Donegal stay on track for promotion

GAA: ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO: Donegal 1-17 Antrim1-8DONEGAL REMAINED unbeaten and on target for promotion with a workmanlike display against Antrim in Ballyshannon yesterday. They travel to Portlaoise next week needing a draw to be sure of taking the step up as Tyrone, Laois and Derry are still in the mix.

They always looked winners against an Antrim side depleted by injury and suspension, with Colm McFadden in illuminating form.

Despite playing against the very strong wind, Donegal were on fire in the opening 10 minutes, hitting five points in seven minutes. McFadden was impressive in leading the line. Antrim gradually got back in the contest, thanks mainly to the accuracy of Thomas McCann and by the 23rd minute they were back on terms, with McCann getting four of their total.

The sides were level again at 0-6 before late points from McFadden and Michael Hegarty sent Donegal in 0-8 to 0-6 ahead at the break.

McFadden lit up Fr Tierney Park with a great finish to put Donegal 1-11 to 0-7 ahead in the 53rd minute but Brian Neeson hit back with an equally good goal before Donegal stretched their lead out to nine at the finish.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness said afterwards: “We were a bit lethargic at times and we took a lot out of the ball at times. We were just a wee bit below par in certain aspects. Overall we would be disappointed with the performance but delighted with the result.

“To put it in context Antrim came here today missing seven or eight players of their championship team and there is a lot of food for thought there,” he added, obviously looking ahead to the championship meeting on May 15th.

DONEGAL: P Durcan; J Noctor, N McGee, A Thompson; F McGlynn, K Lacey (0-1), K Cassidy (0-2); R Kavanagh (0-1), M McElhinney; M McHugh, M Hegarty (0-2), D Molloy (0-2, frees); R Bradley (0-1), M Murphy (0-3, 0-2 frees), C McFadden (1-5, 0-2 frees). Subs: N Gallagher for McElhinney (47 mins); A Hanlon for Molloy (50 mins); D Walsh for Noctor (59 mins).

ANTRIM: S O'Neill; C Brady, R Johnston, A Douglas; T Scullion, A Healy, M McAleese; A Gallagher, S Burke; T O'Neill (0-2), M Sweeney, C Murray; K Brady, B Heron, T McCann (0-5, 0-3 frees). Subs: B Neeson (1-1, 0-1 free) for McAleese (50 mins); D Edwards for Gallagher (63 mins); C Fleming for McCann (68 mins).

Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).