Derry hurlers host London in a Christy Ring Cup quarter-final clash at Owenbeg this afternoon (throw-in 2.00pm).

Derry will be seeking revenge for a shock defeat by today’s opponents at Celtic Park in 2012 in a game the Oak Leafers were “dead and buried” by the interval.

London, once again will be the underdogs, but by will be no pushovers as they always looked the better side in Newbridge on Saturday past when they overcame reigning holders Kildare in their round one replay.

They been inseparable even by extra-time in the first game. London had held a seven-point lead early in the second half but needed a Luke Hands goal to eventually rescue a replay for the Exiles.

Martin Duggan also netted that afternoon and the experienced Clare man hit a hat-trick on Saturday to edge the holders into the back door and give London the same opportunity as Derry, to reach the last four through the front door.

Semi-final appearances have been in short supply for either but crucially, today’s game also offers a gateway that would take the victors out of the path of favourites Kerry.

Conor McSorley’s excellent performance against Mayo sees him retain his place in the defence meaning Liam Hinphey, who has returned from a shoulder injury, takes his place among the substitutes.

Breandan Quigley and Alan Grant (pictured), from city-based Na Magha, are also included in the starting line-up.

The main threat from the visitors is expected to come from Martin Duggan, Luke Hands (who has a particular habit of finding the net) and Mark Moloney.

The Derry team is:

1. Darrell McDermott (Banagher)
2. Michael Warnock (Swatragh)
3. Conor Quinn (Swatragh)
4. Sean McCullagh (Banagher) (capt)
5. Anton Rafferty (Eoghan Rua)
6. Conor McSorley (Ballinascreen)
7. Kevin Hinphey (Kevin Lynchs)
8. Sean McGuigan (Ballinascreen)
9. Breandan Quigley (Na Magha)
10. Patrick McCloskey (Kevin Lynchs)
11. Paul Cleary (Ballinascreen)
12. Patrick Henry (Lavey)
13. Aaron Kelly (Ballinascreen)
14. Ruairi Convery (Swatragh)
15. Alan Grant (Na Magha)

Substitutes:

16. Barry Robinson (Na Magha)
17. John McCloskey (Ballinascreen)
18. Ruairi McCloskey (Banagher)
19. Dean Flannagan (Ballinascreen)
20. Tiarnan McCloskey (Banagher)
21. Liam Hinphey (Kevin Lynchs)
22. Niall Ferris (Kevin Lynchs)
23. Deaglan Foley (Na Magha)
24. Brendan Douban (Na Magha)
25. Sean McNicholl (Swatragh)
26. Mickey Conway (Swatragh)

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