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That was much more like it. My complaints after the Kerry game were really just about performance, I hoped for something like the 2nd half last night and if we lose, we lose, that's football. But that was great battling last night after a really poor first half outside of the opening 10 minutes or so (when we should have been 4 points up instead of 2) - we went a long time yet again without scoring but I'm just glad this time it happened early in the game and we recovered.
Tyrone were poor and wasteful but we battled away and that's all I really ask of the squad. I thought moving Ryan in to the full forward line to try and negate Conor Meyler was a good tactical move from Bonner. Great credit has to be given as well for giving plenty of lads chances over the past few years, in spite of a disappointing few seasons I do have to say that every year it seems like a new face comes into the side and suddenly they are nailed on starters.
I've said a couple times on here that Conor O'Donnell has impressed me all year and he was brilliant again last night. A great addition to the starting lineup because he pops up with scores every game, so should take pressure off the main men. How great to see Gallen get a key score as well, hopefully he will get a run at it fitness wise along with Murphy and Jamie Brennan.
I'd really like to see some consistency of performance now in the final couple of games, a full 70-80 minutes would be great to see because it hasn't happened yet. The only other thing I would say is that beating Tyrone did not surprise me. I don't want to be negative again after a really great win that should solidify our Div 1 status for another year, but getting up for a match against Tyrone has never been our problem.
But plenty to be happy with after the torturous trip to Kerry.
JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 28/02/2022 09:38:19
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I was expecting more discussion off the back of that game following some of the posts recently and how there seems to be a 50/50 spread of posters seeing a change is needed and the other thinking the team needs to step up.
Like most I want to be critical but at the same time saw something different in the weekends performance that changed the outlook for the current squad.
When I think back to 2010 and see the talent we had that simply struggled to string performances together there is a lot to compare to and when you think of the current group, confidence in their ability is still the biggest setback along with some conditioning and defined roles tailored to their talents.
I see a better goalkeeper in Patton even though Pap had a much bigger presence and that is something that Patton will need to develop, if you dont have the size you need a mouth and that needs to marshall the last line and be commanding in every decision. Any ball coming in high or low, he needs to be the rooster.
Stephen is 100% a Neil McGee and just needs to come clear of the injuries. Not a stylish footballer but fit, able, determined, niggly but most of all a defender that tries to beat you to every ball and puts everything on the line just to get a fingertip. The funny thing about Eamon is that he could match his brother on a day for defending ability but he was an unbelievably natural footballer that would be as comfortable half backs up. I don't think we have his swagger in anyone currently and that presence is missing from our last line. McCole could come right and has been playing well but it doesnt seem natural yet. This might be my biggest statement but I think the only man to fill McGraths boots to the same level is Ryan McHugh back to his initial couple years in the jersey making a name for himself but a tigerish corner back all the same. Lately I have been disappointed with him and he seems to be doing too much talking back and getting marked out of games so why not get him to give his all putting the best forwards in Ireland to shame.
Half back line is starting to make a resemblance of what we had with EBG a spit of Lacey (dont know how you would do it but he needs to get that kind of boxing sharpness and shape to round him out and the main one is to start using his football skills like he did underage and get on that score sheet). OMcFF is a live wire and in many ways is totally different to Thompson but the fitness is the key here, he could go all day and is a good tenatious defender. We need the coaches to balance out his energy in the tackle and use it by roving like AT did and find a pair of shooting boots so that the roving is not a waste of time. Cant say I see anyone like Frank bar Mogan and because Mogan is still so young its hard to get that sense of calm from him but he is the right mould. Like most of our defenders though they need to go back to man on man defending in training and getting that art back as shadowing is the eternal cop out.
MF is straight forward for me, HughMcF can't start unless he starts fielding the ball to the extent that we are ensuring 60/40 posession like big Neil. With that in mind McGee, McGonagle and Thompson are the people to work on here with McGonagle and Thompson more in the mould of RK.
