 He started his career playing for Valley Swifts in the Braintree & North Essex Sunday League before being spotted by Witham Town.He made his debut at Witham aged 16 and stayed at the club for more than four years.McDonald continued to turn out for Valley Swifts even after his move from Witham to Maldon Town in July 2008, before signing for Isthmian League Premier Division side Dartford in October 2008.