Donegal face Down tonight in an all Ulster clash in Round 2 of the Allianz National Football League Division 1. Throw in at 7pm in Ballybofey.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORE COMMENTARY
Donegal assistant manager Rory Gallagher has declared that tonight’s contest against Down is a ‘must-win game’.
Form Guide
Donegal’s performances in the league over the last few years has inevitably proved that they are slow starters to the season. Their loss last weekend to Kildare might have come as a shock to many, but bearing in mind their limited preparation and growing injury-list, The Tír Conaill Men put together an impressive second half performance against the Lilywhite’s, to narrow the gap to only four points the end, in a heavily scoring game. Their uninspiring pre-season hasn’t measured the strength or weakness of what to expect from Donegal this season. However, McGunness’ men will have to show their strengths in tonight’s contest.
Down
After a third place finish in last seasons league campaign, many believe that James McCartan’s men will have to produce something special to emulate this again. The manner of last week’s defeat to Tyrone may inspire The Mournemen to come out all guns blazing in Ballybofey tonight as he has named unchanged side that started in Newry last weekend.
Team News
Donegal: Donegal assistant manager Rory Gallagher has insisted they won’t be rushing any of their injured stars back into action. Last weekend, Frankie McGlynn and Colm McFadden went off injured with hamstring tears so it is doubtful they will feature. Star man Karl Lacey is still out with hip injury and Mark McHugh is recovering from a pelvis injury.
Down: 1.Michael Cunningham 2.Damian Turley 3.Daniel McCartan 4.Ryan Boyle 5. Ryan Mallon 6.Aidan Carr 7. Brendan McArdle 8.Kalum King 9.Kevin McKernan 10.Keith Quinn11.Mark Poland 12.Benny Coulter 13.Conor Laverty 14.Connaire Harrison 15.Donal O’Hare
Players to Watch
Donegal – Michael Murphy
After scoring 0-09 against Kildare, Murphy was one of the influential players to clawed Donegal back into the contest in their first outing. During the week, he proved his form once more scoring heavily for DCU in the Sigerson Cup .
Down – Connaire Harrison
The newcomer to the Down full-forward line has shown more than capable abilities in early season outings that he can be a regular for McCarten’s side. He’ll be hoping to get on the score sheet tonight after just one point last weekend.