CHF is the position that we need to resolve and we had two great ambassadors in Hegarty and McLoone recently. Both had steel, power and directness that you wouldnt be afraid to put them in CHB. What was great about both though was their ability to score and create play, Hegarty with points off both feet from anywhere on the pitch and a luxury of passes to unlock a defence to McLoone and his goal scoring and the strength to always get by the line for someone to come off the shoulder. Ultimately you would mash them together and make MacNiallais but thats a gone conversation but hopefully not a finite decision. For now I would use Jamie Brennan in CHF and Connor O Donnell and Langan on the outside.
Murphy to me unfortunatlety has run the road and will only start enjoying himself again when he is given the small rectangle to rule for the next 5 years. This needs to happen. What happens out the pitch is no longer a concern, if we lose by twenty we lose by twenty with him chatting to the opposite goalkeeper. McBrearty needs to get a right rattle and respond in anger. He has the strength to hold his own but he needs to keep going with 3 lads hanging out of him and not turn around hinting at the unfairness of it all. Why he cant score a goal is beyond me and its a worry for one of the best forwards in the game, surely he should be finding the net every game like Colm Mc but he just cant seem to do it either out of fear or lack of instinct it is really unusual. Last but not least is Gallon he is so fluent and natural we havent had someone like him for a while to drift out and get scores on the loop while Murphy and McBrearty make hay inside.
SamT2012 (Donegal) - Posts: 66 - 28/02/2022 09:59:34
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That second half performance was a real tonic and we needed it badly. I thought we were good in the first 10 minutes but totally lost our way after that, when Tyrone were 7-3 up it was looking really bad. They were in complete control of the game at that stage but a little bit of magic from Paddy McBrearty to set up the goal was a big turning point. We were really positive in that second half, it was summed up during the build up top the Jack McKelvey goal. Instead of just looking for a safe pass backwards, Oisin Gallen took on his man and then played a good foot pass to Mogan, yes a foot pass - imagine.
Conor O'Donnell is a real star, what I like most about him is his willingness to keep going forward, always trying to beat his man and not afraid to have a shot at goals. Shane O'Donnell had a serious game, so impressive with his direct running and tracking back. These two lads are our form players and need to start in the championship, I don't care who has to come back. I thought Hughie had a good game, he is really great at plugging gaps at the back. Another good outing from Jason McGee, nice to see him getting a run in the team. McFadden-Ferry was very good and McMenamin did well, especially that interception at the end. Finally the supporters deserve some credit as well, really stuck with the team during that sticky first half period.
Langan and Murphy are guaranteed starters for the championship but I think we should mostly stick with this team for the championship bar those two. Oisin Gallen has stuck his hand up as well for a starting position, surely time to give him a run in the remaining league games. Caolan McGonagle has been great so far this year but will probably struggle for fitness for the opening championship game.
Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1917 - 28/02/2022 10:10:41
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Replying To naomh_conaill_4: "I think thats a rule because its the same for club that the chairmen is to be there. Could be wrong also." There is always an Executive with the team, they complete paperwork for subs etc. Our County Chairman is a very experienced intercounty Referee and he appears to have a role with the 4th Official who is linked to the Referee with a headset and I think it is a good thing (it will assist with MM, RMcH and Langan getting the protection they require). Who remembers the Tyrone mentor running across the field in the Super 8's game in Ballybofey on all our kickouts in a white Polo Shirt distracting our keeper as they appeared to have an extra defender. He eventually got sent to the dugout in injury time. If you have a cool head pointing out this stuff it gets highlighted.
Ulsterchamps72 (Donegal) - Posts: 160 - 28/02/2022 10:15:09
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Hi Tirchonaill1: Not the first time a Gweedore man put the boot into a County Manager.
AudiMan (Donegal) - Posts: 687 - 28/02/2022 10:19:11
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Well done players and management good performance nice to see the young lads stepping up. We're building up a nice squad hopefully we can keep everybody fit and get the rest of the lads back. Probably need 1 or 2 points to stay up. I must say the atmosphere towards the end was brilliant the supporters really got behind the team and it seemed to lift us. All in all a good nights work and well done to players and management again. Keep the faith.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 28/02/2022 11:06:12
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A great result at the weekend after the despondency following the Kerry match. It wasn't perfect by any means but the spirit and workrate in the second half was great to see, especially when it was so nip and tuck. We've never had bother getting up for matches with Tyrone, All Ireland champions or not. So the trick now will be to back up the second half perfomance next time out against Monaghan. If we beat them it'll be goal one for the year achieved - Div 1 status retained. Then we'd have the comfort of a run out at Croke Park against the Dubs plus a home league game with Armagh where we don't need to show our hand too much. Monaghan won't be easy though. They'll be scrapping for their lives.
