Derry climbed back to the pinnacle of the Division 1 table after securing a nail-biting win over defending champions Mayo at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar.
Despite leading by nine points in the second half, Derry witnessed a spirited comeback from Mayo, highlighted by a Paul Towey goal in the 56th minute, which narrowed Derry’s lead to just two points.
However, Derry steadied themselves and with late scores from Conor Glass, Shane McGuigan (including a free), and two from Niall Toner, they managed to widen the gap once more, triumphing in front of 9,373 fans.
Niall Loughlin and McGuigan’s goals in the first half were pivotal, guiding Derry to their fifth victory of the season and keeping them in contention for the league title.
A spectacular goal from Conor McCluskey after the break seemed to put the game beyond Mayo’s reach.
Following this defeat, Mayo appears set to end the season in mid-table, marking a campaign mixed with home defeats and inconsistent performances.
Derry’s dominance was particularly evident in the second quarter of the match, outscoring Mayo significantly and showcasing their efficient counter-attacking play and finishing skills.
Despite an early lead by Mayo, Derry quickly responded, with McGuigan’s outstanding performance earning him 1-04 by the half’s end.
Mayo’s attempt to breach Derry’s disciplined defence proved futile, while Derry continued to find the net, ultimately leading by six points at halftime.
The second half initially seemed to favor Derry, extending their lead further. Yet, Mayo’s late resurgence brought the game to an exciting climax.
Despite this, Derry managed to regain control and close out the game successfully, marking a significant victory in their campaign.
