Damian Barton’s men out for revenge this evening in the final of the Dr McKenna Cup
ALL roads lead from Derry to Armagh this evening as the Oakleafers look to make it third time lucky and beat Tyrone in the final of the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup.
It is expected to be a cracking, physical, no-quarters given encounter when throw-in comes round at 7.30 pm in the Athletic Grounds.
Two weeks ago 14-man Derry came within a whisker of beating Tyrone but ran out losers at the end by a single point.
After this evening’s game the two teams will face each other in National Football League in March and the Ulster Championship in May.
Against Tyrone, Derry have shown off an impressive ability to alternate between route-one football tactics and a running game.
They players talk of a new impetus Barton has brought to the team, saying he is very much hands on and willing his players to give it their best shot every time they run out.
It seems to be working as the players have certainly responded well to his coaching and mentoring on and off the pitch.
Barton is likely to employ Caolan O’Boyle and Ryan Bell in attack.
Ballinderry clubman Bell has been in superb form. He began with 1-4 against Antrim and has followed that up with hauls of 2-2 (Tyrone), 0-3 (QUB) and 1-5 (Cavan); a total of 4-14 in four games.
Supporting the front two will be Magherafelt new boy Chris Kearns, who announced himself with five points against Queen’s, Emmet McGuckin, James Kielt, Benny Heron, Mark Craig, Ciarán McFaul and Enda Lynn.
There is also Mark Lynch of course but, if fit, he could line-out at midfield alongside Emmet Bradley. In the aftermath of Fergal Doherty’s retirement and with Patsy Bradley injured and Niall Holly unavailable, centrefield is a problem area for Derry.
Derry could give a run-out to fit-again Daniel McKinless, but there are question marks over Mark Lynch (groin) and Emmet McGuckin (hamstring).
If not fully fit, Barton says he won’t risk them.
In their group meeting, Tyrone were unable to contain Derry and conceded four goals which gave manager Mickey Harte cause for concern but delight to Barton.
Tyrone maybe the bookies favourites for this evening’s clash but on their day, and with 15 men on the pitch, Derry could really give the Red Hand men a run for their money.
Doire Abu!!
TEAM NEWS
Derry: T Mallon; C Mullan, D McBride, K McKaigue; G McKinless, C McKaigue, D Heavron; B Rogers, E Bradley; E Lynn, J Kielt, B Heron; S Heavron, C O’Boyle, R Bell
Tyrone: N Morgan; C McCarron, R McNamee, HP McGeary; T McCann, Justin McMahon, B Tierney; C Cavanagh, C Clarke; H Conlon M Donnelly, C McShane; L Brennan, R O’Neill, P Quinn
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