Donegal – led by inspirational captain Michael Murphy have a five-point lead over Roscommon at half-time in Dr Hyde Park.
Half-time: Roscommon 0-5 Donegal 0-10
Michael Murphy breaks the tackle of Roscommon’s Niall McInerney during the game. Photo Evan Logan
Murphy has kicked five points and caused Roscommon all sorts of angst having moved into the Tir Chonaill full-forward line.
A Ciaráin Murtagh free in the 12th minute had Roscommon 0-4 to 0-2 in front, but by the time their next score arrived, 23 minutes later via Cathal Compton’s long-ranger, Donegal had charge of the evening.
Donegal kicked seven points between the 14th and the 33rd minutes, with Ciaran Thompson, Odhrán Mac Niallais and Murphy on the mark.
Donegal manager Declan Bonner has kept faith with the same XV that started last weekend’s game against Dublin, but the visitors have been hit with a blow as Eoghan Ban Gallagher was forced off with an injury in the opening half.
Shaun Patton made a telling save to deny Brian Stack at a key stage with Murphy opening up a three-point gap from the resulting Donegal attack.
Just five minutes in, Diarmuid Murtagh fired over with a golden chance of a Roscommon goal, but it’s Donegal who have a command at the changeover.
