Lidl Ladies National Football League Division One

Dublin 1-7 Donegal 1-11

From Odhrán Crumley in Croke Park

Donegal have sent out a serious message in round one of the Lidl National Football League by going to Croke Park and beating All-Ireland Champions, Dublin.

The Tir Chonaill girls went into the game which formed part of a triple header with men’s Allianz Leagues action as rank outsiders but came away with the all the plaudits.

Maxi Curran’s side raced into an early lead as Niamh Hegarty played an eye of the needle pass in behind the Dubs defence to set Karen Guthrie through on goal.

The experienced forward made no mistake in riffling the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

As the half wore on the Ulster champions continued to dominate with combination of Guthrie and Geraldine McLaughlin causing serious headaches for the opposition defenders.

That goal proved to be the difference at the break as Donegal led 1-5 to 0-5.

Once again in the second half, Geraldine McLaughlin continued to keep her side ahead before substitute Lyndsey Davey rattled the net for the reigning champions.

Three separated the sides entering injury time and with Dublin pushing for a goal to get back into the game, Karen Guthrie rounded off a fine passing move to put the icing firmly on the cake.

Donegal: Aislin Nee, Tara Hegarty, Emer Gallagher, Evelyn McGinley, Treasa Doherty, Nicole McLaughlin, Niamh Carr, Katy Herron, Niamh Boyle, Karen Guthrie (1-4), Niamh Hegarty, Amy Boyle-Carr, Geraldine McLaughlin (0-6 5f), Megan Ryan, Ciara Grant (0-1).

Subs: Nicole Gordon for Evelyn McGinley (46), Shannon McGroddy for Amy Boyle-Carr (56), Róisín Friel for Ciara Grant (60).

Yellow Cards: None.

Red Cards: None.

Dublin: Ciara Trant, Martha Boyle, Niamh Collins, Emma McDonagh, Aoife Kane (0-1), Olwen Carey, Sarah Fagan, Jennifer Dunne, Siobhán McGrath, Carla Rowe (0-2), Ciara McGuigan, Kate Sullivan, Siobhán Woods, Nicole Owens (0-3 1f), Niamh McEvoy (0-1).

Subs: Rachel Ruddy for Emma McDonagh (HT), Lauren Magee for Sarah Fagan (HT), Lyndsey Davey (1-0) for Siobhán Kileen (42), Laura Carolan for Kate Sullivan (50), Kate Fitzgibbon for Aoife Kane (51), Orlagh Nolan for Ciara McGuigan (55), Lucy Collins for Siobhán Woods (58), Éabha Rutledge for Nicole Owens (64).

Yellow Cards: None.

Red Cards: None.

Referee: Niall McCormack (Laois)