McNicholl point wins it late for Derry against Donegal

Derry are into the final against Tyrone.

Ulster U20FC semi-final: Donegal 0-14 Derry 1-12

It was the late, late show on Wednesday night as Derry clinched their spot against Tyrone in next week’s Ulster final. It was a point from substitute Ryan McNicholl that saw Derry win the game for a second time with the last kick.

Donegal were three points up at the break, 0-7 to 0-4, before Oisin Doherty’s goal shot Derry back into contention.

Ruairi Forbes kicked two scores in a fine second half performance as Derry went at the home team who closed the door in the first half. The Oakleafers were three points ahead and had further goal chances spurned before Donegal hit points from Luke McGlynn, Kevin Lynch and Cian McMenamin to draw level.

With extra-time written all over it, Derry had one last attack and when possession was recycled out of the corner, McNicholl delivered the knock-out blow. 

Donegal were three points ahead before Derry scores with McGlynn, Conor Reid and Conor McGinley on target.

The home side should also have added a goal when McGlynn stormed through but with James Murray chasing back it was enough to pressure him into a shot.

When the Oaks got their first score it was Patrick McGurk from distance but Donegal always had a response.

Advanced marks from Patrick McElwee and Karl Joseph Molloy was the difference. Donegal were able to find the pockets of space their defence didn’t leave at the other end.

McGlynn hit a score from an acute angle early in the second half before Derry hit the net.

Doherty weaved through the Donegal cover before hammering into the net to make the score 0-8 to 1-4.

Both sides traded scores with Forbes (2) and substitute Ryan McNicholl on target for a totally revived Derry.

Ciaran Chambers and Ryan McNicholl failed to take two goal chances when Derry were on top.

McMenamin, McGlynn and Lynch were all on target to level the game before Derry’s dramatic winner.

Scorers for Derry: O Doherty 1-2 (2f), R Forbes 0-3, R McNicholl 0-2, C Chambers, E Higgins (f), C Spiers, C Heron and P McGurk 0-1 each.

Scorers for Donegal: L McGlynn 0-4 (2f), S Martin, C Reid, S Ward (45), K Magee, S Carr, K Lynch, C McMenamin, P McElwee (m), KJ Molloy (m) and C McGinty 0-1 each. 

DERRY: C Armstrong; F McEldowney, J Murray; R Small; C McGrogan, P McGurk, C Heron; T Rogers, D McDermott, R Forbes; C Spiers, N O'Donnell, J McGuckian; E Higgins, O Doherty. 

Subs: C Chambers for E Higgins (HT), R McNicholl for T Rogers (HT). 

DONEGAL: D McGowan; C McCrea, F Roarty; K Magee; F Coll, O Caulfield, S Martin; C Reid, E Kelly, S Ward; C McGinty, L McGlynn, S Carr; P McElwee, KJ Molloy. 

Subs: N Prendiville for S Ward (50), C McMenamin for C Reid (57), K Lynch for KJ Molloy (57), D Gallagher for E Kelly (57), L McGee for S Carr (63). 

Referee: E Mallon (Armagh).