Derry Club Football & Hurling original

[Ryan O]

Hopefully McEvoy and Rogers injuries aren't too serious.

We're still not far away if we've everyone back fit.

The point is we won't have everyone fit for a whole championship. No one does. We can't cope with any injuries at all as our squad players aren't good enough. Look at what Armagh did last night and look at the players they are missing.

Was a good performance for 63 min but I couldn't help but think we'd end up throwing it away once Rogers got injured

I don't disagree. Although think Bradley looks like a good addition.

Yes he's been very impressive. Nailed on to start championship I'd say.

Agree with that, I thought he played really well big strong and keeps everything nice and simple. Baker got  isolated on Murphy for the Donegal goal and he just had too much strength for him, and probably a few starters missing around him for some protection.

Just two or three subs brought on who are a little young and not enough experience.
Niall Toner was a miss as a breaking ball winner around the middle.

A real kick in the teeth loss but we're definitely looking alot more like whats required.

[93-DY-SAM]

Think a bit of context is required around this.

1. The turmoil of the last 18 months which still hangs over us.
2. Injuries to key players. Clucky, McKinless have been big misses. McGrogan as well. Glad to see him get some good game time under his belt this past few games. Niall Loughlin just back today. The likes of Toner, McFaul, Murphy in and out of the squad with injuries.   
3. A new manager just a few months into the job and late to the table. That is going to take time to bed in regardless of what team he has to work with.

Add in Chrissy retiring and the knock on effect of that with McEvoy and Rogers having to come back to 3 and 6. Hopefully they are not on our injuries list after both going off today.

Yes it would have been good to stay in Div 1 but going down is not the end of the world. What's important now is a strong championship. What that looks like I don't know. For me this year it is being competitive and making a QF.

We are not in full rebuild mode but it's definitely a reset of sorts.

[roadsidefox]

Some of the comments on the Facebook page are ridiculous. Some people have lost the run of themselves completely.

[JoG2]

Some of the comments on the Facebook page are ridiculous. Some people have lost the run of themselves completely.

Best ignored, was shown a few comments this evening, know a couple of the posters, don't go to games and to see they were limited footballers would be very kind... Ballaches

Much improved performance from last weekend. Ethan is getting his mojo back, Bradley has settled into the back 6 much the same way McEvoy did a couple of years ago, hope his progress continues. Hopefully Brendan's injury isn't too bad. Wouldn't want to be a referee that's for sure.
From the new rules, think the kickouts beyond the big arc needs looking at and the 50m punishment, though there wasn't too many of those today. But, overall the game is a lot more exciting.

Ballybofey in April, will be some contest

[toby47]

Conceivably Derry could be sitting on 5 points but Division one is unforgiving. It feels a little bit like Tally just came in a bit too late, the fitness isn't where it needs to be. That was the difference today along with the loss of Rogers. Lots of positives although one real concern is our lack of options for kick out. Last 10 minutes we got our hands on nothing and with little variation we were overrun.

Is Clucky far away? He will make a huge difference. Good to see McGrogan making his way back and Loughlin as well. Murray hit some good scores today so hopefully he can start to realise the obvious potential.

I have the feeling we are still a little bit cold and that might just suit the new Championship structure. I can't for the life of me see Donegal maintain their level into June/July. It is far too demanding.

Suffered a set back, we probably won't see him this year. A massive blow.

[Interstellar]

The subs today and against Kerry badly weakened us. It is very worrying that with 10 minutes to go and being miles ahead we could not close out either game. Game management to see a game out is woeful. Need some leadership from the senior players.

[marty34]

With a bit of luck, Derry could be on 5pts.

Got Tally in a bit later that should have been but have been competitive in most games. Last 10mins to be worked on. Whether it's game management of fitness?

But not getting hammering so I'd be more positive than most. A few more league games and a few weeks to get up to speed in championship.

[Ryan O]

The subs today and against Kerry badly weakened us. It is very worrying that with 10 minutes to go and being miles ahead we could not close out either game. Game management to see a game out is woeful. Need some leadership from the senior players.

From my counting I reckon we had 3 of what I would class "senior" players left on the pitch, Mc Guigan, Glass and CD.
Don't think can expect Paul Cass and Ethan to control a game they aren't that type of player and still young.Glass was out on his feet and had a really good game.Mc Guigan was throwing himself and everything in Midfield but just couldn't get a ball, he's not a midfielder after all. CD was marking Gallen. Harsh to say they didn't show leadership.

[roadsidefox]

The subs today and against Kerry badly weakened us. It is very worrying that with 10 minutes to go and being miles ahead we could not close out either game. Game management to see a game out is woeful. Need some leadership from the senior players.

Those 'weak' players on the bench are all Ireland minor winners. They're also young players who've shown quality with their clubs.

They'll have learnt a lot from today & this campaign. They'll also have learnt from the reaction of them getting game time and how they've weakened the team. Division 2 is the place to blood these players. We have arguably the greatest bunch of players we've ever had in our U20 panel - 2 All Ireland minor wins and a AI semi final team.

I fear for them coming through with some of the 'fans' we have.

[jb77]

How did Dan Higgins look today, interesting prospect

[Mario]

Gavin Devlin on the smallerfish very complimentary of the performance by Derry today. Reckons they'll be a force in the championship.

The manner of some of these defeats is hard to take but when the dust settles there is a lot of positives to take from that performance. Rogers class again, McGrogan excellent on his first start. Half back line looked formidable again. McEvoy far better out of full back. Lachlan Murray looks electric. Defensively we did much better than recent games. Kickouts had a bit of variety this time. Lynch looked good back one bad kickout at the end.

When the game was in the melting pot we just couldnt win a ball. Some of that is bad luck too. Ricochets not falling your way.

They just need a win to help confidence. Hopefully they get that in the last 2 games.

[OakLeaf]

Encouraged by today's performance. Clearly we're not as far on match fitness wise as most if the other teams but we have time to put that right. Confidence is a big thing and today will bring us on a bit. McGrogan and Loughlin will be firing on all cylinders come the Championship. Bradley looks good. We defended a lot better today. Lynch is the only choice for keeper. Murray is on a good trajectory. Fingers crossed Rodgers and McEvoy are OK. We'll give Donegal a good battle in the Championship.

[JoG2]

The subs today and against Kerry badly weakened us. It is very worrying that with 10 minutes to go and being miles ahead we could not close out either game. Game management to see a game out is woeful. Need some leadership from the senior players.

But you're never really miles ahead with the new rules. Against the wind, how would you manage it better re kickouts / possession?

[NotedObserver]

What age is the Bradley fella?

[JoG2]

Gavin Devlin on the smallerfish very complimentary of the performance by Derry today. Reckons they'll be a force in the championship.

The manner of some of these defeats is hard to take but when the dust settles there is a lot of positives to take from that performance. Rogers class again, McGrogan excellent on his first start. Half back line looked formidable again. McEvoy far better out of full back. Lachlan Murray looks electric. Defensively we did much better than recent games. Kickouts had a bit of variety this time. Lynch looked good back one bad kickout at the end.

When the game was in the melting pot we just couldnt win a ball. Some of that is bad luck too. Ricochets not falling your way.

They just need a win to help confidence. Hopefully they get that in the last 2 games.

Good post Mario. With a few rubs of the green we could (coulda shoulda woulda I know) be on 6 points needing a point to really secure survival, all while missing key men. Re championship, impossible to call tbh, just hope it's not a windy day!