Christopher Toye and goalkeeper Sean Sweeney were the toasts of Donegal last night after earning their side a replay with Down in a thrilling Ulster minor football final at Clones.

Toye, who came on as a late substitute, kicked the equalising point in the last minute but it was a the heroics from Sweeney that kept Donegal in the game. The Gweedore goalkeeper saved twice from Ronan Murtagh in the 50th minutes - first tipping a rasping shot onto the crossbar and then getting down to save Murtagh's attempt at the rebound.

Sweeney was first called into action in the eight minute when he got down smartly to save from John Fagan and Donegal went on to lead 0-5 to 0-2 at half time.

Down wasted an number of gilt edged chances, hitting six wides in the first half, but improved dramatically in the second half with Murtagh and Brendan Coulter being particularly impressive. Down were level with 13 minutes of the restart with a Fegan point and the same player gave them the lead a minute later.

John Paul Boyle struck a 30 metre free between the post to level after 50 minutes and the sides were level again twice before Fagan finished off a four man move two minutes from time. However, Donegal kept their cool and Toye earned a replay next Sunday with the second last kick of the game.

Donegal: S Sweeney; M McGuire, P McConnigly, J Sweeney; S McDermott, P Gallagher, D Alcorn; B Boyle, E Sweeney; K Rafferty (0-1), JP Boyle (0-3, frees), M McGinty (0-1); C McFadden (0-4), K McGlynn, K Cassidy. Subs: C Toye (0-1) for McConnigly (inj. 38 mins), D Breslin for Alcorn (54 mins).

Down: J Sloan; J Clarke, B Grant, C Murtagh; M Doran (0-1), L Doyle (Capt), B Kearney; L Sloan, M Walsh (0-2); D McGrady (0-1), B Coulter (0-1), R Murtagh (0-2); G Morgan, J Fegan (0-3), R Sexton. Sub: PJ McAlinden for Morgan (46 mins).

Referee: M Hughes (Tyrone).