BANK OF IRELAND DR. MC KENNA CUP.

 

Derry 2-12, Monaghan 1-13.

A goal by James Kielt in the final seconds of normal time was the score that put Derry on the road to victory in this fairly run-of-the-mill Dr McKenna Cup semi-final that was played in good conditions in front of a crowd of some 2,145 in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh, on Sunday afternoon last. This was a game that really only sprang to life in the second-half particularly for Monaghan who were playing 2nd fiddle for most of the opening period, committing too many errors and allowing Derry in for some easy chances. In fact had Derry brought their shooting boots they could have been further ahead than the 2 points lead they enjoyed at half-time as they missed a few good chances. In the second-half Monaghan fared much better with the introduction of Conor McCarthy having a marked effect on their attack and his goal in the 16th minute of the 2nd half put Monaghan in front for the 1st time. He followed that up with a point to give Monaghan a 3 points lead with 14 minutes of normal time remaining but Derry fought back to parity with 9 minutes remaining, an opportunist goal by Emmet McGuckian a crucial score, and while Monaghan took the lead briefly 3 minutes later it was Derry who struck late and decisively for a goal and 2 points between the 32nd and 36th minutes to set up what was overall probably a deserved victory.

Teams and Scorers: Derry:  Ben McKinless, Niall Keenan, Conor Nevin, Ronan Murphy, Neil Forester 0-1, Oisin Duffin, Mark Craig, Carlus McWilliams, Aidan McLaughlin 0-1, Enda Lynn 0-1, James Kielt 1-3 (0-3f),  Benny Heron, Niall Toner, Emmet McGuckian 1-0, Niall Loughlin 0-3 (2f). Subs: Conor McAtamney for A McLoughlin (17), Michael Warnock for C McWilliams (17), Mark Lynch 0-1(f) for C McAtamney (Black Card 34), Barry Grant 0-1 for B Heron (Black Card 36), Conor McGrogan for M Craig  (44), Ryan Bell 0-1 for N Toner (66), Gavin O'Neill for R Bell (68).

Monaghan: Conor Forde, Drew Wylie 0-1, Neil McAdam, Ryan Wylie, Fintan Kelly 0-2, Kieran Hughes 0-1, Colin Walsh, Dessie Mone, Niall Kearns, Karl O'Connell, Barry McGinn 0-2, Owen Duffy 0-2, Ryan McAnespie, Dermot Malone, Conor McManus 0-4 (3f). Subs: Kieran Duffy for D Mone (9), Conor McCarthy 1-1 for D Malone (HT), Darren Hughes for N Kearns (HT), Mikey Murnaghan for N McAdam (HT), Shane Carey for R McAnespie (52), Thomas Kerr for C McManus (68).   

Referee: Ciaran Brannigan (Down).

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