Derry Senior Football Championship: Glen earn first victory in defence of title

Glen, the Derry Senior Football Championship (SFC) champions, secured their first victory of the season.

The All-Ireland club champions grabbed a two-point victory over Bellaghy on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-8. 

Glen Watties kept Bellaghy at arms length throughout the match, as they led 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval. And the return of Conor Glass from injury, with the inspirational midfielder playing 20 minutes of the match, would encourage the club; an injury late on to Ciaran McFaul, though, is a bit worrying.

Slaughtneil looked imperious as they put Swatragh to the sword as they continued their perfect start to their championship. 

A 1-22 to 0-8 victory to build off their last round win over Glen has put them at the top of Group A. 

Shane McGuigan continued his fine form in the championship as he kicked 0-7 for the home side, and Mark Doran’s looked incredibly well drilled again, something we have come to expect from the six-time SFC champions. 

And in the final game of Group A, Dungiven secured a 2-12 to 1-10 victory over the Senior League champions. 

A second-half goal from Niall McGonigle proved to be the decisive moment of the game, as the home side secured their first victory of the championship, leaving Kilrea rooted to the bottom of the group.

Meanwhile, in Group B, Magherafelt and Newbridge continued their perfect starts to the championship. 

The latter secured victory over a commanding win after a dominant performance over Loup to keep them top of the group. 

First-half goals from Conor Doherty and Conor McAteer steered the 1989 champions to victory, taking the game out of reach early on. 

Oisin Doherty hit six points for the winners as the side ran off 3-16 to 0-7 over Loup, with a late goal from Patrick McMullan to emphasise the comprehensive win.

Meanwhile, it was a magical scoring performance from Shane Heavron that earned Magherafelt a narrow victory over Intermediate League champions Lavey. 

Eight points from the forward meant the home side would win on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-11. The game was nip and tuck throughout, with the sides level four times in the second half, but Heavron’s eighth point secured the victory. 

Late chances were squandered by Lavey, who will be questioning what they have to do to get a win after losing both of their opening games by a point. 

And in the other game of the group, Steelstown secured their first victory as they secured a 0-12 to 0-10 win over Ballinascreen. 

Brian Ógs were wasteful in front of goal, but the point-taking from Ryan Devine proved to be the difference as the home side moved into the spots for the quarterfinals.