Harte endures harrowing return as Derry trounce Offaly by 23 points

Oak Leaf triumph sets up next weekend’s visit of Cork as a crunch game at the top of the table in Division 2

HARD NIGHT: Offaly joint-manager Mickey Harte

NFL Division 2: Derry 2-25 Offaly 0-8 

DERRY’S promotion chances continue to grow after Saturday’s facile victory over Offaly was their third in succession. It's also a victory which sets up next weekend’s visit of Cork as a crunch game at the top of the table.

After losing to Meath in the first game, Ciarán Meenagh’s side have found consistency at the right time of the season.

The Oakleafers were without the suspended Conor Glass after the Derry skipper’s controversial red card in Newbridge was upheld at Thursday night’s appeal. Derry were also without Lachlan Murray, one of three late changes but they raced into control of the game.

The Dohertys – Conor, Ethan and Jack – combined for the latter to notch the first score before an early goal from Niall Loughlin. It was made by Niall Toner with Loughlin sidestepping to drive home.

The net was bulging by the second minute. This time it was Matthew Downey racing unchallenged before slotting low to the net.

Derry were rampant and controlled the visitors’ kick-out. Another factor was the two pointers. Paul Cassidy (two), Shane McGuigan and Niall Loughlin all raised orange flags.

Offaly fisted over their first score via Jordan Hayes after 17 minutes in a spell when they won six consecutive kick-outs – from both ends.

With Brendan Rogers and Conor ruled the middle third as Derry eased into a 2-17 to 0-3 interval lead.

Shane McGuigan and Matthew Downey added early scores in the second half with Offaly leaving shots short into ‘keeper Scullion.

Offaly had a half goal chance when Dunne had his shot blocked by Scullion. McGuigan and Loughlin added scores in a facile win.

The Oakleafers are at home to a Cork on Sunday, their third games in a busy 15-day spell.

For Offaly, they face a spin to Dungannon to face Tyrone next Saturday, a game that will see Mickey Harte lock horns with his native county.

Scorers for Derry: S McGuigan 0-7 (1tp, 2f), N Loughlin 1-4 (p, 1f), P Cassidy 0-5 (2tp), M Downey 1-2, E Doherty, B Rogers (tp) 0-2 each, J Doherty, N Toner and N O’Donnell 0-1 each 

Scorers for Offaly: K O’Neill, H Plunkett (1tp, 0-1f) 0-3 each and J Hayes 0-2

DERRY: R Scullion; D Baker, R Forbes, S Downey; C Doherty, G McKinless, P McGrogan; J Doherty, B Rogers; E Doherty, M Downey, P Cassidy; N Loughlin, S McGuigan, N Toner Subs: R Ó Mianáin for McKinless (HT), S Young for Rogers (43), N O'Donnell for C Doherty (48), M Doherty for Baker (53), C Diamond for Downey (60) 

OFFALY: C Melia; Shane O’Toole Greene, D Dempsey, D Flynn; C Egan, D Egan, R Egan; J McEvoy, A Leavy; M Dalton, J Hayes, K O’Neill; H Plunkett, N Furlong, L Pearson Subs: D McDaid for Dempsey (HT), E Sawyer for Flynn (43), E Dunne for Dalton (48), C Dunican for Pearson (55), C Ryan for O’Toole Greene (66) Referee: F Kelly (Longford)