Down set to lock horns with Oakleafers

By Shaun Casey

TWO of Ulster’s unbeaten teams put their records on the line this weekend as Derry and Down do battle at Owenbeg on Saturday. Both teams got their Division Two campaigns up and running with first-round wins and will aim to continue that trend.

It’s two years since these sides crossed paths in the league. Down were operating in Division 2A last season, when they reached the league semi-finals, while Derry claimed the Division 2B league title in 2024.

The 2023 meeting was extremely close and in the end, the two couldn’t be separated, drawing 0-23 to 1-20 with a converted Cormac O’Doherty penalty earning Derry a share of the spoils.

That shared point proved to be the only one either side would pick up during the campaign, although it was Down who clung onto their Division 2A status, with Derry going to Division 2B, due to their superior score difference.

Saturday’s showdown could prove to be just as tight as another two important points are up for grabs. Following on from their first-round wins, neither side will want to take a backward step.

The Mourne men welcomed Kildare to Ballycran for a tricky opener last Saturday, but Ronan Sheehan’s side came out on top with the old adage of goals win games ringing true as the men in red and black raised two green flags.

Daithí Sands and Shea Pucci, a member of last year’s All-Ireland u-20 winning squad, both hit the net and Down showed real resilience to rally against an impressive Kildare comeback, with Sheehan’s team landing five points on the trot when the game was up for grabs.

Experienced net-minder Stephen Keith was called into action and saved a first-half penalty that could have proved decisive although Down also missed a penalty. Portaferry clubman Tom McGrattan was in fine form in front of the posts as well, landing 0-8.

A Gerald Bradley goal was the critical score for Derry as they saw off old foes Tyrone in round one. Johnny McGarvey’s side, who had travelled to Healy Park, Omagh for a repeat of last year’s Division 2B final, left with two points to spare.

Christy McNaughton was another who caught the eye for the Oakleaf County, top scoring for his side on the night with 0-5, and Down will be well aware of his threat. Down head into the game as slight favourites, but they’ll have to live up to that tag to ensure victory.