Dr McKENNA CUP SEMI-FINALS: Derry 0-11 Down 0-9DERRY PUT together a strong second-half performance at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.

They created more in their forward line as Conleith Gilligan and Paddy Bradley in particular caused persistent problems for the Down full-back line. Derry also won the midfield battle, even after John Camley was replaced by James Conway at half-time after the former sustained an ankle injury.

They trailed 0-4 to 0-3 at the interval, but Dan Gordon’s point was Down’s only one from play and they continued to rely on the free-taking abilities of Aidan Carr in the second period.

Gerard O’Kane, Gilligan and Bradley combined to good effect for Derry. Down introduced Danny Hughes and Mark Poland to the fray, but a late fisted effort from Arthur McConville accounted for their only score from play in the second half.

In contrast, Gilligan scored two from play on top of four frees, and further scores from Lynch, O’Kane and Caolan O’Boyle ensured that Derry continued to be the dominant force in the final quarter.

DERRY: D Devlin; B McCallion, L Morrow, R Dillon; C McKeague, M Craig, S L McGoldrick; J McCamley, J Diver; B McGoldrick, M Lynch (0-1), G O'Kane (0-1); P Bradley (0-2, 2f), C O'Boyle (0-1), C Gilligan (0-6, 4f). Subs: J Conway for J McCamley (half-time); E McGuckin for M Lynch (63 mins); K O'Neill for J Diver (65); PJ McCloskey for G O'Kane, A McAlynn for J Conway (both 71).

DOWN: M McAllister; K Quinn, D McCartan, N Branigan; N McParland, K Duffin, K Anderson; C Gough, P Turley; M Miskelly, A Carr (0-5, 5f), D Gordon (0-1); E McCartan, K King, B Coulter. Subs: D Turley for N Branigan, A Branigan for K Anderson, M Poland (0-1, 1f) for E McCartan (all half-time); D Hughes for M Miskelly (47); A McConville (0-2, 1f) for P Turley (64).

Referee: P Hughes (Armagh).