The game on Sunday was very cagey and it was clear that both teams were afraid of losing it and didn't fully commit to taking the chance to win it. Overall I'd say that Donegal shaded it. They squandered two clear goals chances late in the game and if either of those had found the net, the game was done. Defensively we looked quite strong and kept Gallen and McBrearty quiet for the most part. There were a couple of lapses of concentration late in the game, where we opened up far too easily, which lead to points, fouls and the penalty. Have to be sharper in those situations. Easy to say watching from the stand, but that's what marks the best teams out from the rest.
Attacking wise, I thought we huffed and puffed, but didn't really gel at all. It's very difficult to have fluent attacking play against that Donegal defence. Turbitt worked hard throughout, but again showed that against tight defences and after coming off a big performance, he was on the edges of the game. His pass for Murnin's goal was outstanding, but other than that he wasn't really a factor. He missed a big free, which again needs to be nailed at this level and if we want to be winning these tight matches. We had other chances that we somehow missed - Grugan's free, Campbell's shot when cutting in from the left wing which he usually scores and Burn's chance where he couldn't get his stride right to take the shot and ended up trying to hand pass it over the bar and messed it up.
Murnin and Conor O'Neill were our two best players. The comment about Joe McElroy is total nonsense. He was excellent on Sunday and has played well this season. Does the nitty gritty and links play. These players are crucial to the team.
I would have loved to have beaten Donegal as they are a team I just don't like for no particular reason! We're still unbeaten and are in good shape for promotion. Like others, I'd like to see more of the squad get some game time over the coming games, to freshen things up and allow some players to push for a starting place.