Derry looking to regain momentum

DERRY have secured promotion for next year and spot in the league final but they are looking to regain their momentum when Roscommon visit Lavey on Sunday.

Manager Johnny McGarvey said wasteful doesn’t come close to summing up last weekend’s 0-18 draw in Wicklow.

On top of their 26 wides, three shots were blocked and a further three were left short to the goalkeeper.

“We were annoyed and disappointed because we didn’t play very well,” she said.

“I think when you want to go to where we want to get to, you have to be consistent in your performances and expect that your results will come.”

While Derry were “very frustrated”, McGarvey feels it could be a valuable reality check after winning three games with a reasonable level of comfort.

“Every day you go out, you have to be at it,” he added. “Momentum is now the thing and we are disappointed we lost a bit on Sunday so we want to get back to winning ways.

“We want to get ready for the league final, whoever we play, and Roscommon will be treated the same way we treat everybody else.

“The harsh reality is that for as badly as we felt we played on Sunday we still should’ve been comfortable winners.

“We put ourselves in a position and we didn’t finish it off and ended up with a draw.

“We will prepare well this weekend and put out a team capable of winning the match.”

A glance ahead to next season and Derry will be mixing it with Down, Meath, Kildare and Kerry in the new-look third tier.

For McGarvey, he feels that’s what the “big picture” of the Oakleaf County’s future and a base to push on from.

“You have quite a few Christy Ring Cup winners in there and a few teams who’d fancy themselves to win it,” he said, adding his approval of the new five-tier structure.

“I think they are really competitive leagues and if you are good enough to win them and go again.

“From a Derry point of view, promotion was always the goal. We want to win the league and go on to prepare for the Christy Ring Cup. London and Donegal would be in the same position.”