An impressive second-half display by Donegal got their league campaign off to the perfect start against Laoise in Portlaoise this afternoon.
McFadden – netted a vital goal.
A combination of the old and the new with impressive displays from veteran Christy Toye and Odhran MacNiallais saw Donegal come out on top on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-9.
Despite being tipped by many to be relegated from Division Two, Laois battled well in the first half and went in at the break just four points behind on a score of 1-06 to 0-5.
But Colm McFadden set the tone for the second half with a superb goal just a minute after the restart to put Donegal in the mood for score after score.
First-half scores from Michael Murphy, Brick Molloy, Anthony Thompson, Christy Toye and a well-worked goal rounded off by Odhran Mac Niallais steadied the ship for Jim McGuinness’ side.
Frank McGlynn may have added to Mac Niallais’ goal but for a fine save from Graham Brody.
Evan O’Carroll should have netted for Laois after he rounded Paul Durcan but blazed over the bar with the open net at his mercy.
With players of the quality of Ross Munnelly in their squad, Laois could have been forgiven for thinking they could have snatched two points with a big second half display
But it was Donegal who put the foot down in the second half with McFadden setting the tone.
Some great kicking from the Creeslough man again and also his namesake Hugh McFadden, making his debut, left Laois chasing their tails.
Paddy McBrearty, Martin McElhinney and Mark McHugh chipped in with further points for Donegal as they piled the pressure on Laois right up until the final whistle.
It’s way too early to be talking about promotion despite the favourites tag.
But Jim McGuinness and his new backroom team will be happy with how their team found their stride and punished their opponents with such a direct brand of football.