Gallen is a classy operator. He is so calm and comfortable in possession. He toom his point very well to put us ahead near the end. But it was his composure tight along the sideline that impressed me more. He gave a great ball in to Mogan to set up the winning score. Great to see! I was joking to a few of the lads watching the game with me that if that was last weekend the ball was more likely to have ended up back with Patton! Hopefully he'll get a clear injury free run at it now. Everyone assumes that Murphy and Langan are our only major threats. But if we can get ourselves into a situation where we have Murphy, Langan, Paddy, Conor O'Donnell, Gallen all threatening regular scores, plus the likes of Shane O'donnell, Thompson, Ryan, McGee chpping in with points here and there we'll going rightly.
Defensively we were much better. McCole is starting to blossom, then you have Ward, McMenamin. McFadden-Ferry providing the steel. Eoghan Ban is a brilliant outlet for bursting forward and slipping passes off. I think as the weeks we'll hopefully see more consistency and performances will further improve.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9884 - 28/02/2022 11:27:58
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Replying To rorysboys: "Well done players and management good performance nice to see the young lads stepping up. We're building up a nice squad hopefully we can keep everybody fit and get the rest of the lads back. Probably need 1 or 2 points to stay up. I must say the atmosphere towards the end was brilliant the supporters really got behind the team and it seemed to lift us. All in all a good nights work and well done to players and management again. Keep the faith." 100% agree Rory and think it's one of those chicken-and-egg scenarios but really feel the crowd feed off what's happening on the pitch. It was hard going for long periods in that first half but the goal and then Jason's point to level it up really lit the fire under me anyway I'm still hoarse today
JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 28/02/2022 12:05:15
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Replying To JoeSoap: "That was much more like it. My complaints after the Kerry game were really just about performance, I hoped for something like the 2nd half last night and if we lose, we lose, that's football. But that was great battling last night after a really poor first half outside of the opening 10 minutes or so (when we should have been 4 points up instead of 2) - we went a long time yet again without scoring but I'm just glad this time it happened early in the game and we recovered.
Tyrone were poor and wasteful but we battled away and that's all I really ask of the squad. I thought moving Ryan in to the full forward line to try and negate Conor Meyler was a good tactical move from Bonner. Great credit has to be given as well for giving plenty of lads chances over the past few years, in spite of a disappointing few seasons I do have to say that every year it seems like a new face comes into the side and suddenly they are nailed on starters.
I've said a couple times on here that Conor O'Donnell has impressed me all year and he was brilliant again last night. A great addition to the starting lineup because he pops up with scores every game, so should take pressure off the main men. How great to see Gallen get a key score as well, hopefully he will get a run at it fitness wise along with Murphy and Jamie Brennan.
I'd really like to see some consistency of performance now in the final couple of games, a full 70-80 minutes would be great to see because it hasn't happened yet. The only other thing I would say is that beating Tyrone did not surprise me. I don't want to be negative again after a really great win that should solidify our Div 1 status for another year, but getting up for a match against Tyrone has never been our problem.
But plenty to be happy with after the torturous trip to Kerry." Game of 2 halves etc. Big positive for Donegal in the second half when you showed you're not now depending on Murphy. So Murphy when he's back no longer needs to be trying to do everything and be everywhere. Like Mattie Donnelly for us, Murphy has in my view suffered from being able to be played anywhere, and is so unselfish and modest. He could now stick to being a forward, for instance and play more for himself - surely he's earned that. Good as Donegal were in the second half, and 100% deserving winners, our shot selection in the second half cannot go without comment - did you ever see worse? Taking on silly shots that were never going over, and often when there was still an option to work it in closer. Some of those shots would have been ambitious if you were 10 points up on a calm day, but to be attempting wild stuff like that in an unpredictable gale when you're a point down was unforgiveable. Donegal well worth their win. Generally, at this stage, it's Mayo and Kerry who look sharpest. Armagh and Derry look good too, and after yesterday I'd say Donegal have turned a corner too. Tyrone still a long way off where they need to be. There's a lot of pundit complacency because we won it last year, so the assumption is that somehow 'it'll be alright on the night' for Tyrone. I hope so, but I'm not so sure about that. We're generally below par any year after we play well, and this year is shaping up little different.
