Updated: October 18th, 2020
FL: Derry 2-14 Longford 0-12
Derry resumed their 2020 Allianz Football League campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-14 to 0-12 victory over Longford at Celtic Park on Saturday evening.
Game Recap
Patrick Kearney’s goal just before half time put the Oak Leaf County in charge, while substitute Paul Cassidy fired a second goal in the final quarter, which gave Derry the precious two points on offer.
It was a game in which Derry had twelve separate scorers, including two points from play by midfielder Ciaran McFaul. His Glen club mate Conor Glass made his senior debut in an Oak Leaf jersey, coming on as substitute midway through the second half.
The win keeps Derry’s faint promotion hopes alive but Down are now in pole position to step up to Division Two next season. The Mournemen need a draw next week against already-relegated Louth to make sure.
Teams and scorers
Derry: Odhran Lynch, Paul McNeill, Brendan Rogers, Conor Doherty, Carlus McWilliams, Christopher McKaigue, Michael McEvoy, Ciaran McFaul, Padraig Cassidy, Ethan Doherty, Enda Lynn, Danny Tallon, Patrick Kearney, Shane McGuigan, Niall Loughlin. (Subs) Paul Cassidy for P Kearney, 52mins; Conor Glass for C McWilliams, 55mins; Oisin McWilliams for M McEvoy, 60mins; Gavin O’Neill for D Tallon, 68mins;
Derry scorers: Paul Cassidy (1-1), Patrick Kearney (1-0), Shane McGuigan (0-2, 1f), Enda Lynn (0-1), Ciaran McFaul (0-2), Niall Loughlin (0-2, 1f), Padraig Cassidy (0-1), Conor Doherty (0-1), Danny Tallon (0-1), Oisin McWilliams (0-1), Chrissy McKaigue (0-1), Brendan Rogers (0-1)
Longford: Paddy Collum, Patrick Fox, Andrew Farrell, Barry O’Farrell, Colm P Smyth, Gary Rogers, Liam Hughes, Darren Gallagher, Kevin Diffley, Donal McElligott, Daniel Mimnagh, Dessie Reynolds, Rian Brady, Liam Connerton, Oran Kenny. (Subs) Joseph Hagan for M Minmagh, 44mins; Daragh Doherty for L Hughes, 48mins; Robbie Smyth for O Kenny, 65mins; Larry Moran for R Brady, 68mins;
Longford scorers: Darren Gallagher (0-2, 2f), Rian Brady (0-4, 2f), Dessie Reynolds (0-1), Liam Connerton (0-1), Colm P Smyth (0-2), Darragh Doherty (0-1), Joseph Hagan (0-1)
Referee: Sean Laverty (Antrim)
Post-match reaction
Derry manager Rory Gallagher spoke to us after the game:
Conor Glass on his senior debut in an Oak Leaf jersey:
Game highlights
Patrick Kearney’s goal late in the first half:
Paul Cassidy pounces to score Derry’s second goal: