Football

Jockeying for position continues in Derry SFC

O'Neills Derry SFC Round 2

THE jockeying for position in the group stages of the Derry SFC continues this weekend with a full round of games down for decision.

Champions Slaughtneil take on Lavey this evening at Owenbeg (7.30), aiming to back up their comfortable win over Claudy.

Lavey started with six of their 2019 Ulster minor winning team in their defeat to Swatragh.

Fintan Bradley missed the game with a hamstring injury that kept him out of their hurling championship clash last weekend.

When the sides met in the latter stages of the league, the Erin's Own men played some great football on their way to a half-time lead before the home side turned it around on their way to victory.

Shane McGuigan and Christopher Bradley have formed the basis for Slaughtneil's attacking axis in a team bunged with championship nous, tipped to continue their winning ways.

Bellaghy host 2019 champions Magherafelt who they beat earlier in the season on their way to finishing third in the league.

The Tones struggled to secure primary possession in their opening round defeat to Glen and could start midfielder Chrissy Downey this evening (5.00).

Magherafelt had Conor Kearns playing in a more advanced role in their win over Kilrea, with goalkeeper Odhran Lynch playing as sweeper 'keeper to great effect. Three squandered first-half goal chances left them to battle their way to a four-point victory. They should make it two wins from two today's tightly contested game.

Loup travel to Dungiven this afternoon, with both teams chasing a second win. The teams met in last year's knockout stages, with Loup comfortable winners. It has the making of a much tighter affair today, with Paddy Bradley's side tipped for a similar result.

Swatragh were the big winners from Round 1 with their victory in Lavey and should add a second when they take on Claudy, who have yet to win a game this season.

Sunday's game of the day takes place at Owenbeg (2.00) where 2018 champions Coleraine take on Newbridge.

Eoghan Rua, with Ciaran McGoldrick and Lorcan McMullen to the fore, put their indifferent league campaign behind them with an impressive showing to see off Banagher.

A up and coming Newbridge were four-point winners over Ballinderry after being in control for long periods. Manager Killian Conlan has converted midfielder Nathan Rocks into their new goalkeeper in front of a defence marshalled by Derry player Paudi McGrogan.

Conor McAteer will be a marked man in Coleraine's book after his fine kicking performance against the Shamrocks. This game will have a say in who tops the group and has the potential to finish on level terms.

Ballinderry and Banagher met in last year's championship at the same stage, when Ryan Bell's 2-7 tally shot them to victory, aided by a fine performance from Gareth McKinless.

The Shamrocks failed to score from play until a stoppage point and will need an improved performance to face a Banagher team who have saved their best displays when backed into a corner in the championship. If Tiarnán Moore can cut loose, Banagher could come through this one.

Ballinascreen were unlucky not to get anything out of their clash with Loup, but will get of a winning start this weekend if they can carry their second-half performance into this one.

Glen take on Kilrea in the last game of the weekend at Pearse Park, a repeat of last year's knock-out round game won by the Watties who are expected to prevail again.

O'Neills Derry SFC Round 2

(First named team has home advantage unless stated)

Today (Saturday)

Swatragh v Claudy (2.00 in Owenbeg), Dungiven v Loup (3.30), Bellaghy v Magherafelt (5.00) and Slaughtneil v Lavey (7.30 in Owenbeg)

Tomorrow (Sunday)

Newbridge v Coleraine (2.00 in Owenbeg), Foreglen v Ballinascreen (3.30), Ballinderry v Banagher (6.30 in Owenbeg) and Kilrea v Glen (6.30).