essmac (Tyrone) - Posts: 1141 - 28/02/2022 12:06:27
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Replying To essmac: "Game of 2 halves etc. Big positive for Donegal in the second half when you showed you're not now depending on Murphy. So Murphy when he's back no longer needs to be trying to do everything and be everywhere. Like Mattie Donnelly for us, Murphy has in my view suffered from being able to be played anywhere, and is so unselfish and modest. He could now stick to being a forward, for instance and play more for himself - surely he's earned that. Good as Donegal were in the second half, and 100% deserving winners, our shot selection in the second half cannot go without comment - did you ever see worse? Taking on silly shots that were never going over, and often when there was still an option to work it in closer. Some of those shots would have been ambitious if you were 10 points up on a calm day, but to be attempting wild stuff like that in an unpredictable gale when you're a point down was unforgiveable. Donegal well worth their win. Generally, at this stage, it's Mayo and Kerry who look sharpest. Armagh and Derry look good too, and after yesterday I'd say Donegal have turned a corner too. Tyrone still a long way off where they need to be. There's a lot of pundit complacency because we won it last year, so the assumption is that somehow 'it'll be alright on the night' for Tyrone. I hope so, but I'm not so sure about that. We're generally below par any year after we play well, and this year is shaping up little different." Tyrones shot selection was very poor, it was a trickier wind than say kilarney the week before that was straight down the middle. It was a little more diagonal and needed a bit more judging. It's hard for a team to fully apply themselves after they win their first all ireland. There was no player connection with 2008 and a lot of them lads have been very committed for a good few years and have got to the holy grail.
Imagine if mayo won it what they'd be like the year after! In practical terms they were much later back than other teams and definitely some catch up to do. Dublin at home is a good next match to have to focus on. It's a must win for them and close to must win for tyrone. I'd say Rory gallagher has derry firmly focused on you for the first round in ulster.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 902 - 28/02/2022 13:26:44
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Donegal for Sam.
border Gael (Monaghan) - Posts: 921 - 28/02/2022 13:56:10
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Good 2nd half performance, but the game could have easily went the other way and Tyrone could easily have won it, so I wouldn't read too much into it. I also think Tyrone are probably slightly behind us in terms of fitness right now.
Conor O'Donnell had a good game, It looked like Tyrone weren't picking him up and he seemed to repeatedly drift in for scores. He still has a lot to work on, but good experience for him. Good performances by Oisin Gallen, Paddy McBrearty, Shane O'Donnell, Jack McKelvey and Odhran McFadden Ferry too.
I thought Hugh McFadden looked off the pace, I think we played better when he went off. Ciaran Thompson and Ryan McHugh strangely didn't stand out, I expected more form them both considering who we were already missing.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1419 - 28/02/2022 14:11:03
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A great result at the weekend after the despondency following the Kerry match. It wasn't perfect by any means but the spirit and workrate in the second half was great to see, especially when it was so nip and tuck. We've never had bother getting up for matches with Tyrone, All Ireland champions or not. So the trick now will be to back up the second half perfomance next time out against Monaghan. If we beat them it'll be goal one for the year achieved - Div 1 status retained. Then we'd have the comfort of a run out at Croke Park against the Dubs plus a home league game with Armagh where we don't need to show our hand too much. Monaghan won't be easy though. They'll be scrapping for their lives.
