McKENNA CUP SEMI-FINALS: Donegal 1-13 Down 1-12:DONEGAL'S DEFENCE of the McKenna Cup is on track after a narrow victory in Enniskillen yesterday evening. Donegal's six-point lead was whittled down to the minimum and their goal was under constant fire at the end.
They faced a Down whirlwind from the opening whistle, and the Mourne men had a goal on 90 seconds when a Paul McComiskey free eluded the goalkeeper.
Donegal got back in the game with another fortunate goal, with Edward Kelly availing of a slip in the defence to sidefoot home.
Adrian Hanlon brought Donegal level with two great scores, and Gareth Concarr and John Clarke could have goals at either side in an open game, before Paul McComiskey had his third pointed free on the stroke of half-time to leave Down ahead by 1-5 to 1-4.
The second half saw McFadden and Hanlon on fire up front for Donegal as they turned the deficit into a five-point lead at one stage.
Great points from Martin Clarke and John Clarke reduced the margin to a point at the end.
Donegal will meet Tyrone again on Saturday night.
DONEGAL:L McFadden; J Keaney, N McGee, P McDaid; E Waide, F McGlynn, K Cassidy (0-1); F McNulty, N Gallagher; E Kelly (1-0), D Walsh, L McLoone (0-1); A Hanlon (0-4), C McFadden (0-5, 3f), G Concarr (0-2, 2f). Subs: P Durcan for McFadden; C Dunne for N Gallagher; R Wherity for Concarr.
DOWN:B McVeigh; S Toner, C Garvey, M Cole; S Parr, B McArdle, K Duffin; P Fitzpatrick, C King; D Gordon (0-1), M Poland, R Murtagh (0-1); P McComiskey (1-4, 4f), J Clarke (0-4), R Sexton. Subs: A Rogers for Fitzpatrick; S Kearney for Toner; D Hughes for Parr; M Clarke(0-2, 1f) for Poland; B Coulter for Sexton.
Referee:P Hughes (Armagh).
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