Derry come back from three points down to secure semi-final place

Derry 0-13

Down 0-10 

It took them until half-time to get going but Derry backed up their midweek win with victory over Down on Saturday night. 

As the current champions, it also secures a spot next weekend’s semi-finals ahead of Wednesday’s final round of group games.  

Derry stormed back from three points down to secure a second win of the season. 

Down who were out the blocks at the start with a fine James Guinness point from the wing before Diarmuid Baker levelled matters by the eight minute. 

Odhran Murdock was having an influence at midfield with Pat Havern (2) and Liam Kerr - all from placed balls - kicking Derry into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. 

Derry need a stroke of luck to stay in the game. A long ball from Odhrán Murdock was won by Ceilum Doherty who had goal on his mind but after failing to secure possession he had to settle for a point. 

Daniel Guinness and Murdock curled over points to cement Down’s commanding position. 

Derry did find a way into the game with two Paul Cassidy points and McGuigan slotting over two frees to keep the home side in touch at the break, 0-8 to 0-5. 

Shane McGuigan narrowed the gap to two points before the turning point. Liam Kerr fluffed a close range free and when Derry broke upfield, Chrissy McKaigue curled over. 

A point from the lively Declan Cassidy levelled matters before Loughlin put Derry in front. 

Niall Loughlin, Gareth McKinless and Conor Doherty kicked three late scores to seal victory. 

Derry: Ryan Scullion; Diarmuid Baker (0-1), Eoin McEvoy, Chrissy McKaigue (0-1); Conor Doherty (0-2), Gareth McKinless (0-1), Paudi McGrogan; Donncha Gilmore, Brendan Rogers; Ruairi Forbes, Declan Cassidy (0-1), Paul Cassidy (0-2); Niall Toner, Shane McGuigan (0-3f), Niall Loughlin (0-2, 1f) 

Subs: Ben McCarron for N Toner (50), Mark Doherty for R Forbes (66), Patrick McGurk for G McKinless (79) 

Down: John O'Hare; Peter Fegan, Ryan McEvoy, Patrick McCarthy; Micéal Rooney, Ceilum Doherty (0-1), Pierce Laverty; Odhrán Murdock (0-1), Johnny Flynn (0-1); James Guinness (0-1), Daniel Guinness (0-1), Liam Kerr (0-1f); Gareth McKibben, Pat Havern (0-3, 1f, 1m), Oisin Savage 

Subs: Finn McElroy for M Rooney (INJ 35+2), Conor McCrickard for J Guinness (43), Andrew Gilmore (0-1f) for O Savage (50), Ryan Magill for R McEvoy (53), Pol Quinn for G McKibben (63)   

Referee: Enda McFeely (Donegal)