (0-3, 0-2 frees), M Murphy (1-2, 0-2 frees). Subs: B Farrelly for McGinley (52 mins), C Gallagher for Kelly (55 mins), R Diver for McFadden (59 mins), B Molloy for Gibbons (61 mins).
ROSLEA: S Boyle, N McMahon, C Mulligan (1-0), C Quigley, M Beagan N Cassidy, J McMahon (0-1), K Cosgrove (0-1), J Sherry, N Cosgrove, S McMahon, P Lynch (0-1), M Renfrew, Seamus Quigley (1-4, 1-0 pen, 2f), Sean Quigley. Subs: D Reilly (0-1) for N McMahon (28 mins), C Sherlock for S McMahon (44 ), S Lynch for McMahon (55 ).
Referee: Ciaran Branagan (Down).