Full-forward Gareth 'Magic' Johnson certainly lived up to his nickname as he collected 3-5 in an eye-catching display.

The Mourne men led 3-5 to 0-8 at half-time, with Johnson netting twice and corner forward Eoin Clarke also raising a green flag.

Derry were over reliant on free-taker Ruairi Convery, who finished with 1-10. Convery found the net, three minutes after the break, but Down, with Clarke scoring 2-2, replied strongly to set up a decider against champions Antrim.