Donegal make their own history
DONEGAL 4-17 DERRY 2-9
FOUR goals saw Donegal romp to their maiden victory in Division 2B as they recorded a first competitive win over Derry.
Ronan McDermott, Bernard Lafferty, Declan Coulter and Davin Flynn all hit the net as Mickey McCann’s team registered an impressive result.
The game was in the balance after McDermott cancelled out Alan Grant’s goal for Derry but when Coulter tucked home in the 47th minute, it was Donegal’s day.
McDermott’s delightful crossfield pass opened up possibilities for Lafferty in the 51st minute and a cracking finish gave the Derry goalkeeper, Michael Kirkpatrick, absolutely no chance.
Lafferty’s goal put Donegal ten points ahead and Lee Henderson, as part of a six-point total, landed a free from half-way.
There was still time for a fourth goal as Flynn – who missed an earlier penalty – surged in before powering home with an expert finish.
Derry were missing their Slaughtneil contingent, but Donegal were fully deserving winners nevertheless.
SCORERS – Donegal: L Henderson (5f) 0-6, D Coulter, R McDermott, B Lafferty 1-1 each, D Flynn 1-0, C Mathewson 0-3, G Gilmore 0-2, J Boyle, D Cullen, K Campbell 0-1 each Derry: A Grant (7f) 1-7, P Mullan 1-0, P Cleary (1f) 0-2
DONEGAL – P Burns 7; P Doherty 6, J Boyle 7, G Browne 6; N Cleary 7, C McDermott 6, S Gillespie 7; D Cullen 8, C Mathewson 7; R McDermott 7, G Gilmore 7, L Henderson 7; B Lafferty 7, D Coulter 7, D Flynn 7. Subs: K Campbell 6 for Lafferty (60), S Doherty 6 for Flynn (67), D Lafferty 6 for Burns (68), J McBride 6 for Cullen (68).
DERRY – M Kirkpatrick 6; C Murphy 6, S McCullagh 6, E Gilmore 6; D McCluskey 5, C Steele 5, P Cleary 7; J Mullan 7, J Phelan 6; S Higgins 6, O McCluskey 6, N Smith 6; D Cartin 6, A Grant 7, N Waldron 5. Subs: B Quigley 5 for Waldron 43), L Murphy 6 for Steele (51), O McKeever 6 for Cartin (52).
REF – K Brady (Louth).