Nothing learnt

Yesterday's Donegal match reminded me of the first day of the new school term.

You put on the uniform again and you get back into the routine. The teachers lay down the law, but after that early scare, you just ease your way through the day. No surprising tests, no immediate solution to any problems that exist and no real insight into what might lie in wait for the rest of the year. Everyone goes home, puts the feet up, and relaxes. The only thing known for sure, is that the next day is going to be an awful lot tougher.

And those thoughts come racing back to me when I think about yesterday's game . We're back in Championship mode and winning is a good habit to be in. Cavan started the game with speed and intensity, but there was no way they could keep going at that pace. Donegal were just to physical for them, and their superior experience really shown through. The game was over as a contest when Colm McFadden smashed the penalty past James Reilly in the 31st minute. The old problem of centre half-forward is still there, as is the more recent development of one at full-back. Cavan were so poor that the game will have no real long-term benefits.Ultimately, Donegal will have learnt nothing about themselves from beating the Breffni men.

Neil McGee's dip in form should be of real concern to Donegal fans. Eugene Keating scored five points off him yesterday from a limited supply of posssesion. Fair enough, the points were superbly taken, but McGee, an all star last year, afforded him far too much space. The worrying thing is that this is becoming a regular occurence. Kieran Hughes roasted him in the McKenna Cup, as did Benny Coulter and Padraig Clancy in the league. The common denominator between these full forwards is that they are all big, strong, physical number 14s. The type of player McGee usually thrives on marking. He's had two fantastic seasons at full-back, but he now appears less confident. He'll need to discover his form quickly with the Bradley brothers coming to Ballybofey on June 16th.

We were loose in our passing again, and this does seem to be causing problems. When you play a defensive system like Donegal's, it's essential that you retain possession. Ryan Bradley had an off day, and his replacement Marty O'Reilly didn't fare that much better. Declan Walsh had a good debut in the corner, but he was beat to the ball too often for my liking. Against quality opposition, they'll punish you if you allow them too much room. I'm a little surprised that he has leapfrogged Eamon McGee in the defensive pecking order.

Karl Lacey embodied Donegal's performance. Comfortable, yet slightly sluggish, and with a good few gears to go up yet. I thought our midfield duo were excellent. Kavanagh deservedly picked up man of the match. But it was Gallagher's performance that really impressed me. He is unrecognisable from the player he was three or four seasons ago, when a kick-pass, never mind a point, was considered a bit of a collector's item. His game has evolved and I personally believe he will have a big summer.

Listening to the match on the wireless, Charlie Collins and Declan Bonner said that they thought Paddy McBrearty struggled. However, I thought he had a good game. Yeah, some of his efforts were poor, and at times he loses the ball easily, but as a target man he was excellent. Colm McFadden kicked 1-6 yesterday and got a lot of credit for his performance. It's no secret that I'm not McFadden's biggest fan. I can appreciate what he brings to the side, and he seems to have the frees well mastered now, but I always get the impression that he has a little more left in the tank. He has a touch of JohnTerryitis. You do all the work boys and I'll take the glory. McBrearty, on the other hand, is fast and hungry, and is always showing for the ball. That's why he must retain his position in the starting team, in my opinion.

I also thought Leo McLoone had an impressive outing. As one of the founding members of the Leo McLoone fan club, I have battled hard in recent years to convince others that he's up to the standard required. He does frustrate at times, but he is a super ball carrier and is always good for a few points. His versatility is a huge bonus as well. McGlynn and McGrath were effective as usual, as was Mark 'Samson' McHugh, who seemed to be empowered by his new beard and chipped in with two nice points.

Bonner suggested on Highland that Peter McGee could have been given an appearance. The third McGee brother in the panel, he stands well over six foot tall, and could be an option at midfield or full-forward. But I think McGuinness was right not to play him. He will bring the surprise element when he does get the call, so there is no point in showing your hand in a game that was over before the referee even sounded his half-time whistle.

Yesterday's result was as good as we could have hoped for really. Not that emphatic that we will get complacent, and not that close to cause any sleepless nights. One thing for certain, is that it won't be so comfortable when the Oak leafers roll into Ballybofey in four weeks time.