Monaghan stay cool as 13-man Derry’s late revival falls short

Monaghan 0-15 Derry 1-08: Playing with 14 men for the final eight minutes of the first half and finishing with 13 players proved a bridge too far for Derry as Monaghan booked their place in the Ulster U21 semi final and with something to spare at Inniskeen last night.

In an even opening quarter the sides were level at 0-3 each.

Derry were reduced to 14 men after 23 minutes when Neil McNicholl was red carded. Nevertheless they then forged ahead, helped by a goal from Niall Loughlin and led 1-5 to 0-7 at half-time.

After the break Monaghan laid the foundations for victory with a strong 20 minutes when they registered six unanswered points to take a five-points lead.

Derry did pull back a couple of late points but their disappointment was compounded when they finished with 13 players following the dismissal of Ciaran McFaul in stoppage time.

DERRY:

B McKinless, A Hargan, M Sweeney, D Brown, C Carville, L McGoldrick, P McElroy, N McNicholl, C McAtamney 0-1, J Kearney, D Tallon, C McFaul 0-3 (1f), N Loughlin 1-3 (0-2f), C Murphy 0-1, N Toner.

Subs:

R McDonnell for P McElroy, J Bradley for D Tallon, T O’Brien for C Carville, D Mullan for N Loughlin.

MONAGHAN:

D Kirk, R Wylie, M Murnaghan, K Loughran, D Ward, B Hanratty, F Malone, C Lavelle, B Greenan 0-1, R McAnespie, D Freeman, P Keenan, C McCarthy 0-8 (6f), F McGeough 0-3, F McMahon 0-1 (f).

Subs:

C Meegan for D Freeman, D Meegan 0-2 for F McMahon, M McCarville for C Lavelle.

Referee:

N Cullen (Fermanagh).