Donegal will be playing top-flight football again next season after a comprehensive 3-16 to 0-09 win over Longford in this evening's re-fixed tie at Ballyshannon.
A depleted Longford side were outclassed as Brian McIver’s hosts picked up their fifth win in six games to go top of the table. Donegal lie on 11 points – one clear of Roscommon, whom they face on Sunday.
Third-placed Limerick are all but mathematically out of the race for the two promotion spots despite being on 9 points. A win over Leitrim at the weekend would see the Shannonsiders draw level on points with Donegal, but only if the latter lose at Roscommon.
McIver's side boast a massive points difference of +66. Limerick's currently stands at +19.
At Ballyshannon, Michael Doherty proved to be Donegal's hero as he bagged 2-06, including two penalties. The Four Masters forward buried a third-minute spot kick to Longford keeper Damien Sheridan’s right.
Brian Roper, in his first league start, netted before the break for a 2-05 to 0-04 lead, and Doherty’s second penalty, again to Sheridan's right, saw the home side coast clear.
