Allianz NFL Divison 3, Round 2: Longford v Derry, Sunday 4 February, Pearse Park (2pm).
AFTER losing their opener by three points last weekend to Westmeath, Derry welcome back Ballinascreen pair Carlus McWilliams and Benny Heron for this Sunday’s Pearse Park divison three clash (throw in 2 pm).
Forced to miss last week’s opener with illness, Heron could be set to make his first appearance of 2018 alongside his club mate and Terence O’Brien.
A foot injury ruled the Loup man out of the Westmeath game, but having made an appearance for Ulster University in their Sigerson win over St Mary’s during the week, is deemed fit to take up a starting position.
Niall Toner, who featured for St Mary’s in the same game, again starts following his involvement in both of last Sunday’s goals at Celtic Park.
There’s a league debut for Limavady’s Oran Hartin between the posts.
And there is also a first start for Newbridge’s Conor Doherty following a second half appearance last Sunday.
Derry travel to Longford knowing that only an improved performance will be sufficient to give them a chance of a result.
Derry (v Longford): Oran Hartin; Niall Keenan, Kevin Johnston, Liam McGoldrick; Michael Bateson, Conor McAtamney, Carlus McWilliams; Terence O’Brien, Emmett Bradley; Ruairí Mooney, Enda Lynn (C), Ciaran McFaul; Conor Doherty, Peter Hagan, Niall Toner. Subs: Ben McKinless, Jordan Curran, Benny Heron, Patrick Kearney, James Kielt, Mark Lynch, Michael McEvoy, Padraig McGrogan, Danny Tallon.
