Derry's second-half goal salvo turns Donegal over

Derry struck for three second half goals to get the better of Donegal in the heat in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

Donegal, although defeated, will take heart from the performance with Oisin Gallen contributing nine points, three from play, three marks and three frees, in a fine performance.

There was also a welcome return to the field of play for Donegal captain, Patrick McBrearty, which will be encouraging for them going forward.

But it was Derry's superior pace which won the day with goals from Conor Doherty from wing back, Lachlan Murray and Padraig McGrogan.

As expected both sides operated with all players behind the ball and there were long passages of possession. Derry settled quickest with Paul Cassidy pointing while Ciaran Thompson was wide from a 45m free.

Benny Heron brought a great save from Shaun Patton and a minute later he popped over Derry’s second point.

Donegal had four wides on the board before Conor O’Donnell got them up and running. Oisin Gallen drew the sides level after winning a free.

Shaun Patton made a wonder one-handed save to deny Paul Cassidy but there was some reward as Shane McGuigan pointed the free as the referee was playing an advantage.

Ciaran Thompson levelled for Donegal and they stood strong in defence as Derry threatened a goal.

Ciaran McFaul and Oisin Gallen, after a long-kick out from Shaun Patton, traded scores to leave the sides level at 0-04 each after 24 minutes.

Ciaran McFaul added another but Donegal created a great goal chance when another long kick-out from Patton found Dáire Ó Baoill. The ball broke to Jason McGee but he was denied twice by Odhran Lynch at the expense of a '45’.

Derry had their best period of the half from the 22nd to 32nd minute with three points from McGuigan,