Damian Barton braced for Cork in ‘bizarre’ Division 2

Derry manager Damian Barton isn’t surprised to see the Cork footballers fighting for their Division 2 survival, such has been the bizarre nature of this year’s league.

The Oak Leaf county welcome Peadar Healy’s charges to Celtic Park next Sunday, with both teams in desperate need of the two points on offer to lift them clear of relegation. Derry are currently bottom with three points, while Cork, on four points, lie fifth.

Barton described the fixture as “critical” for both sides and said it would be a “major achievement” if his team could pull themselves out of the drop zone during the closing fortnight of action.