A physically stronger a super-fit Oak Leaf side made the Leinster minnows' first semi-final appearance in 40 years a miserable one as they romped to a 16 points success, setting up a decisive encounter with Meath later this month.

This was an irresistible performance from Chris Brown's classy side, packed with power, style and genuine quality.

Once they got over the shock of conceding an early goal, there was never any doubt that they would qualify for their first final in seven years.

Derry were rocked by a Michael Kelly goal after just four minutes, but the Ulster champions refused to allow that early setback to upset their gameplan.

They quickly settled into an impressive rythm, going ahead through Barry McGoldrick and Ciaran Mullan.

And when Longford full back illegally stopped Paul Young in the 13th minute, defender Paul O'Hea struck a superb penalty to the bottom corner of the net.

Worse was to follow for the Leinster side after Michael Hussey and Cahal O'Kane had swapped points.

Goalkeeper Gerard Evans failed to hold a lengthy delivery from Mullan, and Conleth O'Kane seized the opportunity to finish to the net from close range five minutes before the break.

Patsy Bradley and Ruairi Convery were dominant in midfield, and Michael McGoldrick was effectively shackling Longford dangerman Hussey.

And the Oak Leaf teenagers, visibly growing in confidence, finished the half on a high with scores from Mullan, Young and Moran to go in with a 2-6 to 1-2 advantage.

And Derry struck another major blow nine minutes into the second half when a lengthy effort from outstanding centre back Mark Lynch came off an upright and fell kindly for the predatory Mullan, who finished confidently to the net for his side's third goal and a commanding nine points lead.

And when James Bateson converted a free, all six Derry attackers had scored, while just two of the Longford attackers had managed to raise a flag.

One of those, goalscorer Michael Kelly, was sent off midway through the half after receiving a second yellow card, and now Longford's task was almost impossible.

Lynch and full back Gerard O'Kane reigned supreme at the back as Longford were restricted to just one second half point, and as they swept forward in waves of attack, glorious scores flew from the boots of James Bateson, Cahal O'Kane Moran, son of Donegal manager Mickey, and the brilliant Mullan.