Monaghan reach NFL final

Monaghan ended a 20-year wait for a NFL final spot as a tigerish display from Seamus McEnaney's men earned a 1-13 to 1-11 Division Two semi-final win over Derry in Clones.

The Farney men claimed the Division title back in 1985 and look a good bet for this year's second tier crown after a 73rd-minute Nicholas Corrigan point sealed today's victory.

They had to do it the hard way after Rory Woods was sent off on 19 minutes for a late tackle.

Monaghan raced clear from the kick-off - Thomas Freeman found the Derry net in the opening minute, then tagged on two points before Paul Finlay and Shane McManus both clipped over for a 1-4 to no score buffer.

Paddy Bradley and Johnny McBride replied for the Oak Leafers as some fiery exhanges saw three yellow cards produced and Woods walk for a straight red.

Although 1-9 to 0-4 in front at the break, 14-man Monaghan struggled on the restart, allowing Paul Murphy bag a 42nd-minute goal.

Murphy blasted home after a neat Mark Lynch run and Derry - who hit 13 wides in the opening half - were back in contention.

Fergal Duffy's catch and James Ward's set-up saw substitute Corrigan eased Farney nerves with a tightly-angled late score.

2004 All-Ireland semi-finalists Derry will clash again with Monaghan in the Ulster Championship on Sunday, June 5.