Donegal weather the storm to overcome Laois in season opener

In challenging weather conditions, Donegal initiated their 2024 Lidl Ladies Football League Division 2 campaign on a positive note, clinching a four-point victory against Laois at the O'Moore County's Centre of Excellence.
Donegal 0-7 Laois 0-3

Guided by their new manager, John McNulty, Donegal adeptly adjusted to the adverse conditions. Despite facing a relatively youthful Laois team, the visiting side, boasting several new players, asserted dominance on the field.

The early stages of the match were impacted by the force of Storm Isha, with persistent wind and rain affecting gameplay, particularly in the initial 25 minutes. Exploiting a robust tailwind, Donegal capitalised on scoring opportunities, securing all four points in the first half.

While Laois initially controlled possession, their offensive strategies lacked efficiency, resulting in an inability to convert opportunities into scores. In contrast, Donegal, under the leadership of Susanne White, opened their scoring account in the 8th minute. Eva Gallagher added a second point three minutes later, and within 16 minutes, Donegal extended their lead. White converted a close-range free after the Laois goalkeeper was penalized for a delayed kick-out, followed by a well-executed point from play by White.

With a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after the first quarter, Donegal showcased a formidable performance. However, they struggled to increase their lead until early in the second half, as Laois encountered challenges breaking through the resolute Donegal defence.

Laois had an opportunity to narrow the gap, but a missed free following a short kick-out allowed Donegal to maintain their advantage. Despite accumulating seven wides by half-time, Donegal held a four-point lead, acknowledging the potential vulnerability with a change in wind direction.

The home team reduced the deficit to three points three minutes into the second half, as Emily Lacey scored an impressive point. Despite further chances, Laois failed to capitalise, and Donegal retained composure, with White converting a pointed free.

Under mounting pressure, Donegal's defence conceded a free, converted by Mo Nerney, narrowing the score to 0-5 to 0-2 by the 40-minute mark.

Laois struggled to cut into that three-point deficit for the remainder of the affair due to Donegal setting up with a defensive block anytime Laois held possession and the women wearing blue and white could not figure out a way to unlock them.

Donegal’s Katy Herron pushed the lead back out to four points as the sides approached the last 10 minutes in Portlaoise. Susanne White added another three minutes later and Laois looked like they required late goals if they were to turn this around.

Those goals never looked like coming though. While Donegal were reduced to fourteen players when Roisín Rodgers received a yellow card, Laois still could not break their opposition down.

While White's point marked Donegal's final score, they maintained control. Despite Nerney adding another pointed free for Laois, Donegal secured a complete set of league points, paving the way for their upcoming match against Westmeath scheduled for this Sunday at noon in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny.

Donegal scorer: Susanne White 0-5, 3f; Katy Herron 0-1, 1f; Ava Gallagher 0-1 each.
Laois: Mo Nerney 0-2, 2f; Emily Lacey 0-1.

Donegal: Clare Friel; Shannon McLaughlin, Abigail Temple Asokuh, Katie Long; Shauna McFadden, Nicole Gordon, Tara Hegarty; Roisin Rodger’s, Niamh Boyle; Eva Gallagher, Niamh McLaughlin, Katie Dowds; Susanne White, Katy Herron, Amy Boyle Carr. Subs: Caoimhe Keon (Blood 12-15); Evelyn McGinley for McFadden (52).

Laois: Eimear Barry; Sinead Farrelly, Clodagh Dunne, Aoife Cummins; Susie Delaney; Andrea Moran, Ciara Malone; Anna Moore, Anna Lalor; Roisin Allen, Emily Lacey, Katie Donoghue; Mo Nerney, Aisling Fitzpatrick, Orla Hennessy. Subs: Mary Cotter for Cummins (HT); Alice Walsh for Allen (HT); Grainne Moran for Lalor (38); Aerin Ryle for Lacey (59).

Referee: Anthony Martin (Monaghan)