Declan Bonner was in optimistic mood after Donegal’s six point victory against Derry.
His side now progress to the next round of the competition where they will face Down. Despite a difficult league campaign, Donegal have so far performed well in Ulster with this being their second comfortable victory.
Clones will be the venue for the semi-final and that will give Bonner the opportunity to clinch a spot in an Ulster final in his first season back as Donegal boss.
Speaking after the Derry game, Bonner said that he his side will have some improving to do as the championship moves forward. But, the Na Rossa man has admitted that he is happy with how his squad is panning out.
“These games are coming thick and fast, you just need that strength in the squad.
“It was great to see Paddy (McGrath) get sixty plus minutes.”
Despite the six point victory there was a slight worry after the game due to the knocks and hits that some of the players took.
“Not quite sure on the Neil injury but Jamie’s seems to be hamstring. We’ll just have to see what the story is now and the time span, two weeks is a short turnaround.”
Looking forward Bonner admitted that he has already started to do his homework on Down and that his side will now begin their preparations for that game.
“Down did what they have to do. They’re a decent side, they got to an Ulster final last year. They’re not going to be an easy touch, we’ll need to improve on today’s performance if we want to get into an Ulster final.”
Donegal were on top for large periods of the game but they struggled to get any further ahead than the six point margin that ended up winning the game.
“We were in control throughout the game but at the same time we didn’t really put them away and that’s a bit of a concern.”
After hitting three points from wing-forward the manager praised the performance of Leo McLoone.
“Leo had an outstanding performance, he’s a real leader within that group and it’s great to have him back,” he concluded.
The semi-final will take place on the tenth of June with throw-in confirmed for four o’clock in Clones.
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