Derry hope to continue winning ways against Donegal

By Peter O’ Dwyer

Derry look to carry impressive league form into championship meeting with old rivals Donegal tomorrow.

Having eventually roared into life with a second-half of twists and turns in Omagh last week, the Ulster championship is set to step up another gear this week as old rivals Derry and Donegal do battle for a place in the semi-final.

The two sides have been frequent opponents over the last decade with Sunday’s clash to be the sixth time they’ve faced each other in championship action in that time.

Like the days of the early 90s, wherever one county’s path leads it inevitably tends to cross the other’s along the way.

As well as the Oak Leaf County, Donegal have had success to accompany them over the last few years – unlike their provincial rivals.

While Jim McGuinness’s men have accumulated provincial and All-Ireland medals and dominated their neighbours in the recent past, 1998 remains the last time a Derry man lifted the Anglo Celt Cup.

Under the stewardship of Brian McIver they are, however, a team on the up – and with Donegal possibly heading in the other direction, Sunday’s clash is a tantalising prospect.

McIver’s men will be looking to show that their exceptional league form, in what was their first season back in the top-flight, can be carried into the altogether sterner challenge of championship football.

A league final appearance was due reward for a campaign that saw Derry defeat both of last year’s All-Ireland finalists as well as Kerry, before the Dubs reasserted their superiority in the final.

Regardless of that defeat, Derry are in the best shape they’ve been in for some time. Under McIver they have gained promotion from Division 2 and contested a Division 1 final in subsequent years in the league, but have so far failed to impress in championship football having fallen to Down at the first hurdle last year.

Three Championship debutants will be part of the Derry side aiming to improve on that performance against Donegal, with goalkeeper Thomas Mallon; centre-back Gareth McKinless and right-half back Kevin Johnston all named in the starting lineup.

Seán Leo McGoldrick also takes his place in the side having recovered from a knee ligament injury that kept him out of the league decider and will line out at centre-forward, but Derry will be without the services of James Kielt who is struggling with a quad injury.

Donegal meanwhile are looking to put a disappointing 2013 campaign and recent departures from the squad behind them and reaffirm their position as one of the leading contenders for not only the Anglo Celt Cup but also the Sam Maguire.

Serious doubts have been raised over Jim McGuinness’s side with many feeling their defeat to Monaghan in last year’s provincial decider and again in the league final a month ago have illustrated that Donegal’s once innovative tactics have already been outstripped by their rivals.

Mark McHugh’s decision to leave the panel is a huge blow in Donegal’s quest to prove those doubters wrong.

McHugh has been a vital cog in McGuiness’s side over the last number of years and replacing that influence may be beyond the capabilities of the current squad.

Donegal are however boosted by the news that Neil Gallgher has been passed fit to take his place in midfield alongside Martin McElhinney after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in training.

As the Donegal attack takes time to adjust to McHugh’s departure and looks to find a new fluency, further emphasis may fall on the inside-forward to fire them towards victory.

If the likes of Paddy McBrearty and Colm McFadden can find top form it may ease the transition that lies ahead and get them over what is a very tough opening challenge.

With momentum behind the Derrymen however, they’ll be confident of turning over their near neighbours for the first time since 2008 en route to a long overdue provincial title.