All-Ireland MFC QF: Derry book semi spot with thrilling win over Longford

Derry are through to the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship semi-finals after a thrilling quarter-final win over Longford at Brewster Park in Enniskillen this afternoon.

Trailing by four points at half-time, the young Oakleafers fought back in the second period to clinch victory in the dying minutes on a scoreline of 0-12 to 2-04.

The Oakleafers scored with their first attack, Brian Cassidy putting over the bar after being set up by his Slaughtneil team-mate Shane McGuigan.

Conor Berry brought the sides level before McGuigan (pictured) converted a free and put over a fine score from play to put Derry two points ahead again after 19 minutes.

However, the Leinster youngsters fought back and took the lead with two goals in three minutes.

They went ahead in the 23rd minute when Darragh Doherty drove to the corner of the net.

The lead was extended in the 26th minute when the Derry defence failed to deal with a Berry free and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Berry and Glen’s Conor Glass (pictured) exchanged points to leave the half-time score 0-04 to 2-02.

Cassidy brought Derry back to within three points shortly after the restart when he finished off a move started by Glass.

Berry restored Longford’s four point advantage with a free in the 36th minute.

Glen’s Jack Doherty brought Derry back to within a single score with a point in the 42nd minute before McGuigan made it a “two point game” on a scoreline of 0-08 to 2-04 with a converted free six minutes later.

Two further points from McGuigan had the sides level on a scoreline of 0-10 to 2-04 with five minutes left.

Doherty put Derry in front two minutes later before Glass sealed a semi-final spot shortly before the end and keep alive the Oakleafers’ hopes of winning their first Minor title in 13 years.