Derry tinker with defence for Down clash

Conor Nevin won an Ulster Club title with Ballinderry in 2013

Derry have named the team which will play Down in Sunday’s Round two McKenna Cup clash (Pairc Esler 2pm).

There are five changes to the team which started against Armagh last weekend, changes mainly to the defence.

Thomas Mallon replaces Ben McKinless in goals. Ronan Murphy (Ballinascreen), Conor McGrogan (Newbridge), Conor Nevin (Ballinderry), and midfielder Patrick Kearney (Swatragh) have also been handed their first starts of the season.

Michael Warnock (Glen) and Patrick Coney (Loup) – who started against Armagh last weekend – drop to the bench. Jack Doherty and Oisin Hegarty had also started against the Orchard but they are not named on the panel.

Derry team to play Down, (Sunday, Pairc Esler, 2pm):

Thomas Mallon

Ronan Murphy, Oisin Duffin, Conor McGrogan

Neil Forester, Conor Nevin, Peter Hagan,

Patrick Kearney, Aidan McLaughlin,

Gavin O’Neill, Ryan Bell, Carlus McWilliams

Niall Loughlin, Emmett McGuckin , Benny Heron