Derry’s promotion push gets off winning start
Derry defeated their Ulster compatriots Fermanagh in their opening game in Division 2 of the National League, as they bid to return to the top tier.
Derry looked lethargic in the opening 35 minutes and were lucky to be only one point adrift at the interval at 1-5 to 1-6.
Benny Heron’s superb 25th minute goal gave them a foothold they scarcely deserved following Ruairi Corrigan’s excellent eighth minute strike for Fermanagh.
The introduction of Mark Lynch at half-time for the home side had an immediate effect, the Banagher player setting up Cailean O’Boyle for Derry’s second goal and then scoring the third himself as Derry hit 1-7 without reply.
Teams and Scorers
T Mallon; K McKaigue, C McKaigue, C Mullan; N Forester, G McKinless, C McFaul; E Bradley (0-2), C McAtamney (0-1); C Kearns, J Kielt (0-4, 4f), B Heron (1-0); D Heavron, C O’Boyle, R Bell (1-3, 1f).
C Bradley (0-1) for C Kearns, 29; M Lynch (1-2, 1f) for C McAtamney, H/T; M Craig for N Forester, 43; S Heavron for B Heron, 46; D McKinless for E Bradley, 65; J Morgan for G McKinless, 69.
C Snow; M Jones, A Breen (0-1), C Cullen; D McCusker (0-1), J McMahon, D Kelly; E Donnelly, C Jones; B Mulrone, R Corrigan (1-1), P McCusker; C Flaherty, S Quigley (0-2, 1f), T Corrigan (0-3, 3f).
R Jones for C Flaherty, H/T’; E McManus for C Jones, 55;R Hanna (0-1) for R Corrigan, 63.
Marty Duffy (Sligo).