Gallen is a classy operator. He is so calm and comfortable in possession. He toom his point very well to put us ahead near the end. But it was his composure tight along the sideline that impressed me more. He gave a great ball in to Mogan to set up the winning score. Great to see! I was joking to a few of the lads watching the game with me that if that was last weekend the ball was more likely to have ended up back with Patton! Hopefully he'll get a clear injury free run at it now. Everyone assumes that Murphy and Langan are our only major threats. But if we can get ourselves into a situation where we have Murphy, Langan, Paddy, Conor O'Donnell, Gallen all threatening regular scores, plus the likes of Shane O'donnell, Thompson, Ryan, McGee chpping in with points here and there we'll going rightly.
Defensively we were much better. McCole is starting to blossom, then you have Ward, McMenamin. McFadden-Ferry providing the steel. Eoghan Ban is a brilliant outlet for bursting forward and slipping passes off. I think as the weeks we'll hopefully see more consistency and performances will further improve." Agree completely on the gallen point and really hope he can get a run of injury free games. He's had a bad run of it. I think a wee word on the mcceallbhui as well. For the second goal he took the ball off patton in the corner on the 13 on the stand side. He had a one two with eod before playing it to gallen. He kept going then and finished the goal. That's really hard work at the end of a game. He added a lot to the game in general play as well.
If all players were fully fit I'm not sure we'd have seen much of sod and it's also given cod a good opportunity. It's maybe a bit disappointing when looking back that cod and oisin farrah got caught in the minor age change and then both were injured for their final year at under 20. Sod although a year younger should have been on that team too.
You're right that monaghan won't be easy and they've a better record against us over the last ten years than tyrone. They won't be fearing ballybofey. It does though create a really good opportunity for this team, as you say, to back the second half performance up. And also an opportunity to keep this forum quiet!!
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 902 - 28/02/2022 18:47:11
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Replying To border Gael: "Donegal for Sam." That's a stretch!
Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1478 - 28/02/2022 21:41:55
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Replying To essmac: "Game of 2 halves etc. Big positive for Donegal in the second half when you showed you're not now depending on Murphy. So Murphy when he's back no longer needs to be trying to do everything and be everywhere. Like Mattie Donnelly for us, Murphy has in my view suffered from being able to be played anywhere, and is so unselfish and modest. He could now stick to being a forward, for instance and play more for himself - surely he's earned that. Good as Donegal were in the second half, and 100% deserving winners, our shot selection in the second half cannot go without comment - did you ever see worse? Taking on silly shots that were never going over, and often when there was still an option to work it in closer. Some of those shots would have been ambitious if you were 10 points up on a calm day, but to be attempting wild stuff like that in an unpredictable gale when you're a point down was unforgiveable. Donegal well worth their win. Generally, at this stage, it's Mayo and Kerry who look sharpest. Armagh and Derry look good too, and after yesterday I'd say Donegal have turned a corner too. Tyrone still a long way off where they need to be. There's a lot of pundit complacency because we won it last year, so the assumption is that somehow 'it'll be alright on the night' for Tyrone. I hope so, but I'm not so sure about that. We're generally below par any year after we play well, and this year is shaping up little different." I still think Tyrone will be the team to beat this year. I was really impressed with them in the first half, they move the ball so fast and not afraid to try something different like lobbing a ball into the box. They have a lovely blend of running the ball and kick passing. Shot selection wasn't great in the second half but can't see those mistakes being made in the championship. Frank Burns is really underrated player. I agree that its always difficult to reach the same levels the year after winning an All-Ireland but still think Tyrone have a terrific chance of winning the all-Ireland. The Ulster championship is going to be really interesting - Tyrone, Donegal, Monaghan, Armagh and possibly Derry will fancy their chances.
Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1917 - 01/03/2022 09:32:21
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Agree completely on the gallen point and really hope he can get a run of injury free games. He's had a bad run of it. I think a wee word on the mcceallbhui as well. For the second goal he took the ball off patton in the corner on the 13 on the stand side. He had a one two with eod before playing it to gallen. He kept going then and finished the goal. That's really hard work at the end of a game. He added a lot to the game in general play as well.
If all players were fully fit I'm not sure we'd have seen much of sod and it's also given cod a good opportunity. It's maybe a bit disappointing when looking back that cod and oisin farrah got caught in the minor age change and then both were injured for their final year at under 20. Sod although a year younger should have been on that team too.
