Lightning start ends Derry’s search for league triumph

Derry manager Damian McErlain was a relieved man after his team finally got their Division 3 campaign up-and-running with a five-point victory over Offaly in Celtic Park yesterday.

The home side raced into a 1-6 to no score lead inside 15 minutes with midfielder Emmett Bradley tapping home the goal in the 12th minute from Niall Toner’s centre.

Offaly looked disjointed and it appeared Derry would cruise to victory. But the Faithful County rallied impressively, three times bringing the deficit back to two points before a red card for full-forward Anton Sullivan finally ended their hopes.