Donegal too strong for Kildare as they clinch promotion back to Division 1

Donegal had just too much scoring power for Kildare and in the end they had six points to spare over the Lilywhites at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.

Kildare threatened momentarily in the second half when an Alex Beirne goal cut the lead to two points on 49 minutes but they would not score again in the game.

At the end Donegal had nine different scorers to Kildare's three.

Donegal needed a win to ensure promotion back to Division 1 while Kildare were fighting for their Division 2 lives, as they had lost their opening five league games.

With underfoot conditions difficult the quality of fare was mediocre in the first half but Donegal always were able to keep their noses in front.

Ciaran Thompson had an early goal chance but his finish was weak and Kildare ‘keeper Mark Donnellan had little difficulty in saving.

Thompson made amends two minutes later by hitting the opening score from distance. Kevin Feely twice equalised for Kildare from  a mark and a free with Peadar Mogan getting Donegal’s second point.

Michael Langan and Ciaran McGonagle edged  Donegal  two ahead by the 16th minute but again Feely replied.

Aaron Doherty and Alex Beirne traded scores before Langan and Ciaran Thompson put Donegal three up in the 26th minute.

But Kildare kept the scoreboard ticking with Shane Farrell and Beirne with his second to just one in reply from Peter Mogan to leave just two between them at the break

Donegal 0-8, Kildare 0-6.

Donegal had the perfect start to the second half with points from Dáire Ó Baoill, Patrick McBrearty and Michael Langan.

Donegal were also to get their first free of the game when Aaron Doherty got the decision from Down official Paul  Faloon. Peadar  Mogan and Ó Baoill put five points between the sides but immediately Kildare hit back with a great finish to the Donegal net by Alex Beirne after being set up by Daniel Flynn.

Donegal steadied the ship with points from Odhran Doherty and the impressive Peadar Mogan to go four clear again by the 57th minute.

Kildare lost Shane Farrell to a black card as  Oisin Gallen converted a mark, the first Donegal point from a placed ball on 65 minutes.

Peadar Mogan ensured the win with his fifth point of the half with a minute of normal time left, pushing the lead out to six.

Donegal scorers: Peadar Mogan 0-5; , Michael Langan 0-3, Ciaran Thompson, Dáire Ó Baoill 0-2 each; Aaron Doherty, Caolan McGonagle, Odhrán Doherty, Oisin Gallen (m), Patrick McBrearty 0-1 each.

Kildare scorers: Kevin Feely 0-4,3f,m; Alex Beirne 1-3; Shane Farrell 0-1

Donegal: Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Odhrán Doherty; Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan; Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Aaron Doherty; Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Dáire Ó Baoill.

Subs: Jamie Brennan for H McFadden (ht); Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí for Odhran Doherty (53); Niall O’Donnell for Aaron Doherty  (56); Luke McGlynn and Ronan Gallagher for Ó Baoill and Thompson (both 67); 

Kildare: Mark Donnellan; Ryan Houlihan, Mick O’Grady, Ryan Burke; Paddy McDermott, Eoin Doyle, Jack Sargent; Aaron Masterson, Kevin O’Callaghan; Alex Beirne, Barry Kelly, Shane Farrell; Kevin Feely, Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly.

Subs: Luke Killian for O’Callaghan (52); Paddy Woodgate for P Kelly (55); Shane O’Sullivan for N Kelly (58); Brian Byrne for Houlihan (60); Tony Archbold for Sargent (69)

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down)