Debacle in Derry as Down collapse

Debacle in Derry as Down collapse

10 July 2013

IT’S the end of the road for Down for another year as they limped out of the All-Ireland series after being brushed aside by a resurgent Derry.

It was a huge turnaround from the recent Ulster championship clash between the two sides which saw Down emerge 2-17 to 1-15 victors in a classic encounter.

Derry had obviously learned their lesson from that defeat and they emerged from this encounter worthy victors.

Playing against a moderate breeze in the first half, the visitors were quick to settle with two Donal O’Hare frees giving his side the lead after ten minutes.

Jerome Johnston was unlucky not win a penalty during this period as he was fouled near the danger zone. Referee Cormac Reilly give a free instead.

Derry weren’t long clicking into gear and Ryan Bell and Eoin Bradley soon had their team back on terms.

A James Kielt free on 18 minutes put Derry into a one point lead before Ryan Bell’s second point in the 25th minute kept Down on the back foot.

Another Kielt free then invigorated the Derry challenge before Ambrose Rogers got Down’s only point from play in the whole game with eight minutes of the half to play.

Derry continued to press and their advances were rewarded with further scores from Lee Kennedy and Ryan Bell.

Then, against the run of play, Down found a boost of energy. Kevin McKernan was denied a goal before his Burren club mate Donal O’Hare stabbed the ball to the net after being laid on by Kalum King.

O’Hare’s third free of the contest in injury time levelled the game at 0-7 to 1-4, despite Derry dominating the first half.

Brendan McVeigh’s point-blank deflection from Eoin Bradley was the first notable piece of action in the second half. This was followed up by a 45 from Ryan Bell and Eoin Bradley’s second point.

Derry were very much in charge as the game progressed and Emmett McGuckin’s point in the 52nd minute had the hosts three clear.

With 10 minutes to go Derry continued to push on and a Ryan Bell free put four points between the factions. At this stage the Oak Leafers were on top at midfield and winning all their battles.

Down did manage their first score of the half with five minutes to go as Donal O’Hare got his fourth and final free. This would prove to be Down’s only score of the second half.

Derry continued on undaunted as Bell and McGuckin got the remaining points to see their team through to Round 3 of the Qualifiers and leave the Mourne side down and out.

Final score: Derry 0-13 Down 1-5.

Derry: E. McNicholl, A. McAlynn, C. McKaigue, D. McBride, C. Kielt, M. Lynch, S. L. McGoldrick, P. Bradley, P. J. McCloskey, C. McAtamney, J. Kielt (0-2, 2F), E. Lynn, R. Bell (0-6, 1F, 1 45’), E. Bradley (0-2), L. Kennedy (0-1). Subs: E. McGuckin (0-2) for Kennedy, B. Herron for McAtamney, C. McFaul for Bell.

Down: B. McVeigh, D. McCartan, B. McArdle, K. Quinn, O. Costello, P. Turley, R. Boyle, K. King, K. McKernan, A. Rogers (0-1), M. Poland, N. Madine, C. Laverty, J. Johnston, D. O’Hare (1-4, 4F). Subs: B. Coulter for Madine, R. Mallon for Johnston, D. Hughes for Quinn, D. Savage for P. Turley, D. Turley for McCartan.