Brendan Devenney (right) went off injured in the second half

Donegal dominated the first half and at one stage led by 13 points.

That was largely thanks to three goals in as many minutes late in the first half with Johnny McCafferty hitting the net twice.

However, Down's Colm McCrickard netted late in the first period and the Mournemen chipped away at Donegal's lead thereafter before time ran out.

Contrary to pre-match speculation, recuperating Donegal boss Brian McEniff did not the game.

The Bundoran-based hotelier underwent planned heart surgery in Dublin last week but officials insist that he will be back at the helm very soon.

His backroom men PJ McGowan and Michael Oliver McIntyre took charge for the Clones contest.

The duo must have been delighted with their team's first half display.

Brendan Devenney looked especially sharp and it was the St Eunan's man who notched the third Donegal goal which added to McCafferty's two strikes.

Brendan Devenney (left) went off injured in the second half

The three goals is as many minutes left Donegal 3-6 to 0-2 ahead with two minutes of the first half remaining.

McCrickard then netted for Down before the break but Donegal still seemed well in control.

However, Devenney had to leave the field early in the second half and Donegal then seemed to wilt.

Their final score of the match came nine minutes into the second half.

Down took control and but for some splendid goalkeeping from Tony Blake and poor Mourne finishing, Paddy O'Rourke's charges would have completed a remarkable comeback.

Blake made one brilliant save to turn an Aidan O'Prey shot round the post for a '45.

However, O'Prey was also guilty of a bad miss when he had only Blake to beat.

Down's free-taking was also poor with Liam Doyle and McCrickard off-target from several opportunities.