Derry - 2-13 Longford - 0-9:Derry showed their intent in this year's All-Ireland championship by brushing Longford aside in the second half at a rain-soaked Pearse Park. However, the home side will feel disappointed that they couldn't capitalise on a bright start and cause a major shock in this year's championship.
When they went in at the break 0-8 to 1-2 in front and growing in confidence, Longford seemed set for victory. Team captain Padraic Davis was in inspirational form and young Paul Barden was dominant in midfield.
But whatever Derry manager Eamonn Coleman said to his players at half-time had the desired effect, as the Ulster men were completely transformed and gave a wonderful display of football which completely crushed Longford's hopes of upsetting the odds.
A positional switch which saw Anthony Tohill move into the full-forward line and Enda Muldoon move to the middle of the park paid dividends and Gavin Diamond tapped over five second-half points.
It had all started so well for the home side, who had scored two points without reply from Derry after nine minutes.
Derry replied with a Johnny McBride point and a goal from Tohill, but Longford responded in spectacular fashion with five successive points as half-time approached.
Gavin Diamond pointed for Derry just before the break but a Padraic Davis free in first-half injury-time left Longford in a good position at half-time.
Just as the rain came down Longford seemed to collapse and three quick scores in succession just after the break drew Derry level.
Johnny McBride then pointed in the 46th minute to put Derry in the lead. Tohill's second goal in the 49th minute completely knocked the stuffing out of Longford and seemed to be the boost that Derry needed.
Amazingly Longford's only score of the second half came nine minutes from the end through Davis.
It showed the true reflection of Derry's superiority. As the game went on Derry's performance improved - and a repeat display of the last 35 minutes is definitely needed if they are to have any ambitions in this year's championship.
LONGFORD: G Tonra; S Carroll, V Coyle, D Ledwith; C Keogh, E Ledwith, C Conefrey; L Keenan, P Barden (0-1); T Smullen, D Blessington, P Ross; A O'Connor (0-1), P Davis (0-6, two frees), D Barden (0-1). Subs: R Clyne for Coyle (40 min); N Sheridan for Ross (51); D Smith for Smullen (59); M Meleady for Keogh, M Kenny for Clyne (61).
DERRY: M Conlon; G Doherty, N McCusker, K McCloy; K McNally, F Crossan (0-1), G Coleman; A Tohill (2-1), F Doherty; C Gilligan, D Heaney, J McBride (0-2); P Bradley (0-1, free), E Muldoon, G Diamond (0-6, two frees). Subs: K McGuckian for McCloy (39 mins); D Dougan (0-2) for Heaney (50); J McGongle for Bradley (56); J Donaghy for McBride (65); M Harney for F Doherty 70 mins.
Referee: N Barrett (Cork)
