DONEGAL LEAD AT CROKER: HISTORIC DOUBLE STILL ON THE CARDS

Donegal 1-08 Dublin 0-10

Donegal’s senior footballers’ dream of  joining their minors at All-Ireland finals day is on the cards as they lead reigning champions Dublin in their semi-final clash at Croke Park.

Jim McGuinness’s men are ahead by a single point at the break against a Dublin side that threatened to over-run the Ulster champions with the type of football that has them the bookies’ favourites to retain the title.

However, after a shakey start Donegal have fought back and are well in contention for retaining the title they last won in 2012.

Donegal got off to the a great start, Colm McFadden firing over a free in the first minute to put the Tir Chonaill men ahead.

However, Dublin were three ahead within four minutes, putting over four unanswered points.

Karl Lacey put over a lovely point in the 13th minute to settle the nerves but Dublin hit back with three unanswered points to open up a five point advantage in the 20th minute.

Michael Murphy kept his nerve to successfully convert a free in the 21st minute to keep his side in touch.

Funston and Kavanagh exchanged points before Durkan got down brilliantly to push out what looked an almost certain goal from Connolly.

Connolly made amends with an excellent point which was followed by two unanswered points for Donegal to put three between the sides in the 28th minute.

Murphy had an excellent chance to reduce the arrears but his weak shot from 20 yards fell tamelessly short.

But he made up for the miss with an excellent long distanee point immediately afterwards.

Ryan McHugh put Donegal ahead when he took advantage of poor Dublin defending when slid the ball to back of the net two minutes from the break.

A late Dublin point sees Donegal lead by the slenerest of lead at the break and on course to emulate their minors who earlier reached their first ever All-Ireland final with a thrilling win over Dublin.

Donegal: Durkan, E. McGee N. McGee McGrath; Thompson, Lacey, McGlynn; Gallagher, MacNiallais; David Walsh, McLoone, McHugh; Kavanagh, Murphy, McFadden.

Tags: