Derry easy winners against Antrim - Match Report

Antrim 0-6 Derry 0-16

Despite missing three golden goal chances, Derry ran out easy winners at Casement Park over Antrim in the Ulster Senior Football Championship first round battle.

The 0-16 to 0-6 result tells the tale.

Sean McAreavy pulled off three super saves - one in the first half and two in the second when it looked certain that Derry would grab goals that were on the cards.

Centre-back Paul McFlynn who gave a 'Man of the Match' performance set the ball rolling for Derry when he rifled over a point after just 30 seconds.

In the third minute Dermot Dougan was clean through but McGreevy came off his line to block the shot.

Two pointed free-kicks by Paddy Logan left Antrim trailing by only 0-3 to 0-2 after 15 minutes but then Derry slipped into gear but their approach work didn't always result in scores as the Antrim defence stood sound in the face of much pressure.

Antrim introduced Kevin Madden on the half-hour and his presence boosted the Antrim attack but still home scores didn't come.

The Saffrons did have the ball in the Derry net after 32 minutes but Mark McCrory was adjudged to be in the 'square' when punching the ball home.

Derry led 0-7 to 0-3 at the break and added two more points on the restart before Antrim upped their game and put pressure on the winners' posts.

However, the losers could not get through for a much-needed goal and had to be content with points from Peter McCann, Kevin Brady and Kevin Madden.

Gavin Diamond was in magnificent scoring form for Derry and he stopped the slide with a point in the 56th minute. That signalled the end for Antrim as Derry piled on the pressure with Bradley, Muldoon and sharpshooter Diamond all hitting the target.

Excellent chances were created for Bradley and Muldoon but Antrim 'keeper McGreevy was equal to the challenge both times.

An easy enough victory for Derry on a 0-16 to 0-6 ticket but manager Eamon Coleman reckons there is still work to be done.

"We must raise our game at least 20 per cent before meeting Donegal in the semi-finals. They had a great win over Down. Those three goal chances should have been put away," claimed Coleman.

ANTRIM - S McGreevy; S Kelly, T Convery, E McLernon; G Adams, M Mulholland, A Finnegan; J Quinn, M McCrory (0-1); E McCann, P Logan (0-2), P Close; K Brady (0-2), M McCarry, K Doyle. Subs: K Madden (0-1) for McCann (30); P McCann (0-1) for McCarry (half-time); N Doyle for Logan (48); G Bell for Doyle (65).

DERRY - M Conlon; G Doherty, N McCusker, SM Lockhart; C McNally, P McFlynn (0-1), G Coleman; A Tohill, F Doherty; C Gilligan, D Dougan, J McBride (0-1); G McGonigle (0-1), P Bradley (0-5), G Diamond (0-6). Subs: E Muldoon (0-2) for McGonigle (43); D Heaney for Gilligan (53); Blood Sub: K McCloy for G Doherty (29) - Doherty for McCloy (33).

REFEREE - S McCormack (Meath).