Donegal win titanic tussle

Added: 30-06-2012 17:24:52

Donegal will meet Down for the Anglo Celt Cup after they overcame a gallant Tyrone in an exciting tactical clash at Clones this afternoon. Rory Kavanagh as expected came in at midfield in place of Leo McLoone while Ryan McMenamin came into the Tyrone side. Neil McGee was injured after just three minutes and afterwards Jim McGuinness stated that Paddy McGrath and Michael Murphy has also picked up minor injuries before the throw-in.

The game was, as expected a very close and tight affair with both back-lines to the fore. Tyrone’s first half scores came from six different scorers but Donegal were also playing against a stiff breeze in the first half and were more than happy to go in at the break just a point down.

As expected, Donegal's superior fitness came to the fore after the break as two points from Rory Kavanagh (2), Ryan Bradley and Michael Murphy put a bit of daylight between the sides. Mickey Hartes side would not lie down however, and towards the end they put extreme pressure on the Donegal goal as the clock ticked down. Colm McFadden received a second yellow as Donegal looked to see out the game as Stephen O'Neill scored a point to leave three in it with time almost up, as the Tyrone men scented blood.

Right on the full time whistle, Paul Durkin saved a certain goal bound shot from Penrose to deflect the ball onto the bar and depsite Tyrone scoring from the resulting '45 it was Donegal who emerged the victors after a titanic battle.

Jim McGuinness and his men can now make Donegal history as they attempt to win two Ulster titles in a row in three weeks time.