Blanket defence stands up to its stiffest test

A deserved win for Donegal on a day when their blanket defence passed its biggest test so far.

Just like the Ulster semi-final against Tyrone, Donegal were again hanging on at the end of a game they should have won more comfortably. And just like their last two games against Down and Tyrone, Donegal played second fiddle in the first half but still managed to lead at half-time before turning the screw in the second half.

Kerry, with their full court-press, shaded the first-half kick-outs but their efficiency up front was poor. In that first half they registered just five points from 27 attacks. Two attempts dropped short, there were six wides and 14 unsuccessful other attacks failed due to some poor long foot-passes, a lack of support play, good Donegal defending and Mark McHugh’s clever positioning.