Antrim score Cup win over Derry

Antrim manager Liam Bradley put one over on his son Eoin as the Saffrons battled their way to a 3-7 to 0-15 win over Derry at Casement Park today.

Eoin Bradley lined out in the Derry team but his brother, All-Star forward Paddy, was sidelined by an ankle injury picked up in training. There were wry smiles on the faces of Eoin and father Liam as they greeted each other after the final whistle.

This Dr McKenna Cup Group C tie was a closely-fought affair and the sides were level at 2-4 to 0-10 at half-time, with Michael McCann and Michael Magill scoring the Antrim goals.

The hosts' goalscoring touch edged them three points ahead when substitute Ciaran Close found the Derry net with 10 minutes remaining, and Bradley's men held on for an encouraging start to 2010.

Meanwhile, in Group A, former Tyrone squad member Aidan McCarron scored on his debut for Fermanagh as Malachy O'Rourke's men beat Monaghan on a 0-12 to 0-8 scoreline at Brewster Park.

The Farney men were 0-6 to 0-4 behind at half-time and Fermanagh completed the job with Ryan Carson and Mattie Keenan scoring two points apiece.