EirGrid Ulster Under 20 Football Semi-Final

DERRY 1-14 FERMANAGH 1-11

By Francis Mooney at Healy Park

Derry made took another positive step in the defence of their Ulster Under 20 Football Championship title, but they were pushed right to the limit by a plucky Fermanagh side at Healy Park.

The Erne men came so close to sending this semi-final to extra-time as Dara McBrien’s shot was deflected past a post just when it looked to be destined for the bottom corner of the net.

But the Oak Leafers were also denied goals on a night of many opportunities at the Omagh venue, with Lakeland goalkeeper Cian Newman pulling off a couple of stunning saves.

It was Declan Cassidy’s goal at the start of the second half that made all the difference in the end, and while Cameron McBrien pulled back a Fermanagh goal, they were never able to close the gap.

Darragh mcGurn’s accuracy from placed balls had Fermanaghh in the strong position in the early stages, but once Derry began to figure out the opposition kick-out, they reeled off three points on the spin, two of them from Lorcan McWilliams, to open out a two points lead.

Skipper Cameron McBrien was a constant inspiration to his side, always on the move and up in support, firing over a point, before a Josh Largo Ellis score levelled the sides.

Derry, with Conleth McBrien on target, took a 0-7 to 0-6 lead into the break, and the second half was barely a minute old when Declan Cassidy’s low shot found its way under the body of ‘keeper Newman.

Five minutes later Fermanagh, now five behind, got themselves right back into it when Cameron McBrien punched a McGurn free kick to the net.

But Derry had strong and able bodies on the bench, and the Doherty brothers made a real impact, with Alex bringing a brilliant save from Newman, and Ethan firing over a superb point.

Going into the last couple of minutes they led by five, but Fermanagh were far from finished, and scores from John Reihill and Paul Breen left a goal in it.

They almost got that crucial three-pointer, but it was not to be for the brave Lakelanders, and Derry moved on to face either Tyrone or Cavan in the decider.

Scorers for Derry: D Cassidy 1-2, L McWilliams 0-4 (3fs), C McShane 0-3, P Cassidy and F Bradley (2 45s) 0-2 each, A Doherty 0-1.

Scorers for Fermanagh: D McGurn 0-5 (5fs), C McBrien 1-1, C Jones, D McBrien, J Largo Ellis, J Rehill, and P Breen (f) 0-1 each.

DERRY: O Hartin; O McGill, C McCluskey, S McKeever; D Cassidy, P McGrogan, F Bradley; D Rafferty, K Friel; C McShane, M McGrogan, S McErlain; L McWilliams, T McHugh, P Cassidy.

Subs: A Doherty for McWilliams (h-t), E Doherty for McHugh (38), E Mulholland for P Cassidy (60), J McAtamney for McShane (63).

FERMANAGH: C Newman; E Shiels, J Cassidy, F Keenan; U Kelm, J Largo Ellis, R Breen; E Beacom, B Horan; C McBrien, C Jones, D McBrien; C Love, S Cassidy, D McGurn.

Subs: P Breen for Kelm (35), J Reihill for Cassidy (37), L Owens for Jones (51), C McNally for Love (55), M Dixon for C McBrien (63)

REFEREE: N McKenna (Monaghan).