Conor McManus helps Monaghan sink Derry deeper into relegation trouble

Monaghan 0-15 Derry 0-10

Conor McManus helps Monaghan sink Derry deeper into relegation trouble

Monaghan 0-15 Derry 0-10

Conor McManus hit six points as Monaghan won today's Ulster derby clash with Derry in Allianz Football League Division 1.

Dessie Mone, McManus and Paul Finlay all chipped in with important points as the Farney men built an 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead in Clones, with Derry bringing on Eoin Bradley and James Kielt either side of the break.

Kielt and Enda Lynn kickstarted a bright spell for the visitors on the restart, but they missed out on a goal at 0-13 to 0-9 when Emmet McGuckin's fisted effort was ruled out for a square ball.

McManus and Mone added further points as Monaghan, who thrived from quick-witted counter attacks, took a step closer to a league semi-final spot. Following their fourth defeat, bottom side Derry have a big battle on their hands to avoid relegation.

The Oak Leafers got off to a positive start with scores from McGuckin and Benny Heron sandwiching a Fintan Kelly opener for Monaghan. However, key men McManus, Finlay and Mone rattled off three in a row, setting the tone for a strong display from the hosts.

Monaghan would have been further in front at half-time but for six wides and a missed goal-scoring opportunity - McManus fisted the ball off the crossbar after Darren Hughes, who impressed in midfield, had cut in from the end-line.

Brian McIver's Derry outfit gained some momentum at least with two Mark Lynch frees before the half-time whistle and they had the margin down to two points seven minutes into the second half.

Monaghan seemed to have all the answers, though, with McManus and Finlay on target once again and McGuckin's disallowed goal really deflated the Derry challenge. Referee Sean Hurson made the decision after consulting with his umpires.

The scores kept coming for Malachy O'Rourke's men thanks to the accurate shooting of McManus (free) and Mone, and Lynch's fifth and final effort was little consolation for well-beaten Derry.

MONAGHAN: R Beggan; C Boyle, D Wylie, R Wylie; K O’Connell, V Corey, F Kelly (0-1); N McAdam, K Hughes (0-2); D Mone (0-4), P Finlay (0-2), D Hughes; D Malone, C McManus (0-6, 0-1f), T Kerr.

Subs used: K Duffy for Boyle (30 mins), S Gollogly for Kerr (half-time), D McKenna for Finlay (60), O Duffy for McAdam (68).

DERRY: T Mallon; O Duffy, N Holly, D McBride; B Og McAlary, K Johnston, SL McGoldrick; M Craig, B Og McGilligan; B Heron (0-1), M Lynch (0-5, 0-4f), E Lynn (0-1); D McKinless, E McGuckin (0-1), C McWilliams (0-1).

Subs used: M McIver for McAlary, E Bradley for McKinless (both 29 mins), J Kielt (0-1) for Bradley (half-time), E Bradley for McGilligan (52), A McAlynn for McWilliams (69).

Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

more courts articles

Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Back-to-back titles for Spioraid Naoimh after win over 14-man Clonakilty Community College Back-to-back titles for Spioraid Naoimh after win over 14-man Clonakilty Community College
Kildare v Louth - Allianz Football League Division 2 Cards to carry if there is extra-time in football finals
Donegal v Tyrone - Electric Ireland Ulster GAA Minor Football Championship Final Tyrone U20s edge Derry in dramatic finish after tactical battle
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited