Shaun Patton: Kicked the ball straight to McCurry for the game’s opening score, spilled a normally routine catch late in the second half that almost gifted Tyrone a goal – but produced one of the defining moments of the game when his raking restart led to Langan’s goal. 6.5
Stephen McMenamin: Relished the conditions. Held Canavan scoreless in the first half and kept a close watch on McKenna in the second half. 7
Neil McGee: Barely took his eyes off McKenna, using fair means - and foul - to try and spoil his Championship debut. Injury forced McGee off at half-time. 6.5
Eoghan Ban Gallagher: Was caught in possession for Canavan’s goal, and didn’t have the easiest time on either McCurry or Bradley. Not his best day. 6
Ryan McHugh: Up against Meyler, unable to exert any influence. 6
Paul Brennan: Picked up a yellow card for a slap at McKernan – any more would have been harsh. Found Canavan hard going at times after the break. 6
Jeaic McKelvey: Trusted with a start after beginning both recent League games but, after picking up a 20th minute yellow card, found himself subbed off three minutes later. 6
Hugh McFadden: Up and down the field, his strength and ability to carry the ball – even if his footing went a couple of times – crucial on a day like yesterday. Won the last possession of the game to kickstart the Donegal celebrations. 7
Caolan McGonigle: Came in for Jason McGee and worked his socks off before being withdrawn late on, two forward bursts reaping vital frees after the break. 7
Ciaran Thompson: Used his height to help Donegal around the middle, and was deadly accurate on a day that required it, bagging two from play and a further five frees. 7.5
Niall O'Donnell: Struggled to make any real impact. 6
Michael Langan: See Star Man
Michael Murphy: Played a roving role as expected and, in the absence of men like Padraig Hampsey and the suspended Rory Brennan, had Mattie Donnelly for company. Neither shone. Always calm in possession, even if more spectacular performances may await further down the road. 6.5
Peadar Mogan: Alert to Patton’s first half kick-out, he raced onto the ball and fed Langan for Donegal’s goal. 6.5
Jamie Brennan: A frustrating first half in which he struggled to hold on to possession gave way to a better second half as he bagged two from play. 7
Substitutes
Eoin McHugh: Made some vital interceptions after coming on in the 23rd minute. 6.5
Andrew McClean: Worked hard, but not an easy game to come into. 6
Oisin Gallen: Cool as you like to slot over Donegal’s final point after some patient possession. Huge score. 7
Paddy McGrath: Bonner called on his experience when needed. 6
Jason McGee: Not on long enough to be rated.
STAR MAN
Michael Langan (Donegal)
STARTED the League like a steam train way back at the tail end of the last winter, and continues to improve at the start of this one. Scored 1-1 in the space of three minutes to drag Donegal back into the game, finishing superbly to the net after Patton’s quick restart caught Tyrone napping. 8
