ULSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL: Donegal and Monaghan are all level after a thrilling first-half at Breffni Park this evening.
The game has been played at a ferocious tempo, with some huge physical challenges being exchanged.
Both side are adopting defensive systems which was to be expected, but the quality from both sides has been good.
Michael Murphy and Patrick McBrearty have landed some great scores for Donegal, while for Monaghan, Conor McManus has been the main man for The Farney County.
It took Donegal just thirteen seconds to register their opening score.
Michael Murphy drove right at the heart of the Monaghan defence and he offloaded cleverly to Karl Lacey, the four-time All-Star knocked over a beautiful point to emphatically announce his return to the big stage.
Conor McManus had an effort after good build-up play, but he dragged his effort narrowly wide.
Great defending from Donegal then forced a turnover, Ryan McHugh broke at pace but his effort tailed wide.
On ten minutes a great ball inside from Marty O’Reilly caused panic in the Monaghan defence, Michael Murphy picked up the break and he swept over.
Monaghan’s response was rapid, great build-up pay created space for Shane Carey who made no mistake.
Donegal added another score through the boot of Murphy, but four unanswered points from Monaghan, with Conor McManus registering three of those put Monaghan in the ascendancy.
However, Patrick McBrearty then scored three points on the trot – including one stunning effort from play to put Donegal back in front.
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