Donegal are making hard work of their clear favourites tag against Antrim in the semi-final of the Ulster Championship in Clones.
Jim McGuinness’ side started well with early points from Christy Toye and Darrach O’Connor and led comfortably 0-5 to 0-2 midway through the opening half.
But the loss of Neil Gallagher through injury and a heavy marking presence on Michael Murphy turned the game around.
Antrim sweeper Kevin O’Boyle is doing a great job mopping up the loose ball as Murphy finds himself frustrated.
Antrim boss Paddy Bradley has set out his stall from the start with an onus on defence and catching Donegal on the break.
Some would say they are playing Donegal at their very own game.
Despite being on top, Donegal have been sloppy in their attacking play.
A number of Donegal attacks have broken down with many attempts at points through the like of Murphy and Anthony Thompson falling short.
For their part Antrim look more clinical when they do manage to break through the Donegal defence.
Michael Murphy missed the opportunity to put his team in front as the sides went in 0-7 to 0-7 at the break.
Donegal have had seven wides compared to Antrim’s three – a statistic which speaks for itself form the opening half.
Needless to say the Donegal players should receive the hairdryer treatment from a certain Glenties man at the interval.
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