Donegal poised for return to Division One

National Football League Division Two ADonegal are almost guaranteed promotion back to Division One after a convincing win over Longford in Ballyshannon last night.

After all the controversy surrounding this tie, there was never any doubt about the result after two Donegal goals in the first 21 minutes. Michael Doherty fired home a penalty after three minutes and Brian Roper hit a cheeky goal with the outside of his right boot for the second and a lead of 2-3 to 0-3.

Thereafter it was never really a contest and apart from some good points from Paul Barden, Longford's resistance was poor. At half-time they trailed by 2-5 to 0-4 and by the 48th minute Donegal had added a third goal. Again it came from a penalty after Rory Kavanagh was fouled when going for goal.

Doherty stepped up and found the same corner of the Longford net with an expertly struck kick.

Donegal were able to empty their subs bench and still tag on points at will, with Christy Toye hitting four in the second half and substitutes Connell Dunne and Michael Hegarty also getting on the scoresheet.

Donegal go to Dr Hyde Park on Sunday and it looks like a straight fight between themselves and Roscommon to top the table. Donegal just need a draw for the honour.

Apart from the very accurate Doherty, Donegal had good performances from Karl Lacey, Kevin Cassidy, Brendan Boyle, Toye and Roper, while Barden was the one Longford player who caused any problems for the home side.

Despite the early 6.15pm start a good attendance of some 1,500 made the trip to Fr Tierney Park which shows that there is a market for evening games.

DONEGAL: M Boyle; F McGlynn, P Campbell, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, K Cassidy; N Gallagher, B Boyle; C Toye (0-4), C Bonner (0-1), R Kavanagh; B Roper (1-1), J Gallagher (0-1), M Doherty (2-6, 2-0 pen, 0-6 frees). Subs: M Hegarty (0-1) for Roper, E McGee for Monaghan, D Diver for Dunnion, C Dunne (0-2) for J Gallagher, R Sweeney for Campbell.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; P Murtagh, B Gilleran, C Conefrey; D Brady, M Kelly, S Mulligan; B McElvaney, A O'Connor; K Smith, P Barden (0-7, six frees), P Berry; J Martin (0-1, free), K Mulligan (0-1), W Murray. Subs: P Dowd for Smith, P Foy for Mulligan, E Ledwith for Kelly, S Shortt for McElvaney, F McGee for Murray.

Referee: M Daly (Mayo).