Just after reading that this will be the first championship game that Neil NcGee hasn't started since May 2006. I do remember him having to be taken off after 2 mins into the Tyrone game in 2012 but he still started the match. Apart from his deserved and silly red card against Fermanagh it shows that when it comes to championship McGee has been very disciplined over the last 10/11 years despite what has been said about him by some posters. He will be a huge loss this weekend as I'm not sure we have another defender to put the shackles on McManus who as a few have already mentioned is the most dangerous forward in the game ATM. That said I'm hoping Donegal have a few tricks up their sleeve and can come out on top. Could go to a replay.

Mobot (Donegal) - Posts: 459 - 24/06/2016 17:39:14    1871642

The minor game should be a great game , was at the last one in Clones which went to extra time ,

MonaghanGlory (Monaghan) - Posts: 738 - 24/06/2016 18:26:27    1871663

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 24/06/2016 18:31:56    1871665

So you have absolutely nothing good to say about Monaghan at all MadgeKing, not one thing? Donegal lost a few games in the league cos they were focused on the championship whereas Monaghan lost a few cos they were barely fit for the division? The way you're talking it seems that Donegal will go and hammer us on Saturday. You're a good laugh anyway, I'll give you that

And as for being out of Clones, big deal. Don't forget we beat you in Breffni last year and then went back and beat Fermanagh in the semi final, being out of Clones isn't as big a factor as some seem to think
turkeyplucker (UK) - Posts:90 - 24/06/2016 12:03:31

Yeah I don't think being out of Clones will make much difference to Monaghan, I think it will still be a tough tight game.

Statistically speaking, Monaghan are justifiable favourites. Donegal are missing Paul Durcan's kick-out accuracy, and the chat is that they will miss Neil Gallagher in midfield, as well as Key full back Neil McGee. There are also serious question over Michael Murphy's fitness, he definitely didn't look fully fit against Fermanagh.

When In possession of the ball, I don't think there is much between the two sides, as both are excellent at holding possession and twisting and changing play. However in terms of kick-out efficiency, as well as midfield dominance, Monaghan currently have an edge, especially if Neil Gallagher is missing for Donegal. What currently will give Monaghan an edge and platform to push on, is their greater efficiency in winning primary possession around the middle.

Now in saying that, Rory Gallagher knew Donegal would be facing Monaghan in the Ulster SF, most people knew this would be the case. Donegal will be well prepared for this game, and Donegal are capable of winning this. Monaghan have Conor McManus, who I consider to be possibly the greatest or one of the all time greatest corner forwards to have ever graced our game. Virtually impossible to mark this man, he is a true marvel to watch and any game featuring himself and Michael Murphy is always essential viewing.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 25/06/2016 10:02:08    1871794

Monaghan have developed into a formidable Ulster team over the last few years, while Donegal are still for me a top side when it comes to the race for Sam - still ahead of Tyrone in my book, and definitely a better bet than my own county on the evidence. Because Monaghan are the ones who'll value another Ulster more, that hunger will give them an edge in what will likely be the best quality match of the summer so far between two pedigree sides.

Pericles (Mayo) - Posts: 2521 - 25/06/2016 11:54:12    1871817

McGee is a huge loss, best full back in the country for my money. Hopefully we see a fairy-tale for his replacement and club-mate. Not very optimistic about today, qualifiers for Donegal I think. On a personal note this will be the first time in 15 years I have missed two consecutive Donegal championship games due to reasons well beyond my control, I hate this! It's not natural!!!

Antifa (Donegal) - Posts: 143 - 25/06/2016 12:03:07    1871821

Quietly confident we will take this but wouldn't suprise me either if we didn't. Our form is hard to gauge as we got a walkover in second half v poor Down side. Bit concerned at way we started in that match, we are much better side playing with pace and urgency. People keep going on about Mansy being main thing about our side no doubt huge player for us but key part of our side is defence which have been outstanding under Malachy and we will need it at 100% again to shut out Donegal danger men.

seanie08 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1800 - 25/06/2016 12:12:25    1871825

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 25/06/2016 12:59:25    1871840

It will all be about the start.......if we settle early,run at Donegal direct,and move the ball at speed i believe we will win by a few points.

If we start slow and start passing the ball over and back the pitch,with no energy no pace no movment then we will be bet simple as that.

Ive huge respect for Donegal,they have been a great team this past 6 years.........Cavan and Tyrone can only look on in jealousy as Donegal and ourselfs have been the bench mark in Ulster this past 6 years and whoever wins tonight will win the Anglo celt cup.

Just feel we might have the legs on Donegal around the middle in the last 10 minutes to see us over the line.Best of luck to both teams Minor and Senior.

hardcore (Monaghan) - Posts: 1366 - 25/06/2016 13:32:45    1871854

Monaghan would be slight favourites for this one IMO.
Loss of McGee through his own indiscipline could prove costly.
Wouldn't be surprised though if it ended all square.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 25/06/2016 13:46:36    1871859

Lads how is this game not on TV..

westkerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1250 - 25/06/2016 13:57:41    1871861

Monaghan Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 442 - 25/06/2016 14:15:17    1871863

patk (Monaghan) - Posts: 936 - 25/06/2016 14:18:05    1871865

westkerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1250 - 25/06/2016 15:25:06    1871873

Murphy is having a stinker from placed balls tonight, it could cost Donegal the game.

Dubsfan28 (Dublin) - Posts: 2509 - 25/06/2016 20:15:20    1871961

Entertaining game.

Donegal are a better team than Monaghan but didn't take their chances. McManus excellent as usual - just wish he'd cut the diving out of his game (although he was in good company this evening in that regard!!)

I thought the refereeing was poor myself.

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5012 - 25/06/2016 20:46:02    1871973

God I hate draws

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8592 - 25/06/2016 20:49:55    1871976

I think Donegal were really lucky tonight. If it wasn't for the goal at the right time we were struggling. The confidence went when the wide's started racking up. Need to work on the kicking and the disipline for the replay

Kirkintilloch (Donegal) - Posts: 43 - 25/06/2016 21:01:45    1871979

petejoeduff (Donegal) - Posts: 329 - 25/06/2016 21:11:41    1871984

Hard game with missed chances in both sides but not surprised with the draw.Either team will cause problems in qualifiers and could still contest final.
Donegal goalie should take a look at himself for that dive and play acting. He has big boots to fill and that's not the way to go about it.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 25/06/2016 21:14:21    1871988