McGuinness era begins with crushing win over Cork

Donegal and Jim McGuinness got their Allianz National League campaign off to a winning start at a windy MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.

A Cork goal against the run of play threatened to spoil the party early on but Donegal had a six-point lead at the break and never really looked like losing despite conceding a second goal midway through the second period.

With the gale force wind at their backs Donegal were out of the blocks well with the first four points from Jamie Brennan, Odhran Doherty and two Patrick McBrearty frees.

They were rocked on 14 minutes when Rory Deane got in behind to set up Eoghan McSweeney to palm home a goal.

Donegal did keep the scoreboard ticking over, but the Rebels stayed in touch with two Brian O'Driscoll points.

Then in the second quarter Donegal added some impressive long-range points from Doherty, two from Ciaran Thompson, Ryan McHugh, Dáire Ó Baoill, Shane O'Donnell and full-back Brendan McCole to leave the half-time score Donegal 0-12, Cork 1-3.

The home side got a great start to the second half with points from McBrearty (free) and Ó Baoill and they were almost in for a goal with Patrick Doyle denying Thompson.

Gavin Mulreany added another from a free for a nine-point lead.

Cork were thrown a lifeline when Donegal suffered a turnover disaster, with goalkeeper Mulreany outfield Chris Og Jones had the simple task of finding an empty net.

Two minutes later the same scenario repeated itself but Donegal escaped with the concession of just a point from Jones.

McBrearty eased the pressure for Donegal with two frees to leave it 0-17 to 2-4 with 11 minutes left.

With the wind and rain abating a little Donegal steadied the ship and captain McBrearty hit a goal to close out a convincing win.

Donegal: Gavin