Murphy steers Donegal towards promotion bid with win

Donegal 1-12 Meath 0-10

Impressive full-forward Michael Murphy rammed home a second-half goal as Donegal kept up their promotion bid at Ballybofey.

Meath had fought back to level the tie at 0-6 apiece at half-time, but the dismissals of Peadar Byrne and Brian Meade really hurt the Royals.

Murphy's crisply-struck right-footed shot gave Donegal some cushion at 1-7 to 0-6 and points from Murphy, Conall Dunne and David Walsh saw the hosts triumph.

Goalkeeper Paddy O'Rourke, wing back Mickey Burke and midfielder Nigel Crawford stood out for a spirited Meath side who kept playing right to the final whistle.

The sending off of substitute Byrne - for his second bookable offence - in first half injury-time was undoubtedly the turning point.

Having started strongly with Colm McFadden, Murphy (0-3), Kevin Cassidy and Michael Maguire on target, Donegal failed to score over the closing 20 minutes of the half.

Eamonn O'Brien's charges fell 0-4 to 0-0 behind inside the opening seven minutes, but bounced back in fine fashion with Crawford and Mark Ward getting on top around centre-field.

Murphy's goal, scored seven minutes into the second half, steadied Donegal, however they did allow Meath to get back in touch.

Shane O'Rourke, Joe Sheridan and Cian Ward saw more ball in attack and Crawford caught some excellent high balls.

However, man-of-the-match Murphy was not going to let Donegal slip up and he took his tally to 1-6 as John Joe Doherty's men kept on the winning trail, with Dunne and Walsh firing over the closing points.

Meath had to see out the game down to 13 men following Meade's dismissal for a high challenge on Murphy.