Derry are into the final of this year's Dr. McKenna Cup.

They beat Monaghan 2-12 to 1-13  at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh to book their place in the decider which takes place next Saturday. Their opponents will be Tyrone, the holders, who beat Fermanagh 0-14 to 0-11 in the other semi-final.

Derry took the lead through an early James Kielt free and clearly had the better of the early exchanges as Aidan McLaughlin and Enda Lynn added further scores before Monaghan registered their first point through Kieran Hughes on 13 minutes.

At the break, Derry led 0-6 to 0-4 with Niall Loughlin (2) and Kielt getting the other scores before the break.

With 40 minutes gone, Derry led 0-8 to 0-6.

But with Conor McManus buzzing, Monaghan led 0-11 to 0-10 on the 63 minute mark thanks to a Drew Wylie point and the drama was really mounting with the game very much in the balance.

A James Kielt goal in the 69th minute swung the game back in Derry's favour and saw them lead 2-11 to 1-11 going into five minutes of additional time.

Niall Loughlin and Fintan Kelly traded points to leave Derry ahead 2-12 to 1-12.

Barry McGinn pulled another point back for Monaghan, but Derry held on for a great victory.

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