Down 3-17 Donegal 0-17
Goals win matches as Down showed against a gritty Donegal side who battled well to the bitter end in icy conditions in McKenna Park, Ballycran.
A swirling cross-field wind made good hurling difficult-but the winners will not be happy with their 13 wides to Donegal’s seven.
But three goals in the second quarter gave the lively home team a virtually unassailable cushion as they turned over leading by 3-7 to 0-7 at the break.
The supercharged Chris Egan and late sub Ronan Beatty (2-0) supplied the goals in a blistering 13 minute period as the Ards ash artists threatened to overrun the visitors with their searing runs through the heart of the Tír Chonaill defence.
Indeed, it looked grim for Donegal when Ronan Sheehan’s men eased into a 3-11 to 0-9 lead five minutes into the second half.
But, inspired by two superb saves from Donegal ‘keeper Luke White, McCann’s men matched Down score for score in the final quarter and played with a lot more fluency and confidence.
They were awarded a penalty in 55th minute with the score at 3-12 to 0-11-but Luke White’s shot just went the wrong side of the post.
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