Allianz NFL round up: Wins for Donegal and Monaghan as Waterford’s January ends on high

Top class football action is back

So the GAA season may start with the traditional January competitions such as the McKenna and the McGrath Cups, but for real true GAA fans everyone knows the start of the Allianz Leagues is when the proper action gets underway. And tonight didn't disappoint with games across the NFL from Division One all the way to Division Four. In the top flight Donegal hosted Derry at Ballybofey in an absolute belter of a game from start to finish. Mark Lynch was the star for the visitors in the first half and helped Derry lead by 0-9 to 0-6 at half time.  But Donegal came out fighting in the second half and were level at 0-11 each when they won a penalty for a soft looking foul on Michael Murphy. However the full-forward rattled the crossbar from the resulting spot-kick and Derry were let off the hook but only temporarily. Just minutes later Odhrán MacNiallais scored a crucial goal to give Rory Gallagher's side some breathing space as they powered on for a 1-15 to 0-12 win. The other game in Division One saw Monaghan power past a hapless looking Tyrone side in Healy Park,despite a a 30 minute delay due to a power failure just after half-time. Tyrone led at the break by 0-7 to 0-5 but just minutes into the second half,as they trailed by 0-8 to 0-7, the floodlights failed which led to both sides being taken from the field while officials and technicians tried to restore the lights so the game could continue. Eventually the problem was solved and both sides resumed but Monaghan completely dominated after the interruption,and scored 9 points without replay as they ran out 1-13 to 0-9 winners against the home side. Tyrone ended with 14 men as Colm Cavanagh was sent off for a second yellow after 63 minutes. In Division Three Fermanagh enjoyed a comfortable win over Louth with a 0-16 to 0-7 win to get their promotion hopes off to a good start. The Ulster side led at half-time by 0-9 to 0-5. In difficult winterish conditions at Brewster Park they always held the upper hand and ran out winners by seven points with Declan Byrne starring for Pete McGrath's side And Division Four also got underway tonight with Waterford picking up where they left off in the McGrath cup and securing a vital win over Wicklow in Fraher Field. The Deise men were ahead at the short-whistle by 0-9 to 0-7 and held on for a 0-14 to 0-10 win to begin their campaign in fine style .