McGuinness delighted to come through Cavan test

BY RYAN FERRY

DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness said he was “delighted” his team came through a tough challenge against Cavan on Sunday.

McGuinness’s side made hard work of this victory as they appeared to be cruising before allowing the Breffni men to battle back.

However, they still managed to hold on for the victory and they remain on track for promotion to Division One with two wins from two games.

McGuinness was animated on the sideline at times and he was thrilled to leave Breffni with the spoils.

“Delighted to be honest with you. A tough place to come and we had a tough battle tonight and Cavan in fairness to them put it up to us.

“Their own kick-out was working extremely well in the first half and we couldn’t get our hands on the ball.

“That turned a bit in the second half and we won five out of their 12 kick-outs.

“Michael Langan went in there and settled that area down and Ciaran Thompson went in to help him.

“Ciaran Thompson did really well. He broke really well and he won a couple of very important balls and that gave us the platform to go forward and kick the ball over the bar.

“Our own kick-outs we were happy with. That gave us a platform all game but Cavan asked a hell of a lot of questions of us.”

McGuinness said that Ciaran Moore could have played if needed on Sunday but the manager didn’t need to use him, while Peadar Mogan has a hairline fracture in one of his fingers but should be available for Fermanagh in two weeks’ time.

The most pressing worry arising from the Cavan match is an injury picked up by Eoghan Bán Gallagher.

The Killybegs man limped off the field but didn’t need crutches as he left the ground.

“His knee got caught on the ground and it kind of jammed on him.

“We don’t know until we get him scanned. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad and it’s another couple of weeks and he can get back on the field again soon because he’s important.”