You're right that monaghan won't be easy and they've a better record against us over the last ten years than tyrone. They won't be fearing ballybofey. It does though create a really good opportunity for this team, as you say, to back the second half performance up. And also an opportunity to keep this forum quiet!!" Hopefully now the fans will come out in there numbers on Sunday week. This will be the last championship match in ballybofey before the Armagh championship match. Monaghan have been our bogey team there always difficult to play against. I would say the players and management will have last years match on there mind and how open we were at the back. So hopefully it'll focus everybody. I see Neil Mc gee played for gaoth dobhar yesterday but with the way Mc Cole's playing he'll find it hard to replace him but it's great to have options. Mc Cole has been outstanding and I'm delighted for him he stuck at it and deserves his place. Jeac Mc kelveys an interesting option I don't know what's his best position he seems very comfortable wherever he plays. The two o donnell are playing well Conor is a real handful and Shane for a lad so young has bedded in well he has a great style and very good on the ball. Hopefully niall can get a run of games because he is hugely important to us. . Huge few weeks coming up.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 01/03/2022 10:14:58
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Replying To Green_Gold: "I still think Tyrone will be the team to beat this year. I was really impressed with them in the first half, they move the ball so fast and not afraid to try something different like lobbing a ball into the box. They have a lovely blend of running the ball and kick passing. Shot selection wasn't great in the second half but can't see those mistakes being made in the championship. Frank Burns is really underrated player. I agree that its always difficult to reach the same levels the year after winning an All-Ireland but still think Tyrone have a terrific chance of winning the all-Ireland. The Ulster championship is going to be really interesting - Tyrone, Donegal, Monaghan, Armagh and possibly Derry will fancy their chances." Yeah anyone writing Tyrone off has a short memory. If you'd told me they'd win the All Ireland after the tanking they got in the league down in Kerry last year I'd be asking for a pint of whatever you were drinking. It looks like for the first time in a long long time their other traditional great rivals Derry might be in a position to seriously give them a rattle. They're moving in the right direction under Rory Gallagher. They still have a bit to do to ensure promotion. One of themselves, Galway or Roscommon will end up disappointed. But the signs are good and they'll be itching to take Tyrone down.
Tyrone won't want history reapeating itself. In 2006 Derry humiliated them in the Championship following their 2005 AI win. If memory serves me Tyrone didn't score at all in the first half that day. I'd say there will be some serious ramping up training being done in Gervaghy for the next 2 weeks. They'll want to secure their Div One status so their next league fixture is massive, in particular because it is againts the Dubs, who incredibly will almost certainly be relegated if Tyrone beat them.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9884 - 01/03/2022 10:36:02
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Only getting back on board now, was after the water shed the last couple of nights before I got near the forum.
I thought that we started quite well on Saturday night, and it was very cagey in the first 10 minutes, figuring each other out. Then Tyrone got a foothold in the game, and got the run on us. Although we had the wind, on our restarts they retreated, making us go short, and by the time we carried the ball, Tyrone were well set up. I suppose having Tyrone dictate our kick out strategy was disappointing.
Thankfully we kept going and got the reward for positive play, and got the scores before half time that took the potential for panic away slightly.
The tunnel incident at half time was a turning point. There was a little bit that went on that cameras didn't pick up, but I was encouraged by the mood of our players, to stand their ground. I have heard reports that Tyrone Co Board members were nonchalant enough in the dressing room area, and sometimes you can get a bounce from these events. We certainly had an extra pep in our step in the second half.
In the second half we saw a display from Donegal that we had been waiting on for a while. We knew it was their. I always had confidence in our footballers, but not always in the application. The second half was played on the front foot, full of positivity and belief. Honestly, even if we hadn't won in the manner we did, I would have been much happier with the display. Each and every victory over Tyrone is to be cherished.
