The Foylesiders were 1-04 to 1-09 down at the break after top flight favourites Down, who were without the services victim Paul Braniff with a fractured hand, had stolen clear on the back of a 22nd-minute goal from Martin Coulter.

Derry, who lost by a goal to the Mourne men in a provincial semi-final replay two years ago, had made a bilstering start as burly forward Geoffrey McGonigle found the net after just three minutes.

Down drew level, then went in front before the second half witnessed dogged Derry fightback through McBride's net-buster and the midfield duo of the Biggs brothers, Geoffrey and captain Gary.

The replay will take place next Sunday, in Casement Park once again.