Sport

Glen to face Magherafelt in repeat of 2019 Derry decider

Slaughtneil's Conor McAllister with Joe Polley and Liam Connolly of Claudy during the Derry Senior Football Championship match at Dungiven on Sunday Picture: Margaret McLaughlin.
Slaughtneil's Conor McAllister with Joe Polley and Liam Connolly of Claudy during the Derry Senior Football Championship match at Dungiven on Sunday Picture: Margaret McLaughlin. Slaughtneil's Conor McAllister with Joe Polley and Liam Connolly of Claudy during the Derry Senior Football Championship match at Dungiven on Sunday Picture: Margaret McLaughlin.

REIGNING champions Glen were drawn to face Magherafelt in a repeat of the 2019 decider in last night’s quarter-final draw.

Slaughtneil face neighbours Swatragh after the Emmet’s’ 3-19 to 0-3 win over Claudy yesterday, with Jerome McGuigan (2) and Cormac O’Doherty finding the net.

McGuigan hit his first goal early on, with Brian Cassidy, Shane McGuigan and Christopher Bradley getting early scores on the way to a 1-7 to 0-2 interval lead.

The Emmet’s, who had Padraig Cassidy in action as a second half sub, added two second-half goals in a facile win.

Lavey were 0-13 to 0-8 winners over Steelstown with Niall Toner, Matthew and Enda Downey sharing seven points.

They were without the injured Shea Downey, but led 0-7 to 0-5 at the break, with Kevin O’Neill having the game’s only goal chance saved before tapping over from the rebound.

Cahir McMonagle (3) and Ben McCarron (2) were on target for Steelstown, but Lavey were always in control. A wonder score from substitute Daniel McKinless saw Ballinderry edge out Coleraine last night (0-13 to 1-9) at Owenbeg.

A Colm McGoldrick free looked to have sent a tight affair to extra-time before goalkeeper Ben McKinless built from the back and Daniel McKinless curled between the posts.

A brief melee followed, with Gareth McKinless and Barry McGoldrick shown straight red cards after a spell of consultation among officials.

Lorcan McMullen hit two early points before his 23rd minute goal opened a 1-4 to 0-5 margin.

The Shamrocks trailed by two points at the break before Charlie Crozier, Niall O’Donnell and Glenn McOscar edged them ahead.

Ballinderry’s two-point lead looked like a platform to build on, but two Niall Holly scores brought Eoghan Rua back into the game before McKinless shot Ballinderry to victory.

Eight points from Derry star Conor Doherty shot Newbridge on the way to a 0-13 to 0-9 win over Loup.

The ’Bridge led 0-4 to 0-3 after a tame first half dominated by long spells of keeping possession.

Doherty (2), Ciaran Brooks and Paudi McGrogan kicked Loup five points clear and they never looked in any danger.

Ciaran Devlin hit two frees to reduce the gap to three, but Newbridge were always able to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Reigning champions Glen were 3-11 to 1-7 winners over Ballinascreen on Saturday with goals from brothers Alex and Ethan Doherty.

Alex Doherty put Glen 1-2 ahead before goalkeeper Ryan Scullion denied Conleth McGuckian from close range and Conor Glass chipped over the 45.

Ballinascreen registered their first score from a 20th minute free from Jon Paul Devlin and trailed 1-5 to 0-3 at the break.

Glen lacked the punch they had on show in last year’s title trail, but were sparked into life when a Benny Heron goal left three points between the teams with 20 minutes to go.

Alex and Ethan Doherty hit goals inside a minute to shoot Glen to a comfortable win.

Underdogs Kilrea pushed Magherafelt every step of the way until a late goal from substitute Niall Higgins put Rossa on their way to a 1-13 to 0-10 win.

The Pearse’s led 0-5 to 0-1 thanks to two fine PJ McAleese points, with Larry Kielt and Ruaidhrí Donaghy having a platform at midfield. Magherafelt were level (0-6 each) by half time with more variation to their kick-outs.

Kilrea were always able to keep their noses in front, but will rue four missed chances in the third quarter.

When Magherafelt eventually rode the storm, Danny Heavron made the goal for Higgins, with Conor McCluskey and Michael McEvoy tagging on the insurance points.

A rejuvenated Dungiven were 4-12 to 1-8 winners over neighbours Banagher with Cahir Higgins and Niall McGonagle in fine form at attack.

Banagher had early joy with their use of direct ball to onside forwards Tiarnán Moore and Mark Lynch, but when McGonagle made a goal for Daire McKeever the game changed in Dungiven’s favour.

Donal McGilligan added a second goal as Dungiven led 2-5 to 0-6 at the break.

Eoin Devine scored Banagher’s goal early in the second half, with Kevin Johnston scoring Dungiven’s third before McGonagle rounded off a fine performance with a goal with five minutes to go.

Derry SFC quarter finals

Lavey v Ballinderry

Newbridge v Dungiven

Magherafelt v Glen

Slaughtneil v Swatragh

Games to be played on the weekend of

October 1/2

Derry SFC relegation play-offs

Coleraine v Kilrea

Banagher v Steelstown

Loup v Claudy

Bellaghy v Ballinascreen

Games to be played on the weekend of

October 8/9