U21FC: Down deny Derry

April 05, 2008
Down recovered from a shaky start to secure a 3-11 to 1-14 win over Derry in a thrilling Cadbury's Ulster U21 FC final at Casement Park. Wind-aided Derry began the game like an express train and were 0-5 to 0-2 in front after just 11 minutes with James Kielt noching two of them. However a snap goal by Conor Garvey in the 14th minute put a different picture on proceedings as Down eased their way into the game. After 29 minutes the teams were on level terms before a six man Down move ended with Paul McComiskey rifling the ball to the Derry net for a 2-5 to 0-8 half-time lead for the Mourne County. A shock goal by Sean Leo McGoldrick in the 38th minute and a point by Paul McVey had Down playing catch up once more. Down fought back once more with points by Cathal Magee and McComiskey with 51 minutes on the clock. Right on the hour Down hit the jackpot with a goal by Ryan Kelly to make it 3-10 to 1-13 for Down before a point apiece was sent over in injury time. Down - M McAlister; M Digney, C Murney, J Murphy; C Garvey 1-0, K Duffin, T Hanna 0-1; J Colgan, J Caldwell; C McGinn, K McKernan 0-2, P McCumiskey 1-4; C Brannigan, 0-2 C Magee 0-1, R Kelly 1-1. Subs: C Killen for McKernan, P Downey for Magee, B Rooney for Hanna. Derry - M O'Neill; D Bell, N Holly, M McShane; B Og McAlary, C McKaigue 0-3, D McBride; M Craig 0-1, B Gormley 0-1; J Kielt 0-3, R Kealey, SL McGoldrick 1-0; P McWilliams 0-1, E Lynn 0-1, E Brown 0-1. Subs: N McNicholl for Kealey, P McVey 0-1 for McWilliams. Ref - R O'Donnell (Donegal)

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