Galway still top after comfortable win

Galway 1-16 Donegal 0-12

Galway maintained their lead at the top of Allianz National Football League Division 1 with a comfortable win over Donegal this afternoon.

This Pearse Stadium encounter was as good as over at half-time as the Tribesmen, who were given a standing ovation at half-time, went into the dressing rooms with a 1-11 to 0-2 lead.

Michael Meehan and his full-forward line colleagues Nicky Joyce and Damien Dunleavy were all on target in the opening minutes as the wind-backed hosts powered clear.

Dunleavy pointed from play afer only 17 seconds and while Michael Murphy replied for Donega, after a Colm McFadden had struck the post, Meehan soon restored Galway's advantage.

Liam Sammon's men moved 0-7 to 0-1 ahead before defender Eoin Wade showed his forwards how it's done by registering Donegal's second point.

Meehan then collected his third goal of the league campaign by latching onto a through ball and then carving open enough space on a 20-metre run to find the net.

The Caltra ace was denied his second goal when Donegal goalkeeper Paul Durkan saved his low shot, tipping it away from the target.

But further points from Meehan (0-2) and substitute Gareth Bradshaw stretched the home side into a 12-point lead and the supporters responded with a standing ovation after the half-time whistle.

As expected, Galway took their foot off the pedal in the early stages of the second half and Donegal came more and more into the game.

Ciaran Bonner and Michael Magee were introduced for the Tir Chonaill men and Bonner had quite an influence, notching three well-taken points.

After Meehan had taken his tally to 1-6, Christy Toye replied at the other end and points from David Walsh and Stephen Griffin also raised hopes of a Donegal comeback.

However, two late points from man-of-the-match Meehan put the seal on Galway's fourth win of the league run.

Recent results have given the Connacht side hope that they can make their mark in the All-Ireland Championship this summer, with a defensive solidity - they have yet to concede a goal in Division 1 - being added to their renowned attacking capabilities.

Time will tell whether Galway can have a say in the destination of the NFL or Championship titles but they are certainly a side heading in the right direction.