Donegal 2-11
Monaghan 0-10
By JOHN GRAHAM
MONAGHAN slumped to a disappointing defeat, their first in the current NFL Division 2 campaign, when they proved no match for an in-form Donegal who showed a far greater appetite for the game throughout what was, a low key and at times scrappy contest in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny on Sunday last.
Donegal were much sharper than Monaghan, they were first to the ball, they dominated midfield, used possession well, were hungrier in all aspects of their play and much more economical and clinical in making and taking scores.
Monaghan never imposed themselves on the game at any time, particularly in midfield, they were repeatedly turned over, they squandered possession too easily and too often with a series of forced and unforced errors, carrying the ball into the tackle before being turned over, and simply needing more time and space on the ball than a hungry and highly motivated Donegal were willing to allow them.
Conditions on the day were difficult due to the heavy rain during the morning although it did improve as throw-in time approached there was further rain at times during the game. The greasy surface did affect the standard of play although Donegal were the more adept on the day and they produced some fine passages of play especially in the first half as Monaghan struggled.
A bumper crowd, estimated at some 6,500, had the whole ground at near capacity prior to throw-in.
Monaghan made one change from the team that played Meath with Kieran Hughes lining out …