Football

Ulster SFC quarter-final - Derry v Tyrone analysis

What we learned about Derry

ELEVEN points was the deficit when they met Tyrone at the same stage last year, and 11 points was the difference again yesterday.

They may not have been blitzed by three goals in the first half, but this defeat won’t have been any easier to take as the Oak Leafs dragged themselves back into the game by the 45 minute mark, only to be left gasping for air thereafter.

Some good individual performances but, despite never really needing to get out of second gear, Tyrone were fairly dominant from first whistle until last, barring that Derry purple patch after the break.

Ref Watch

Maurice Deegan (Laois)

DERRY boss Damian Barton wasn’t too impressed with the Laois native’s performance and, certainly on his first half showing, you can understand why.

Some of the frees awarded to Tyrone looked soft – Karl McKaigue on Kieran McGeary early and Ciaran McFaul on Sean Cavanagh near half-time in particular.

As Derry briefly mounted a comeback after the break, they were also in receipt of two handy enough frees. Not Deegan’s best day.

Top score

DARREN McCurry impressed when he came off the bench, and his 65th minute effort from way out, off the outside of his left boot, was a welcome piece of artistry as the game petered out.