I thought it was about time someone created a thread on this!

It's certainly a novel final given that Tyrone or Armagh aren't involved. Whether this is good or not in terms of gauging the standard of football in the province is hard to tell. I have a feeling that most people would be of the opinion that Tyrone and Armagh have regressed. But that isn't Donegal and Derry's fault. They have beaten everything put in front of them so far and are fully deserving of their places in the final.

On the match itself I find it impossible to call. Everyone might expect Donegal to continue with their defensive approach but I wouldn't be so sure. Even though it was only in the league in March, Donegal played a surprisingly open game and their inside forwards destroyed Derry that night. I think I'm right in saying Murphy and McFadden got 2-11 between them. Will McGuinness be tempted to throw Brennan off tactically by adopting a similar plan on Sunday?

Midfield will be crucial. Derry are a lot taller and stronger in that department but it may not count for much. Durcan's kickouts have been first class this year. He often opts for the surprising short kick outs now instead of the traditional punt into orbit out the field. Word around the camp fire is that Kavanagh and Rafferty are carrying knocks though, so maybe big Neil Gallagher will be brought in.

Bradley will be a huge loss for Derry. On his day I think he's one of the best full forwards in the game. I genuinely feel sorry for him missing out because both him and Paddy have put a huge amount into Derry football over the years. It must be very disappointing for the family.

I think that goals will decide the outcome of this match and with one of Derry's main threats gone I'd be confident we can keep another clean sheet. I also think that if Murphy and McFadden stay inside there's goals there for the taking for Donegal.

Final prediction: Donegal 2-9 : 0-12 Derry

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9955 - 12/07/2011 14:38:45    982164

It would be a bit foolish to abandon the tactics - that saw them qualify for the Ulster Final - in the Ulster Final, would it not? Only way Donegal play with more freedom is if they fall behind and are forced to chase the game.

Eoin Bradley is a loss but Derry have forwards to replace him. Wasn't Caolan O'Boyle named in the starting line-up against Armagh? Maybe it'll be one less headache for John Brennan.

But I'll be surprised if the Derry forwards dosen't eventually break down the Donegal system. It'll only take a five minute period of dominance for Derry, and they could go four or five points ahead. At which point, Donegal's strategy becomes almost worthless. Donegal, on the other hand, will need to keep it tight and hope to frustrate Derry. And that is when they will be vulnerable. But with the new management, I don't see Derry losing focus.

Loyal2TheRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 4522 - 12/07/2011 15:40:45    982258

Come on Donegal !!

waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13655 - 12/07/2011 15:57:41    982292

I think that you and many others might be surprised at how adaptable this Donegal team can be. They haven't showed it yet because they haven't had to. Plan A has worked to get them this far. You may be right, why tinker with something that has worked so far? All I'm saying is don't be surprised if they do.

I'm not sure Derry are as good as they're being made out to be. Yes they battered Armagh, but Armagh played into their hands. Bradley was the terror in chief and he's missing this Sunday. Lacey will take care of Lynch and if Muldoon decides to stay inside Neil McGee is well fit for him.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9955 - 12/07/2011 15:58:16    982294

I remember the great Ulster finals between these teams in 1992 and 1993, when on both occasions, the winning team went on to win their county's first ever all-Ireland. Those Donegal and Derry teams were a breath of fresh air but unfortunately I don't think this year's final will be much of a spectacle. In the last couple of years, any game that I've seen involving Donegal has been torture to watch. Their motto seems to be "Why kick the ball upfield when 15 hand-passes will get it there eventually?" They have one of the most exciting and potentially devastating forwards in the game in Michael Murphy and they won't kick the ball to him. I know more and more teams are playing this style to some extent but Donegal are the worst (or best depending on your point of view) exponents.

Gaillimh_Abu (Galway) - Posts: 1040 - 12/07/2011 16:10:22    982317

12/07/2011 14:38:45
Lockjaw
County: Donegal
Posts: 1935

982164
I thought it was about time someone created a thread on this!

It's certainly a novel final given that Tyrone or Armagh aren't involved.




How time flies.

I remember talking about the novel finals with the like of Tyrone and Armagh in them.

I mean who would ever have believed it? I know Armagh won 2 titles 100 years ago but Tyrone? No one would ever have believed they could be in Ulster finals.

How times change.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 12/07/2011 16:32:19    982371

I just read about eoin I'm sick for derry missing two class players like the Bradley bros is a killer and probably donegals to lose now.

clondalkindub (Dublin) - Posts: 9926 - 12/07/2011 18:57:44    982567

patrique
County: Antrim
Posts: 13525

982371
12/07/2011 14:38:45
Lockjaw
County: Donegal
Posts: 1935

982164
I thought it was about time someone created a thread on this!

It's certainly a novel final given that Tyrone or Armagh aren't involved.




