Updated: June 4th, 2021

HL: Derry 3-22 v Donegal 3-21

Derry’s senior hurlers recorded their opening win of the 2021 Allianz Hurling League, following an exciting shoot-out at Ballinascreen.

Game recap

The Oak Leafers were quickest out of the blocks and raced into a nine-point lead in the second quarter of the game, following goals from Slaughtneil forward duo Sé McGuigan and Brian Cassidy. But a strong response from Donegal meant that the Oak Leafers would have their margin cut to five points at the break (2-13 1-11).

Sé McGuigan celebrates his first half goal (Photo: Margaret McLaughlin)

The high-scoring continued in the second-half as Donegal ate into Derry’s lead. Goals from Ciaran Mathewson and Gerry Gilmore sandwiched a third Derry goal, from midfielder John Mullan and suddenly Derry held just a two-point lead at the midway stage of the second period.

The teams traded scores in the final quarter, with Donegal drawing level as the game entered added time. Step forward Oak Leaf captain Cormac O’Doherty who struck a free from his own half – his thirteenth point of the game – to secure a valuable two points for his side.

Derry’s final group game is next Saturday (June 12th) at home to Roscommon.

Teams and scorers

Derry: Oisin O’Doherty; Conor McAllister, Brian Óg McGilligan, Darragh McCloskey; Sean Cassidy, Conor Kelly, Meehaul McGrath; John Mullan (1-1), Gerald Bradley (0-1); Mark McGuigan, Cormac O’Doherty (0-13) Richie Mullan (0-3); Odhran McKeever (0-1), Brian Cassidy (1-2), Sé McGuigan (1-1)
Subs: Shea Cassidy for O McKeever (50), Brendan Laverty for R Mullan (67)

Donegal: Luke White; Padraig Doherty, Stephen Gillespie, Mark Callaghan; Christopher McDermott, Gavin Browne, Michael Donaghue; Conor O’Grady (0-1), Danny Cullen (0-1); Ciaran Matthewson (1-4), Ronan McDermott (1-2), Gerry Gilmore (1-1); Bernard Lafferty, Declan Coulter (0-10), Richie Ryan (0-2)
Subs: Sean McVeigh for M Callaghan (HT), Ryan Hilferty for P Doherty (57), Ruairi Campbell for B Lafferty (61)

Referee: James Clarke (Cavan)

Around the web

Teamsheets

Download teamsheets for the game using the link below (PDF format):