Donegal ladies manager Micheál Naughton is confident that his team can make it two wins from two when they take on Galway on Sunday.
Donegal defeated Armagh by 11 points in Convoy last weekend and go to Tuam on Sunday in high spirits.
Newly-promoted Donegal are back in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League again after winning Division 2 last year and Naughton believes his side can retain their top-flight status in 2017.
“It was vital to get the win against Armagh,” he said.
“It has given us a big lift. We’re going to Galway in real confidence. If we can get a similar performance this weekend, we won’t be far away.
“It will be a big task for us going to Tuam this weekend. We have no divine right to be going to Galway and winning, but if we can get the same performance, hunger and appetite as we did last week, we’ll give them a good game.”
Last year, Donegal played Galway in an All-Ireland qualifier and a last-minute point by Yvonne McMonagle squeezed Donegal through in a game they were big underdogs for.
Naughton warned: “This will be a different Galway team. The team they played against Mayo, there were only five of last year’s team that lined out. A lot of their players who were away last year are back now.
“It will be a big game for us now. We have nothing to fear, though. We’ll look at our own display and try to get that right.”
Amber Barrett, who netted a second-half goal in Sunday’s 4-10 to 0-11 win over Armagh, scored two goals in last year’s qualifier, but is out for this weekend with a flu.
Donegal, too, have more options and Naughton hailed the impact of the new faces on his panel.
He said: “We have a bigger panel to pick from and we have some selection headaches. Girls came in last week and did a good job. That’s what we’re looking for and long may it continue.
“A lot of new girls put in a big shift, Paula McGrory scored two goals in the first half, Caroline Gallagher and Niamh McDaid came on and did well and Kanesish McKinney, who is looking to grab her chance and become a regular, had an excellent game. It’s great to see them get their rewards.”
Sunday’s game starts a run of three away games for the Donegal ladies, with Kerry (February 19) and Dublin (February 26) to follow.
Bucket collection
The Donegal Ladies will be holding a bucket collection at O’Donnell Park this Sunday during the Donegal v Kerry Allianz League game. The collection is in aid of the county’s underage teams and all support is welcome
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