Allianz Football League Division Two round three
Derry v Meath (Saturday, Owenbeg, 5pm, live on RTÉ2)
BACK in the day, Derry against Meath was a big draw. Whether the setting was Navan, Ballinascreen or Celtic Park, the Royals and the Oak Leafers always brought a Championship-type ferocity to their League clashes.
Both teamsheets had a perfect blend of tough competitors chiselled from granite from defence to midfield, while their forward lines had more than a sprinkle of stardust.
While never more than a kick of the ball between them, Derry held the upper hand and became Meath’s bogey team during this time.
The best Meath could muster was a 1-12 apiece draw in the 2000 League final. A last-minute Trevor Giles free earned the Royals a get-out-of-jail card after Graham Geraghty had been sent off.
In the replay an Anthony Tohill goal midway through the first half gave Derry a narrow two-point win in Clones.
The intervening years weren’t too kind on either set-up, but the recent signs all point to brighter days ahead for both counties. Currently only scoring difference separates them at the top of Division Two.
While Derry claimed expected wins against Limerick and Louth respectively, Meath’s early-season promise has raised a few eyebrows following victories over Cork and Clare.
The manner of the away win in Cork on the opening weekend in particular served notice that Meath mean business this year.
Colm O’Rourke has made no secret of the fact he is aiming for promotion at the first time of asking. It’s quite a remarkable turnaround for a side that only just survived dropping into Division Three last year.
A new direct approach has proved to be so far, somewhat successful. 3-14 was put on Cork while a return of 4-8 was posted against Clare two weeks ago.
It’s unlikely that Cillian O’Sullivan, Donal Lenihan and Shane Walsh will be afforded the same opportunities against what is usually a watertight Derry defence.
Indeed, Walsh’s involvement in the contest hangs in the balance as the full-forward aims to recover from a hamstring injury picked up in the win over the Banner county last time out.
If he does miss out O’Rourke can still call upon the experienced pair Shane McEntee or Thomas O’Reilly.
At the other end, Harry Hogan has kept two clean sheets but the concession of 0-19 and 0-16 respectively does suggest that there is an over-reliance of scoring goals to get them over the line.
After scraping past Louth last time out, the Ulster champions will be delighted to be back in the wide surroundings of Owenbeg.
Space was at a premium in Ardee. More than once Louth were able to guide Derry down blind alleys and uncharacteristically, the Ulster champions coughed up possession too easily. It was a test of Derry’s mental resolve which they passed thanks to Niall Toner’s late goal.
Missing from that win was Gareth McKinless. The Ballinderry man wasn’t risked due to a hamstring strain. McKinless loves to play on the front foot and his ability to break defensive lines was badly missed in Louth.
If he misses out again, Derry will hope that Padraig McGrogan can carry on where he left off last time out. The Newbridge man showed great composure in times of need and he also finished with two points to his name.
Derry may not have posted the big scores that Meath have registered, but the Royals are yet to face a defensive unit as rigid as Derry’s and if they are to leave Owenbeg with the win then a change of tact will have to be used.
If not, it’s likely to be Derry who finish the weekend with their unbeaten record intact.
Padraig McGrogan played a key role in Derry’s win over Louth last time out Picture: Margaret McLaughlin
