Derry and Armagh eager to stride on in Ulster U20 title pursuit

DERRY Under-20 manager Hugh Mcgrath is conscious that his side could be put to the test when they meet Cavan in an Ulster Championship Quarter-final tie at Owenbeg tonight (7.30pm).

The Oak Leaf outfit have lived dangerously at times but they are still in the hunt for the title and victory would certainly bolster spirits within their camp.

It was Tyrone who really put Derry to the sword before the Red Hands managed to ease to a one-point victory (0-13 to 1-9) but Mcgrath is hoping for a more convincing performance tonight.

His side is certainly not lacking in talent with Cahir Spiers, Johnny Mcguckian, Oisin O’DOherty and Eoin Higgins having already underlined their shooting skills.

And with considerable backup from Ryan Mcnicholl, Fionn Mceldowney and Ruairi Forbes they have underlined that when the Derry side get into their stride they can prove difficult to halt.

Cavan have had an indifferent spell to date although they produced a strong finish before going under by two points to a strong Armagh side.

They will certainly need to deploy all their physical power and shooting skills if they are to come out on top against an Oak Leaf side that will feel comfortable on the wide open spaces of Owenbeg.

In tonight’s other Under-20 Quarter-final, Armagh will host Monaghan at the Athletic Grounds (7.30pm).

Having lost to Donegal in their last outing, Armagh will be keen to rekindle their drive and energy on this occasion particularly as they will have home advantage.

Tadgh Grimley, Pierce Blessing, Fergal O’brien. Ryan Duffy and Fergal Boylan can help to fire up an Armagh side that has tended to blow hot and cold to date although they have only lost once in three outings.

But they will need to get into their stride quickly tonight if they are to get the better of a Monaghan outfit that is capable of troubling opponents when they gain momentum.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Minor Football Championship will be taken a stage further on Saturday when matches will take place in both Group A and Group B.

In Group A, Monaghan will face Down at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones (12pm) while Fermanagh will have home advantage against Tyrone at Brewster Park, Enniskillen (12pm).

Monaghan will be having their first taste of action against Down who lost their opening match and will have some ground to make up while Tyrone will be keen to land a second victory.

Indeed, the Red Hands line-up is spliced with talent with a particularly strong input from some of the high-profile schools in the county — a factor which sees the side fancied to make it into the decider.

In Group B Cavan will host Armagh at Breffni Park and Antrim will take on Derry (both games 12pm).