Excellent result for Derry at the weekend. I think if you told any supporter at the start of the league that Derry would only need one point from their final two fixtures, we would have been delighted. But tempered with the fact that following Derry over the years have delivered a good few shocking results. So there is absolutely nothing guaranteed.
Of the game itself, Derry didn’t/couldn’t build any momentum, due to poor shooting and how good Dublin were. Counted 1-5 that on another day would’ve been scored: 3 frees – 2 wide and one short, 2 poor wides from straight in front of goals and Loughlins goal opportunity, he scored a more difficult one last week against Kildare. Another step/dummy and it would’ve been an open goal as the keeper was committed to going down. The large crowd didn’t really have anything to shout about in the first half.
Second half comeback didn’t look to be on, but the introduction of McKinless was the catalyst, others played a massive role and showed no fear. Obviously Rogers and especially McWilliams and Murray, when they came on. I’d agree with the Toner substitution being bizarre. Looks like RG has 19 players that he trusts and after that players are struggling for game time. McCarron, Cassidy and others would’ve massively benefitted from an appearance.
As for the ref, I was neither impressed nor shocked at his decision making. Sometimes he allowed for robust challenges on both sides, other times he didn’t. Some things he blew for, and a few minutes later allowed play to continue. Told players numerous times to get up and get on with it, if he thought they were trying to con him. Thought Fitzsimons could have got the line earlier, thought McCarthy might have got away with a hand trip -black card, foul blown, but that was it. Haven’t seen it again to confirm.
Was right in line with Kilkenny’s run at goal, could see that the flick across was on and was delighted he took the point. Though, at the time, I still thought that point might have been enough for Dublin to get over the line.
Enjoyable second half. And fingers crossed Derry get the points against Clare, a trip to Cork for the final fixture with things still hanging in the balance will not be a fun trip.
