Donegal boss McCann relieved to take points away from London

It was with a mixture of both joy and indeed relief felt by Donegal team manager Mickey McCann as his side claimed two hard earned points against a battling London side in Ruislip.

For, although they led by nine at one stage in the first-half, it took late points from sub Richie Ryan and Declan Coulter to make sure of victory.

So it is a case of ‘job done’ as they now prepare for a tough away test to Meath next weekend.

Speaking to the Donegal Post from London, McCann said: “We made hard work of it to be honest. We played brilliantly in the first-half, as good as we have played in a long time, and we put ourselves in a great position.

“They clawed it back to five points coming up to half- time but we then lost Danny Cullen and Christopher McDermott to injury. That was a big part of our half-backline gone.

“We had to re-jig things and London came back very strongly, but it was just great to get those two points away from home”.

He added: “They got a goal near the end to level it but Richie Ryan came off the bench and Declan got us those late points to win it.

“And that showed the great heart and desire that is in the side. After they came back to level it we did not panic and we held on for the win”.

Once again the strength of the Donegal bench shone brightly with Ryan, Lafferty and Daire Ó Maoileidigh all coming on.

“They all made a difference as we were just hanging on with injuries. That helped us well and Ronan McDermott gave us a great start with an early goal after they had gone two points up and he took it very well.

“That is what he brings to the team. And young Ruairi Campbell was also very sharp inside he hit two fine points. Overall, we were the better team but we just made hard work of it”.