On an individual level, we had one or two that didn't have their best displays, but not everyone can do it week in week out. And there's one or two who have more in them, but form is temporary. I praised McCole and McFadden Ferry last week after Kerry, and again they acquitted themselves very well. I thought McCole was hard done by on a couple of occasions. Jason McGee was good again this week, and I really hope he builds on his run of games. Up front, Shane O'Donnell really grew into the game. Conor O'Donnell, he didn't do everything right, but by God he kept going, and going forward. I see a touch of Christy Toye in him, a direct runner, with of a nose for a score. Nobody scored more goals than Christy, and Conor appears to have it.
I think we can now focus on our training, and take the games as they come, without some of the hysteria of last week. More work is needed on Plan B and C. Armagh are going to be a huge test, and that's where the focus needs to be in the weeks ahead. Also, let's get the injuries sorted, and when we do, Declan will have some job to whittle down the 26, never mind the first 15.
We have the footballers.
SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 836 - 01/03/2022 10:51:15
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah anyone writing Tyrone off has a short memory. If you'd told me they'd win the All Ireland after the tanking they got in the league down in Kerry last year I'd be asking for a pint of whatever you were drinking. It looks like for the first time in a long long time their other traditional great rivals Derry might be in a position to seriously give them a rattle. They're moving in the right direction under Rory Gallagher. They still have a bit to do to ensure promotion. One of themselves, Galway or Roscommon will end up disappointed. But the signs are good and they'll be itching to take Tyrone down.
Tyrone won't want history reapeating itself. In 2006 Derry humiliated them in the Championship following their 2005 AI win. If memory serves me Tyrone didn't score at all in the first half that day. I'd say there will be some serious ramping up training being done in Gervaghy for the next 2 weeks. They'll want to secure their Div One status so their next league fixture is massive, in particular because it is againts the Dubs, who incredibly will almost certainly be relegated if Tyrone beat them." Getting tanked in Killarney seems to be the Catalyst for going on to win the All Ireland, this is Donegal's year.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1419 - 01/03/2022 13:24:51
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Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "Only getting back on board now, was after the water shed the last couple of nights before I got near the forum.
I thought that we started quite well on Saturday night, and it was very cagey in the first 10 minutes, figuring each other out. Then Tyrone got a foothold in the game, and got the run on us. Although we had the wind, on our restarts they retreated, making us go short, and by the time we carried the ball, Tyrone were well set up. I suppose having Tyrone dictate our kick out strategy was disappointing.
Thankfully we kept going and got the reward for positive play, and got the scores before half time that took the potential for panic away slightly.
The tunnel incident at half time was a turning point. There was a little bit that went on that cameras didn't pick up, but I was encouraged by the mood of our players, to stand their ground. I have heard reports that Tyrone Co Board members were nonchalant enough in the dressing room area, and sometimes you can get a bounce from these events. We certainly had an extra pep in our step in the second half.
In the second half we saw a display from Donegal that we had been waiting on for a while. We knew it was their. I always had confidence in our footballers, but not always in the application. The second half was played on the front foot, full of positivity and belief. Honestly, even if we hadn't won in the manner we did, I would have been much happier with the display. Each and every victory over Tyrone is to be cherished.
On an individual level, we had one or two that didn't have their best displays, but not everyone can do it week in week out. And there's one or two who have more in them, but form is temporary. I praised McCole and McFadden Ferry last week after Kerry, and again they acquitted themselves very well. I thought McCole was hard done by on a couple of occasions. Jason McGee was good again this week, and I really hope he builds on his run of games. Up front, Shane O'Donnell really grew into the game. Conor O'Donnell, he didn't do everything right, but by God he kept going, and going forward. I see a touch of Christy Toye in him, a direct runner, with of a nose for a score. Nobody scored more goals than Christy, and Conor appears to have it.
I think we can now focus on our training, and take the games as they come, without some of the hysteria of last week. More work is needed on Plan B and C. Armagh are going to be a huge test, and that's where the focus needs to be in the weeks ahead. Also, let's get the injuries sorted, and when we do, Declan will have some job to whittle down the 26, never mind the first 15.
We have the footballers." Hi south of the gap: What happened in the tunnel?
AudiMan (Donegal) - Posts: 687 - 01/03/2022 13:26:34
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