SHAUN Patton’s kick-outs have become a real feature of Donegal’s play – and he delivered one of his best darts yesterday.
With a gale-force Ballyshannon wind howling into his face, a long-range kick from Patton helped to create Donegal’s second goal.
Patton made light of the elements, as a booming kick over the top of a Monaghan press opened things up. A man down and with such a fierce breeze against Patton, Monaghan pushed right up on the kick-out.
Patton, though, was undeterred by Monaghan or the storm.
The Donegal goalkeeper managed to sail his kick all of 70 metres into the hands of the waiting Peadar Mogan.
Seconds later, after Patrick McBrearty was pulled down by ‘keeper Rory Beggan, Hugh McFadden crashed the ball into the net to put Donegal into a nine-point lead.