Derry U20s hit with late Tyrone winner at Celtic Park

Ulster U20 Football Championship

Tyrone 0-13

Derry 1-9

Derry were hit with a late, late sucker punch as Gavin Potter won the game with a 63^rd minute winner at Celtic Park.

It came after Johnny McGuckian’s goal had levelled the game for the sixth time in a slow burner that finished with a flourish.

Derry must pick up the pieces ahead of next week’s trip to take on Monaghan in Castleblayney, whereas unbeaten Tyrone have the chance to top the group and notch an automatic semi-final spot.

In a game that was level on six occasions, Derry were twice two points ahead in the first half with points from Eoin Higgins, Oisin Doherty and Cahir Spiers.

The pick of the point was a booming Ryan McNicholl point for Derry but it was Joey Clarke who levelled matters at half-time, 0-5 each.

Two Ronan Cassidy points had Tyrone ahead before Oisin Doherty (twice) scored to tie the game once again.

With 10 minutes to go, Tyrone took control with points from substitutes Ruairi McCullagh and Noah Grimes.

Derry, who had squandered three point chances, came with a late goal. After Tyrone looked to have their house in order, a switch of the play saw Johnny McGuckian in space. After using his pace, McGuckian blasted to the top corner.

There was time for a winner and when Conor McAneney plonked a kick-out down the wing for Conor O’Neill to wing. Noah Grimes was involved and Potter fisted over the bar.

It looked enough for Tyrone but when McGuckian hit the net, they needed Potter’s late, late winner.

Derry: C Armstrong; F McEldowney, C Heron, R Small; C McGrogan (0-1), J Murray, D McDermott; R Forbes, T Rogers (0-1 45); C Spiers (0-1), R McGill, J McGuckian (1-0); E Higgins (0-1), R McNicholl (0-1), O Doherty (0-4, 2f)
Subs: N O’Donnell for R McNicholl (54), S Young for C McGrogan (56)

Tyrone: C McAneney; J Clarke (0-1), B Hughes, Conor Devlin; S O'Hare (0-1), M Rafferty, C Daly (0-1); R Fox (0-1), C O'Neill, Cormac Devlin, E McElholm, G Potter (0-2); R Cassidy (0-2, 1f), C Owens (0-2, 1m), O Gormley (0-1)

Subs: O Brolly for Conor Devlin (48), R McCullagh (0-1) for S O’Hare (48), N Grimes (0-1m) for C Owens (57), P McCann for R Fox (61)

Referee: E McFeely (Donegal)