John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Before the game, Donegal fans may have been concerned that Odhran MacNiallais' absence would inhibit their ability to kick points from distance but Michael Langan and Ciaran Thompson slotted a series of beauties from long range in that opening half.

Surprisingly, Patrick McBrearty had a disappointing first half - which included his failure to take a point blank goal chance. After such a thrilling league campaign, McBrearty was expected to be the main threat for the hosts today.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Those three points before half-time have given Cavan a sniff of a chance in this game again.

They had looked to be almost dead and buried at 1-10 to 1-3 down but Gearoid McKiernan got two vital points for his side right before the break.

Three points in quick succession for the Breffni men with two from Gearoid McKiernan either side of a score by Niall Murray.

Those scores will give Cavan some hope going into the dressing rooms after Donegal had threatened to pull away.

Cavan have finally managed to add to O'Reilly's goal and it is Gearoid McKiernan who takes on the responsibility. A crucial point.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Anthony Thompson gets another point from play for Donegal and this is quickly turning into a rout.

That was a shocker of a goal for Cavan to concede. Ryan McHugh, probably the smallest man on the pitch, is able to flick the ball to the Cavan net from Murphy's mishit free.

Michael Murphy has been below-par with the dead ball so far but he adds another point from play.

Michael Langan is also putting on a masterclass in point-scoring - another long-range effort from the centre-forward.

Donegal have powered ahead since conceding that goal and now add a three-pointer of their own.

Frank McGlynn's shot is saved by Raymond Galligan but from the resulting 45 Ryan McHugh manages to flick the ball into the net.

Momentum firmly with the hosts.

Donegal have had an impressive response to that O'Reilly goal.

Corner-back Caolan Ward comes marauding forward to level the scores and then Jamie Brennan gets his first point to push the home side back into the lead.

Back come Donegal on the counter attack and Michael Langan gets his second point of the day.

Ciaran Thompson gives the home side the lead for the first time

A bright start by Cavan as they go two points ahead but Donegal respond with points by Michael Murphy and Michael Langan.

Bryan Magee misses a superb goal chance for Cavan. It's thrilling stuff.

Michael Murphy misses a tricky opening free for the home side but Cavan's Caoimhin O'Reilly makes no mistake with his first effort from the dead ball.

And we're underway in Ballybofey.

Donegal captain Michael Murphy contested the throw-in and gets an early chance with a free.

Who will win today and advance to an Ulster quarter-final against Derry?

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Bumped into today's BBC Championship co-commentator Martin McHugh on the walk in to MacCumhaill Park and got a good insight into what life is like for an all-round Donegal celebrity and legend.

Martin is much admired in both counties having also managed the Breffni men to a surprise Ulster senior title in 1997.

It was impossible for him to avoid the many ticket sellers on duty for a myriad of worthy causes.

"You'd be the worst in the world if you don't buy," he whispered out of the corner of his mouth while maintaining a friendly smile.

When he did manage to get a word in my ear, McHugh confessed to being a little worried about his native county's prospects today.

"MacNiallais, McGrath and Martin O'Reilly all out," said the Kilcar man with an intake of breath.