Donegal might be down to 14 men – but Declan Bonner’s men lead Down by eight points at half-time in the Ulster SFC semi-final.
Half-time: Donegal 1-12 Down 0-7
By Chris McNulty in Clones
Leo McLoone’s 22nd minute goal was the big score of an opening half bossed by Donegal, in spite of Neil McGee’s sending off in the 13th minute.
Neil McGee receives a red card from referee Anthony Nolan during the semi final. Picture by Evan Logan
McGee had only just been booked for a tussle with Down forward Connaire Harrison when the two went for possession again. Harrison went to ground and referee Anthony Nolan, after consulting with his linesman, reached for the red card – much to the anger of the Donegal camp.
Undeterred, Donegal – who had raced into a flour-point lead in the first 11 minutes – hit 1-4 in succession after the dismissal.
McLoone fired home after a Ciaran Thompson effort came off an upright and, at one stage, Donegal led by 11 points.
Donegal have already eight different players on the scoresheet with Ryan McHugh – who has been heavily involved in the first half – landing an excellent score off the outside of the boot.
It took Down until the 25th minute for Caolan Mooney to open their account.
Down did kick three-in-a-row to eat into the deficit, but Donegal look to be heading for an Ulster final meeting with Fermanagh in a fortnight’s time.
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