DERRY had a superb 11 point win over Donegal in the opening game of the 2015 football season in front of a crowd of 3,035 at Owenbeg today.
Brian McIver’s team just edged the first half, but were totally dominant in the second half, finally beating the visitors 1-16 to 0-08.
It was hugely disappointing debut for new Donegal manager Rory Gallagher who may have fielded an experimental team with seven debuts handed out.
Derry had led at half-time, an Emma McGuickin goal for Derry the difference at the break.
Donegal had kicked no less than ten wides to Derry’s three in the opening half but that wasn’t the reason they lost. Derry were better organised, better focused and wanted it more.
Derry were leading on a scoreline of 1-5 to 0-5 at the break after a purple patch midway throughout the first half saw McGuickin’s excellent finish to the net.
Captain Mark Lynch led by example in the second half, adding a further point straight away.
And it was Derry’s dominance of midfield which won the day as the Oak Leaf county won ball after ball.
Even when Donegal did finally get a point in the second half, it was Lynch who went up and scored again.
Daniel McKinless was also on fire today, popping over some lovely scores, with Daniel Heaveron also hitting a wonder point.
Brian McIver can be happy with this start to the New Year but he won’t be getting carried away.
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