Donegal move closer to promotion with win over battling Louth

A goal in the 54th minute was the game changer in Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, as Donegal overcame Louth to remain unbeaten in Allianz Football League Division 2.

The goal came from a long ball from Dáire Ó Baoill, finished to the net by Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí and it put a five-point gap between the teams, the most significant one during a very tight game.

The final margin of five points flattered Donegal, who were guilty of many mistakes and turnovers despite very good conditions.

Indeed, there was a dispute at the venue with most people in the press area having Louth at 15 points while the referee had it at 14.

Patrick McBrearty and Sam Mulroy were the top scorers for their respective sides while Caolan McGonagle and Peadar Mogan were the real driving force for the winners.

The result continues a very poor run for Louth at the Ballyshannon venue, having lost all five occasions the sides have met there in the league.

Donegal had the advantage of the breeze in the opening half and were two points up inside three minutes through a Patrick McBrearty free and Oisin Gallen.

Sam Mulroy got Louth on the board but McBrearty added another free. By the 12 minute mark Donegal were 0-05 to 0-02 ahead with two more McBrearty points to one from Ciaran Keenan in reply.

Both sides were guilty of turnovers and Sam Mulroy found the range from a free at the third attempt. Shane O'Donnell had Donegal’s sixth but then Louth came strong with points from Mulroy (free) and Ryan Burns and by the 32nd minute they were on terms thanks to further points from Conor Grimes and Ryan Burns.

Donegal lost Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí to a black card but they hit late points from Shane O’Donnell and a fifth McBrearty point left the home side ahead by 0-09 to 0-07 at the