Niall Morgan: Directed most of his kick-outs fairly well, under some pressure, although a lot of them short. Little chance with goal but perhaps fortunate he didn't catch McGonigle when he skipped around him. 6.5
Michael McKernan: On and off marking duties, one fumble led to a McBrearty score. Used his pace to augment attack, including assisting a McCann point. 6.5
Ronan McNamee: Had moments on Jamie Brennan but mostly up against McBrearty and contained him fairly well, allowing only one of his two points from play. 7
Padraig Hampsey: Got the better of rival captain Murphy, who didn't feature much in open play. Also mostly contained the threat of Jamie Brennan after moving onto him. 7.5
Rory Brennan: Started on Thompson but then switched onto Jamie Brennan to good effect. However, was black-carded for the foul that led to the penalty and was subbed off at half-time. 6
Michael O'Neill: Operated in an attacking defensive role, shuttling up and down the left flank to contain Donegal breaks out. Allowed Mac Niallais little room to operate. 6
Peter Harte: Always good going forward, even scoring a right-footed point, but also put in some great defensive work with blocks and tackles. 7
Brian Kennedy: Set up a score for Sludden but didn't impose himself on the game against Langan and was subbed midway through second half. 6
Conn Kilpatrick: A more difficult day for the youngster, outdone by McGonigle who got away for the goal, and was subbed in the 47th minute. 5.5
Kieran McGeary: STAR MAN
Set the tone for his day with the opening point in the first minute and played with confidence throughout. Added two more pointed before half-time, one fisted after a strong run at goal, but was denied a goal by a Patton parry. Garnered possession repeatedly and was even perhaps unfortunate to be black-carded. 8.5
Niall Sludden: Roved around, high up then deep in defence, and picked off two nice points. 6.5
Conor Meyler: Full of running, too much for McFadden Ferry, and then kept Ryan McHugh quiet. Kept the ball in smartly before fisting a point. 7
Darren McCurry: Couldn't finish early goal chance and mis-handled some ball, but stuck at it and struck some fine scores in his tally of 0-7, four from play. 7.5
Mattie Donnelly: His flick set up and opportunity for McCurry and he got better as the game went on, linking play well and then scoring two good points. 7
Frank Burns: Sweeping, used the ball well, although hit the post with one effort. Got forward to clip a late point. 6.5
Substitutes:
Tiernan McCann: On for the second half and made a quick impact with a point; then added two more, including blasting a shot over the bar. Defended well too. 7.5
Conor McKenna: Perhaps over-eager to impress after coming on for Kilpatrick but did catch the eye with a point and an astonishing assist out of defence for McCurry. 7
Ben McDonnell: Took over from Kennedy around midfield but never really got going. 6
Cathal McShane: On to another roar but received little ball; converted one free. 6.5
Niall Kelly: Not on long enough to be rated.
