Donegal have too much for Kildare despite losing Michael Murphy

Despite losing Michael Murphy to injury in the first half, Donegal were too good for a lethargic Kildare in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

Declan Bonner's side led by six at the break and supporters might have wondered whether they could hold on this week, but the Kildare challenge was not the same as Mayo and Donegal eventually had a comfortable win.

The hosts had the aid of the breeze in a very open first period but didn't make it count until late in the half.

Conor O'Donnell and Jason McGee had their opening points with Jimmy Hyland twice replying for Kildare.

Patrick McBrearty and Michael Langan then put Donegal two clear before Padraic Tuohy and Conor O'Donnell exchanged points to leave it 0-5 to 0-3 after 14 minutes.

It looked as if the game was turning Kildare's way when Donegal lost talisman Murphy in the 22nd minute and almost immediately Jimmy Hyland flicked a long ball from Paul Cribbin to the net.

However, Donegal responded really well with a Langan free and Patrick McBrearty raised a green flag after taking a short pass from the impressive Eoghan Bán Gallagher.

Paddy Woodgate converted a free for Kildare but Donegal finished the half well with Ryan McHugh pointing (after a couple of shots off target and short) and in injury time the same player was on the end of a good move to fire home a second goal.

Donegal were 2-07 to 1-04 up at half-time but Kildare were back in the game withing nine minutes of the restart, following good points from Ryan Houlihan and Paddy Woodgate, and a brilliant effort from Kevin Flynn.

Conor O'Donnell got a much needed Donegal score but while Kildare now had the the greater share of possession they continued to miss chances.

Hyland pointed a free but points from Michael Langan and Shane