Derry to face 'juggernaught' Dublin at Croke Park

Allianz NFL Division One final   |   Derry v Dublin   |   Sunday, Croke Park, 4pm

Derry’s level of performance for early part of Sunday’s win over Roscommon won’t count in this weekend’s League final showdown with Dublin insists manager Mickey Harte

He referenced how his side were facing a “juggernaut” after the All-Ireland champions Dublin his native Tyrone for 5-18 at Croke Park on Sunday.

“That's where they're at so we have to go there and see how you can manage to play against them this time again,” he said, hinting at their only defeat of the season, against Dublin, at Celtic Park earlier this month.

“In Croke Park, it probably won't be any easier, but it's great to be in the final and to be in the final, you had to be consistent and we were consistent across the seven games and that's why we're going next week for a final.”

Harte has won the other 10 games since taking over as the Oakleafers’ manager with success in the McKenna Cup coming along the way.

There were 10 debuts handed out and Matthew Downey was the 37th player used when he was introduced during Sunday’s win.

“You need to be more consistent and playing at a higher level across the whole game,” Harte said of Sunday’s win over Roscommon.

“You know we have to learn as we go as well and obviously next week the level of our performance for the first 40-45 minutes wouldn't leave us in a very good place.”

Derry were 1-8 to 1-5 ahead at the break with the visitors back on level terms within seven minutes.

With Ethan Doherty, Donncha Gilmore and Lachlan Murray to the fore, Derry hit 1-11 to a lone Roscommon point from Conor Cox in the final 30 minutes.

Over the game, Derry hit all but their opening point from open play but lost Gareth McKinless to a broken nose after eight minutes.

“You never know what can happen,” said Harte of McKinless, who made a return from a hamstring injury in their win over Mayo.

“I suppose now with guards and things that people put on and then depending on how much of a chance the person wants to take. Maybe he can play in the not-too-distant future, but I'll leave that in the hands of the medics.”

Sunday marks Derry’s return to the Division One final for the first time in 10 years. Ironically, Dublin were the opponents and won comfortably with Derry relegated the following season as their freefall to Division Four began.

There is also the baggage from last year’s Division Two final when the Dubs hit four goals in a facile win.

Looking at Dublin’s win earlier this month, Harte referenced how Dublin skillset caused his side trouble.

“They have and that belief in each other and you know the history obviously of six All-Irelands in the not-too-distant past,” he added of the threat. “You don't have that and not have a good number of those players still playing.

Derry and Dublin will meet again this Sunday, this time in the league final at Croke Park. (Photo: Dan Sheridan/INPHO)

“They've been to lots of places and they've dug themselves out of difficult places and they have a lot of quality. Their system of play is very difficult to deal with.

“They're difficult to break down and they're difficult to stop so they've a lot of things to be dealing with.”

League final debate

Harte is firmly on one side of the argument when it comes to the question of scrapping league finals.

"I tend to agree that there's too many people whinging about today's football and I think it's a very good product," he explained. "And of course, there's always been bad games and there's always days when the pace of the play is a bit pedestrian and people aren't really doing much with the ball. That happens but that's not the norm. That happens from time to time.

“Look at the league this year, look at the results, look at the scorelines. That's good football, that's exciting football, that's entertainment.

“I've seen a lot of football since the 60s nearly and the 70s and if we go back and look at that today, it's not very exciting but it was the best there was at that time and everybody accepted that. I never remember a whole host of people looking to change the rules, tear up the script, write new rules, do everything.

“Just leave it alone for a change and take out the positives that's happening in the game and accept that there'll be negatives and there'll be some games that won't be as good as others and some teams won't be as efficient as others or as good simply on the field. That's life. But just to go write new rules because of that. Some of the rules that are suggested are a bit crazy too but anyway that's a debate for another day.”

Sunday's game will come ahead of a break before the start of the Ulster Championship, when Derry will go in search of their third successive title. Harte knows what's on the horizon.

“We're fortunate that they're not out the week after or even two weeks after," he said. "It's good to have three weeks after a league final and we're pleased about that. But then again that's a new ball game and the Ulster Championship just takes on a life of its own. So, whatever happens in the league we know for sure it's not the kind of performance that's going to cut in the Championship. We all have to raise the bar to a new level.”