Moran leads way for Mayo

Mayo 1-12 Donegal 1-10

Barry Moran was the driving force for the Connacht champions as he registered a goal and four points from play. The most pleasing thing for John O’Mahony was the impact made by a number of his fringe players, while Billy Joe Padden also returned to the set-up.

Meanwhile, Donegal started with a side that mightn’t be too dissimilar from the one that will take to the field when Down come to Ballybofey in May’s last Sunday.

The home team raced into what appeared to be a commanding lead and two minutes after the interval were 1-7 to 0-4 up, with substitute Colm McFadden scoring the opening goal of the game from close in.

However, Mayo refused to wilt and that’s something that will stand them in good stead ahead of their trip to Sligo. Corner-forward Moran got the turnaround in full swing when he netted on 47 minutes and Conor Mortimer was tellingly introduced from the bench.

Donegal scorers: Colm McFadden (1-3, 2f), Michael Murphy (0-3, 1f), Christy Toye (0-3), Rory Kavanagh (0-1).

Mayo scorers: Barry Moran (1-4), Conor Mortimer (0-2, 1f) , Alan

Freeman (0-2), Aidan Kilcoyne, Billy Joe Padden, Chris Barrett, N Douglas (0-1 each)

DONEGAL: P Durcan; F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey; B Dunnion, B Monaghan, C Greene; K Cassidy, R Kavanagh, F McNulty, C Toye, M McElhinney; D Walsh, M Murphy, C Dunne. Subs: C McFadden, E McGee, J Keaney, S Griffin.

MAYO: K O’Malley; L O’Malley, G Cafferkey, T Howley; C Barrett, D

Vaughan, S Nally; R McGarrity, P Harte; A Moran, BJ Padden, M Ronaldson; A Kilcoyne, A Freeman, B Moran. Subs: C Mortimer, N Douglas, P Gardiner, K McLaughlin, K Conroy, A Dillion.

Referee: F Flynn (Leitim)