Peter Canavan has positive slant after Donegal suffer shock loss to Down

We did not see this coming!

Despite 0-07 from Michael Murphy, the Mourne men - led by Daniel Guinness (1-03) and Pat Havern (0-07,1tp,4f) - overcame them 3-21 to 1-12 at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny.

After the match, Peter Canavan put a positive slant on proceedings, arguing that Donegal needed a eye-opener of a game, which will stand to them later in the season.

He said: "If anything I think it may increase their chances of winning the All-Ireland, which may sound stupid."

DONEGAL: Gavin Mulreaney; Caolan McColgan, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle (1-00), Finnbarr Roarty; Jason McGee (0-02,tp), Hugh McFadden; Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan (0-02,tp); Conor O’Donnell (0-03), Michael Murphy (0-07,1tp,4f), Oisin Gallen (0-05).

Subs: Daire Ó Baoill for Moore (40), Max Campbell for McHugh (47), Mark Curran for Gallagher (59), Shea Malone (0-2,tp) for Gallen (60)

DOWN: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty, Callum Rogers; Caolan Mooney (0-01), Shane Annett, Daniel Guinness (1-03); Odhran Murdrock (0-03), Ryan McEvoy (0-02,tp); Miceal Rooney (2-00), Ceilum Doherty (0-01), John McGeough; Adam Crimmins (0-04), Pat Havern (0-07,1tp,4f), Pearse McPolin

Subs: Liam Kerr for McGeough (45), Finn McElroy for Fegan (49), Jamie Doran for Mooney (57), Ryan Magill for McPolin (60), Ruairi McCormick for C Rogers (66)

Referee: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon).