'No matter how the league looks, we're looking for three points in Cavan' - McNulty

Despite failing to win promotion from Division 2 this season, Donegal manager John McNulty sees a lot of positives over the league campaign and says these last two matches are vital in terms of building momentum for the championship. 

Donegal’s hopes of making an immediate jump back to Division 1 were as good as over by Tyrone after a five-point loss to their Red Hand rivals in Ballybofey two weeks ago.  

Tyrone sits second behind Kildare with McNulty’s team now six points off the coattails of their neighbours and promotion rivals.  

With two rounds left to play, Donegal goes away to both Cavan and Tipperary and will need maximum points there to stand any chance, but the head-to-head doesn’t favour the Kilcar man’s side with the next two matches about seeing the league out in a positive light. 

“Look we know it’s not where we want to be, it’s not where we planned to be at the start of the season, but we have to get on with it,” said McNulty  

“It’s now all about finishing the league strong and getting a performance against Cavan and Tipperary. 

“A victory against Cavan is important for us, look, I know we’re in third place, but the table can change very easily over the weekend, so it’s a vital game for us in terms of building momentum for the championship that we go down to Cavan and pick up three points. 

“I think the way the league has unfolded we probably can match the teams above us, but with the way the head-to-head is, it’s impossible for us to advance, it’ll be Kildare and Tyrone in the league final.” 

However, McNulty adds that his side are not ones to sit around and feel sorry for themselves, stating that he can still see the positivity amongst the players around the camp and that they have taken serious positives from the matches they have played over the last few weeks. 

“We spoke after the Tyrone match and about just pushing on and reassessing where we’re at. I know I’ve said it before, but this year is about rebuilding, and we just need to progress with that,” said the Donegal manager. 

“Our aim was to get promoted but that doesn’t always happen either, but you have to look at the positives. There’s no doubt that we’ve been competitive in every game and that’s a big plus for us. I hope we can now go to Cavan, give a good account of ourselves and pick up three points. 

“That winning feeling will then carry us into the Tipperary game, so we’re still very motivated to do well despite the match unfortunately being on Paddy’s Day.”