Burly Roscommon full forward Stephen Lohan scored a goal in injury-time to secure an improbable, albeit deserved, victory for visitors Roscommon at Ballybofey yesterday.

Donegal started poorly and were 0-5 to 0-2 behind after 26 minutes - Eddie Lohan, Stephen Lohan, Conor Connelly (two) and Nigel Dineen on target with Donegal's only reply being two pointed frees from Adrian Sweeney.

By half-time the sides were level, 0-6 each, Paul McGonigle, Michael Hegarty and Sweeney, his third free, scoring without reply while Jim McGuinness and Gerry Lohan traded late points to leave it well poised.

In the second half Roscommon scored twice inside 10 minutes, Connelly and Gerry Lohan on target.

But Roscommon failed to hit another point for the next 25 minutes - the 70th, when half back Clifford McDonald sparked their remarkable return.

Roscommon's goal was prompted by goalkeeper John Curran who raced outfield before delivering a long ball.

Lohan did maximum damage with 72 minutes on the clock. Four minutes into added time, Lohan turned beautifully to score a point.

For Roscommon, this late, late scoring surge paves their way to a league semi-final spot.

However, for Donegal, their Division One status remains on hold, a play-off against Louth their reward for a careless final 15 minutes.

DONEGAL: T Blake; P Campbell, E Doherty, N Crossan, N Hegarty, S Carr; J Gildea, P McGonigle (0-1); J McGuinness (0 -1), M Hegarty (0-2), B Roper; A Gallagher (0-1), A Sweeney (0-5, three frees), J McCafferty (0-1). Subs: J Gallagher for Roper (48 mins).

ROSCOMMON: J Curran; D Gavin, J Whyte, I Burke, F Grehan, C McDonald ( 0-1); S O'Neill, P Mahon; C Connelly (0-3), J Hanly, E Lohan (0-1, a free); N Dineen (0-1), S Lohan (1 2), G Lohan (0-2). Subs: F O'Donnell for E Lohan (42 mins); G Fox for Hanly (52); K Kane for O'Neill; M Ryan for Burke.

Referee: S McCormack (Meath).