A Frank McGlynn goal after just a minute of this Dr McKenna Cup game at MacCumhaill Park kept daylight between Donegal and Down this afternoon.
With six debutants in their starting line-up, the home side always managed to keep their nose in front in a game which attracted a strong crowd at Ballybofey and which ended on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-11 in favour of Donegal.
Rory Gallagher gave starts to Jack O’Brien, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Danny Rodgers, Ciaran Thompson, Michael Carroll and Stephen McBrearty (brother of Patrick).
Glenfin man McGlynn gave the crowd something to cheer about after just 68 second when he latched on to an Odrhan MacNiallais pass to rate the back of the Down net.
Down manager Eamonn Burns, in charge of his first outing, must have thought it was going to be a long down.
But in fairness to his side they managed to match Donegal point for point after that while never going in front at any stage.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher should perhaps have marked his debut with a goal in the 15th minute but shot wide after a lovely palm-down to him by veteran Leo McLoone.
Two first half points from Ciaran Thompson and another Marty O’Reilly saw Donegal go in ahead at the break 1-3 to 0-4.
Further second half points by Ciaran Thompson, Paddy McGrath MacNiallais and Caolan Ward kept Donegal ahead while Jack O’Brien’s effort off the Down crossbar would have put a lot more between the sides.
The biggest cheer of the day fell to one of the wonders of the modern game, Michael Murphy, who was introduced in the 54th minute.
Marking his 100th senior game in a Donegal jersey, the Glenswilly made scored one of his trademark points in the 59th minute.
Gallagher’s men eventually ran out 1-11 to 0-11 winners.
Rory Gallagher will be happy with the win but more importantly the chance to see the metal of some of his debutants who will sure feature in the coming seasons at senior level.