How time flies.

I remember talking about the novel finals with the like of Tyrone and Armagh in them.

I mean who would ever have believed it? I know Armagh won 2 titles 100 years ago but Tyrone? No one would ever have believed they could be in Ulster finals.

How times change.


Still smarting from the 2009 Ulster final Pat? still maybe the Hurlers can find away of getting into another province so that they have a chance to win ULSTER AND LEINSTER and who knows CONNACHT you'll have no problem steam rolling over the likes of MAYO and Leitrim hurlers .

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 12/07/2011 19:15:12    982587

Donegal are hot favourites for this game since we lost eoin bradleybut that suits us fine,i think our half forwards will have 2 kick long scores 2 breach donegal blanket defence,eoin wouldnt have space like b4 donegal wont know what 2 expect from us with him missing ,still expect derry 2 produce a big performance so it would be silly 2 right us off yet .

93vintageyear (Derry) - Posts: 301 - 12/07/2011 19:17:03    982589

I dont think donegal people are overly confident. Basically this is massive test as its the first time we have came up with an attackin team. I think derry will score more than antrim, cavan or tyrone but i also think they will concede more given that they wont play the sweeper. Murphy and mcfaddan beat their markers to everything in the league and kick great scores. If derry havent tightened up since it could be donegals day. I cant wait for sunday.

dstuction (Donegal) - Posts: 1209 - 12/07/2011 19:32:47    982606

Suspect there would've been much weeping and knashing of teeth within the corridors of power in the Ulster Council when Derry made the final. Hence the reducing of ticket prices. Coincidence or what!

glenhead (UK) - Posts: 117 - 12/07/2011 19:39:40    982616

Will McGuinness be tempted to throw Brennan off tactically by adopting a similar plan on Sunday?

I suspect you might be right Lockjaw, said on another thrread that I expect Donegal to player more attractive football as the year goes on.

Goodfella, Tir (None) - Posts: 1652 - 13/07/2011 10:05:24    982843

It'd surely be suicidal to abandon the very thing that got them to the Ulster Final, in the Ulster Final? Just dosen't make sense. Particularly against a team like Derry who like to play adventorous football.

Loyal2TheRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 4522 - 13/07/2011 10:24:09    982859

To have a final without Tyrone OR Armagh in it for the first time in something like 13 years (or so?) has to be viewed as a good thing for Ulster football and fair play to Derry & Donegal

I'm going to be patriotic & stay completely neutral on this one and wish both teams all the best

gigoer (Wexford) - Posts: 1998 - 13/07/2011 10:39:44    982873

Loyal, I saw Donegal in Navan in the league and while it was only a league match Donegal surprised me particularily in the second half with long first time passes to Murphy which was the winning of the game for them. In the first half that day they did their handpassing thing and although Meath were very poor Donegal only led by a couple of points at the break after dominating possesion. There change in tactics to the early long ball crucified Meath. I would be inclined to agree with Lockjaw that if required Donegal could change their tactics if necessary. Whether the manager would allow it is another thing.

Diego (Meath) - Posts: 1206 - 13/07/2011 10:52:03    982888

I had fancied Derry to win this game, but the injury to Eoin Bradley is a huge blow to them. I doubt if they can replace him and with Paddy Bradley injured as well I now expect Donegal to win. The loss of the two Bradleys is too much for Derry to overcome. I hope that I am wrong in tipping Donegal to win as I really hate the style of football that they play and I would like to see Derry win the Anglo celt.

Star Gazer (Tipperary) - Posts: 436 - 13/07/2011 10:54:27    982892

A good team / manager knows when to make changes in players and tactics when things are going good. Look at 2008, Ciaran Gourley was dropped for the AI Final, not having put a foot wrong all year, but it was the right decision for the team.

HokeyPokey (Tyrone) - Posts: 1744 - 13/07/2011 11:04:57    982905

fortyfive
County: Tyrone
Posts: 3179



Still smarting from the 2009 Ulster final Pat?



Do you support Manchester United?

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 13/07/2011 15:22:27    983269

its ironic but the last time that either amargh or tyrone did not reach the ulster final was in 1998 and derry beat donegal that year in the final.

OLLIE (Louth) - Posts: 12224 - 13/07/2011 16:03:36    983340

Without doubt both teams deserve to be there. Its tough one to call, Derry are huge around the midfield, never as seen as many men who look like they eat their dog for breakfast. However think the loss of Bradley is huge blow and I can't see Donegal being as naive as Armagh and leaving huge gaps at the back so think Donegal will shade it.

It won't be a high scoring game but that doesn't mean it won't be entertaining, hard hitting and good defences on show.

stringbean (Tyrone) - Posts: 134 - 13/07/2011 16:23:33    983376