Tally rues missed chances as Derry comeback falls short

A DISAPPOINTED Derry manager Paddy Tally rued their missed goal chances as Ethan Rafferty closed the door on their comeback on Saturday night.

Armagh led by three points at half time before hitting the first four points of the second half to get control of the All-Ireland opener.

Goals from Barry McCambridge and Conor Turbitt helped Armagh push 13 points clear before Derry’s comeback.

While Conor Glass and Dan Higgins bagged Derry goals, Rafferty denied Brendan Rogers on three occasions with his cousin Tommy – on his debut – also seeing a a shot blocked by Rafferty.

“I was disappointed because we created enough chances in that second half to not only to get something out of it but to win the game,” Tally said after Saturday’s defeat.

“I think we had maybe four goal chances, Ethan Rafferty pulled off four saves in that second half which is disappointing.

“On a day like that, you have to be taking your goal chances when you’re creating them because they’re hard to get.

“At the same time, I’m very proud of the players because they could have put the tools down there at one stage and it didn’t look good but they really dug in. I’m also delighted with the boys coming off the bench.”

Danny McDermott and Tommy Rogers made their debuts, while it was a first championship appearance for Anton Tohill and Ryan Mulholland.

“We had cubs started in the first match today. Ruairí Forbes started his first game, Patrick McGurk, young fella getting a big start for himself today

“Those boys did really well when they came in. I am Happy for them but just disappointed we didn’t get something out of the match.”