Down succumb to heavy defeat

Down succumb to heavy defeat

13 February 2013

DOWN’S first away trip in this year’s NFL produced little cheer when they were overrun by a stellar second half performance from the reigning All-Ireland champions in Ballybofey.

Down started the game positively and were unfortunate to not take an early lead as Mark Poland sent his effort wide. Despite the away side having the better of the early exchanges, it was Donegal who took the lead on five minutes when talisman Michael Murphy converted a free.

After Paddy McBrearty fluffed a chance for the homesters, Down ventured down the field and equalised through a Donal O’Hare free on seven minutes.

It was then Michael Cunningham to the rescue for Down a minute later when he produced a fantastic point-blank save to deny Neil McGee.

Donegal were now operating a two-man full forward line in Murphy and McFadden and both were causing plenty of problems. Murphy had a hand to play in Donegal’s second score as he laid off to Ross Wherity who put his side in front.

Down’s high intensity tackling seemed to unsettle Donegal and it wasn’t long before they were back on level terms when Donal O’Hare pointed his second free on 17 minutes.

With 12 men in their own half, Down were making scores hard to come by for their hosts. This allowed Down to counterattack and O’Hare completed his hat-trick of frees after Conor Laverty was impeded.

Down soon extended their lead to two as Kevin McKernan sent over a monstrous set piece from 50 yards out on 27 minutes.

Down added to their tally when they posted their first score from play. Ryan Mallon sent a delightful ball into Donal O’Hare and the Burren man finished well to establish a 0-5 to 0-2 lead.

As half-time approached, Down failed to make the most of their chances and frees from McFadden and Murphy brought it back to a one-point game as the short whistle blew.

Both teams made one change apiece at the interval with 2012 All-Star Neil Gallagher coming into the fray replacing Martin McElhinney at midfield. James McCartan introduced the RGU’s Peter Turley for Brendan McArdle. McArdle was on a yellow card and his replacement was given the task of shadowing Michael Murphy.

The first five minutes of the second half were drab with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game.

Ryan Mallon spurned Down’s first clear cut chance on 40 minutes before Michael Murphy levelled the game.

Donegal continued to work hard for possession and on 42 minutes they opened up a one-point lead. Michael Murphy, who was now playing as a one-man full forward line, turned wide on the right and drifted over a wonderful score.

Down’s marking was now becoming a bit slack and the direct Leo McLoone pounced to make it 0-7 to 0-5 on 45 minutes. Donegal were able to get themselves another two scores in the following five minutes such was their dominance of the duel.

Two frees from the ever-reliable boot of Murphy had now opened up a four-point lead and Down were starting to look in serious trouble.

Down introduced Benny Coulter and Declan Rooney at this stage to try to turn the tide. The former’s introduction nearly paid off instantly as he set up Donal O’Hare for an assault on Paul Durcan’s goal.

Unfortunately for Down, O’Hare’s tame shot was cleared off the line by Neil McGee. Yet, there was suspicion that O’Hare was tugged back just as he was about to get his shot away.

With 15 minutes remaining Tir Chonnail opened up a five-point lead. Ross Wherity cut through the Down defence and combined with Michael Murphy with the Glenswilly star fisting over from close range.

Malin’s Declan Walsh then made it a six-point game as he shot over from distance on 57 minutes. Down tried to get back into the game and the introductions of Danny Savage and Conor Gough looked to add a bit of impetus.

McCartan’s men did start to make inroads but it proved too little too late. Donal O’Hare and Kevin McKernan scored in quick succession with the former’s score being Down’s first since the 32nd minute.

In the dying embers Down went for broke with Ryan Boyle and Dan McCartan playing advanced roles, but it was the Sam Maguire holders who managed the last point of the game as substitute McLoughlin landed a sweet effort as full time approached.

A three-week break now awaits Down and James McCartan will be hoping that his team can perform for the full 70 minutes against Cork on March 3.

Donegal: P. Durcan, D. Walsh (0-1), N. McGee, E. McGee, A. Thompson, L. McLoone (0-1), R. McHugh, R. Kavanagh (0-1), M. McElhinney, M. McHugh, M. Murphy (0-6, 4F), R. Bradley, C. McFadden (0-1, 1F), R. Wherity (0-1), P. McBrearty. Subs: N. Gallagher for McElhinney, D. Molloy for McBrearty, D. McLaughlin (0-1) for McFadden, O. MacNiallais for N McGee.

Down: M. Cunningham, D. Turley, D. McCartan, R. Boyle, R. Mallon, A. Carr, B. McArdle, K. King, K. McKernan (0-2, 1F), K. Quinn, M. Poland, P. McComiskey, C. Laverty, C. Harrison, D. O’Hare (0-5, 3F). Subs: P. Turley for McArdle, B. Coulter for Harrison, D. Rooney for Mallon, D. Savage for D. Turley, C. Gough for King.

Referee: Marty Duffy.

Donegal 0-12

Down 0-7

ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 1