DONEGAL recorded their first win of the National League campaign yesterday, when they defeated Cavan in Ballyshannon. However, the margin of victory was flattering, as Cavan were very wasteful and also had two good goal chances in the final minutes.

There were sombre moments before the game, as the Donegal players huddled together for a minute's silence in memory of Patrick Cunningham, the Donegal player who died as a result of a traffic accident.

The home side dominated the opening half with John Joe Doherty magnificent at full back in his first game for the county since they were defeated by Derry in the National League final.

Playing against the elements which included a hail shower Donegal coped very comfortably with the Cavan challenge. The visitors were forced to substitute regular sharpshooter, Ronan Carolan before the half ended - he had missed four easy frees.

Behind by 0-4 to 0-2 at the break, Cavan hit back to level after two minute's of the second half.

The introduction of John Gildea and Manus Boyle had a telling effect for Donegal as Boyle notched up two points to edge them ahead.

But it took late points from Dessie McNamara and Brian Murray to make sure of victory as Stephen King had an effort blocked and Cavan substitute Larry Reilly hit an upright in the final minutes.

Tony Boyle was Donegal's top scorer with four points. Cavan's lack of success from frees and from play leaves them struggling at the bottom of Division One.

Doherty, Damian Diver, John Gildea, Tony Boyle and Brian Roper were Donegal's most impressive players, while for Cavan Aidan Connolly and Stephen King were best.