Big test for Derry as Dubs come to town

The Dubs come to town this weekend with both Derry and Dublin targeting league glory after 100% winning starts. Saturday’s pivotal league encounter will go a long way in deciding who triumphs in Division 2. Throw-in is at 5pm in Celtic Park.

The teams, who are neck and neck at the top of the Division 2 table, go into the showdown in fine form - winning all four of their league outings to date.

Derry impressed in Newbridge last weekend to see off Kildare by 14 points while Dublin were less convincing in their home meeting with Clare - scraping past the Banner County by one point thanks to a last-minute goal.

Derry full forward Shane McGuigan has been key to their success so far. The Slaughtneil marksman scored another 1-7 at the weekend to help guide the team to their away victory in Kildare.

Dessie Farrell’s Dublin side will offer a stiffer test for Rory Gallagher’s outfit this week. Experienced and skilful forward Con O'Callaghan will be among a number of notable names that Derry will have to keep tabs on if they are to get a result.

Speaking on the highly anticipated Dublin fixture, Gallagher told Derry GAA’s social media: “It is an ideal situation to go into the fifth game having won our first four - but Dublin are the same. We have to go out and prove ourselves again.”

The people of Derry will be out in force to cheer on their team with promotion to the top tier looking like a real possibility, especially if the Oak-leaf County can overcome the Boys in Blue. The year ahead seems bright for last year’s Ulster champions. A win this weekend would bring Derry a long way and build confidence for the upcoming All-Ireland Championship.

This Saturday’s (March 4) league meeting in Derry will also be shown live on RTÉ2 with coverage starting at 4.30pm.