New Derry and Donegal managers John Brennan and Jim McGuinness enjoyed winning starts in the Dr McKenna Cup last night, while Antrim and Armagh were also victorious.

At Kingspan Breffni Park, Derry chalked up a 1-12 to 1-10 win over Cavan, who themselves were under new management. The Oak Leafers laid the foundations for their victory in the opening half when five points from the recalled Conleth Gilligan and a brace from Paddy Bradley helped them to a 0-11 to 0-3 lead at the break.

Cavan, who lost their goalkeeper James Reilly through injury midway through the first half, improved in the second half, but were kept at arm's length by Paddy Bradley's 59th minute goal.

Michael Brennan replied with a similar score for the home side moments later, but Derry held firm to register their first win of 2011.

Jim McGuinness' first competitive game in charge of Donegal yielded a 0-14 to 0-10 victory over UUJ at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.

The holders led by 0-7 to 0-4 at half-time against the understrength students. And with Dermot 'Brick' Molloy helping himself to 0-5, Donegal remained in the driving seat after the restart with Karl Lacey, Adrian Hanlon and Leo McLoone also finding the target. Jason McAnulla top-scored for UUJ with three points.

Goals in either half proved decisive as Antrim claimed a 2-12 to 0-9 win at a rain-swept Casement Park.
Liam Bradley's charges dominated the first half to lead by 1-7 to 0-2 at half time, with Dean O'Neill netting a 32nd minute goal. The students cut the deficit to four points entering the final quarter, but a late Kevin Niblock goal sealed victory for the home side.

At Pairc Esler, a point by half-back Declan McKenna a minute into added time gave Armagh a 2-15 to 3-11 victory over Down.

Down looked in control with two second half goals from Benny Coulter but two similar scores for Brian Mallon and Anto Duffy kept Armagh in contention and they scored the final three points for victory.

Former Mayo star Billy Joe Padden made a second half appearance as a substitute for the Orchard County in what was a typically tense encounter between the neighbouring counties. Armagh claimed an early 0-8 to 0-1 advantage with Rory Grugan helping himself to three first half points before Coulter's goals brought the Mournemen back into it. Tweet

Most Read Stories