Donegal have recorded their first Allianz National League win away from home in Division One for seven years – as they hammered an out-of-sorts Down outfit in Newry this evening.
Michael Murphy gave an exhibition of free-taking in the first-half, and scored an incredible six points.
Scores from Ciaran Thompson and Patrick McBrearty (2) ensured Donegal were in a commanding position at half-time.
Rory Gallagher selected Aodh Ruadh shot-stopper Peter Boyle ahead of Danny Rodgers – and Boyle made a stunning penalty save in the first-half.
Neil McGee was black-carded for a foul on Ryan Johnston – but Boyle stopped the resulting penalty from Donal O’Hare.
Donegal went in at the interval six points ahead on a score-line of Donegal 0-09 Down 0-03.
Donegal pushed on the second-half and delivered an utterly ruthless display.
Donegal scored two goals in two minutes to end this game as a contest early in the second-half.
Ryan McHugh made a stunning run through the heart of the weary Down defence – and played a neat one-two with cousin Eoin before slamming into the back of the net.
Less than sixty seconds later Down were again picking the ball out of their net – this time McBrearty was the tormentor in chief.
He was released by Anthony Thompson and he skinned his marker to blast into the back of the net.
Donegal completed dominated proceedings and added further points through McBrearty and Leo McLoone (2).
Ryan McHugh who had a superb game all evening got another great goal after a flowing team move involving Marty O’Reilly and Michael Murphy.
Michael Murphy got in the act late-on again and added a further two points to bring his tally for the evening to eight.
One of the biggest cheers of the night from Donegal fans was reserved for Rory Kavanagh who entered the fray late-on.
Down were just no match for Donegal who were absolutely fantastic throughout – there will be tougher challenges ahead for Rory Gallagher’s men – but it’s a great, great start.
Final score: Donegal 3-15 Down 0-07
