Derry made a big statement this evening, overcoming Dublin on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-13 in a thrilling game at Celtic Park.
Many people had tipped Rory Gallagher's side in the buildup to this game, a billing they failed to live up to in the opening half. They would score only one point from play in the first 35 minutes, going into the interval trailing 0-7 to 0-2.
However, the second half was a very different story.
Derry were rejuvenated after the break, mounting an impressive comeback on the back of this goal from Niall Toner.
Niall Toner lashes the ball to the Dublin net and it is game on in Celtic Park
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That proved to be a real turning point.
The game was very much in the balance in the closing stages, with both sides trading scores in the final ten minutes or so. In the end, a last gasp point from Brendan Rogers to win it for the hosts.
FULL-TIME
Derry 1-11 Dublin 0-13
Here is the last-gasp winning point from Brendan Rogers.
A tremendous second half comeback from the home side
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The victory opens up a two-point lead for Derry at the top of Division 2 and puts them well on course for promotion.
Peter Canavan says Dublin can have no complaints about referee
Derry ran out deserved winners, although they were given a helping hand in the closing stages of the game.
Dublin defender Mick Fitzsimons was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, with some Dublin supporters feeling that referee Sean Hurson played a large part in deciding the outcome of the match.
Referee Derry MOTM anyone in doubt that watch it back again.
— timothy hagen (@timothyhagen4) March 4, 2023
Derry had fucking 15 behind the ball for the whole game,we were outstanding in the first half,Ref gave us absolutely nothing
— colum wilson (@wilred74) March 4, 2023
Big fan on the contrary. But down the stretch the won several soft ones that Dublin didn’t. One boy dove on the ball, jumped on the ground and won a free out😂 Derry win was the popular play from the ref.
— Blake Forkan (@forks_gk_) March 4, 2023
A @tyrone ref givin Derry everything is a bit strange dubs should’ve had two frees at the end 😵💫😵💫
— jon lynch (@tarlynch43) March 4, 2023
Derry got frees there that Dublin just didn’t. Ref played for the Derry win down the stretch. Derry won frees there in the last quarter that wouldn’t be given in the Brandywell.
— Blake Forkan (@forks_gk_) March 4, 2023
Never 1 to say anything about a ref but my god he kept Derry in that game.
— Ciaran Crozier (@CiaranCrozier83) March 4, 2023
Ref dying to give that game to Derry only one team getting frees 😂😂 #DublinGAA
— Shane Mulligan (@ShaneMulligan19) March 4, 2023
However, this argument doesn't really add up. Dublin were given plenty of frees of their own over the course of the game, including one to level the scores heading into injury time.
As well as that, many felt that Mick Fitzsimons actually should have been sent off earlier in the contest having avoided picking up a second booking for a blatant foul in the second half.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, Peter Canavan said that Dublin could have no complaints about the standard of refereeing in this fixture.
I know Paul [Flynn] and a lot of the Dublin supporters are irate leaving the ground here, but I thought Sean Hurson had a decent game.
In fact, Michael Fitzsimons could have been sent off earlier for a black card or second yellow. He was lucky to be on the pitch at that stage.
I also thought Conor Glass was very hard done by on that equalising free. Yes a few other calls went against Dublin, but by in large he contributed to a very good game.
In terms of the finish, in the previous two games Dublin got over the line because of their bench. Jack McCaffrey came on and the difference he made, they didn't have him there tonight.
This result leaves Derry in a commanding position at the top of the table, while Dublin sit two points back in second place.
It seems likely that these two will meet again in a league final at the end of the campaign. Considering the entertaining nature of this evening's game, that certainly wouldn't be a bad outcome for supporters.
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