Sweeney goal gives Donegal narrow win

A superb second-half goal from Donegal midfielder Eamon Sweeney proved the difference between these two well-matched sides in an Ulster Minor Championship semi-final where Donegal held on to win by one point.

Leading 1-4 to 0-4 at halftime thanks to a well-taken goal from 16-year-old Colm McFadden, Donegal found the net again on 39 minutes. The brilliant Kevin McGlynn found the 6ft 4in Sweeney, who spun away from two defenders to fire into the roof of the Derry net.

Derry had a late chance to level but Patrick Bradley's difficult 45-metre kick slipped narrowly wide and ensured Donegal, under manager Anthony Molloy, would make their first Ulster final in three years.

In 1996, Molloy, in his first year in charge guided Donegal to victory and he feels this side are full of potential also: "This side have great spirit and dedication and to come through two difficult games by one point shows their character (Donegal defeated Armagh by one point also in the first round)," said a delighted Molloy.

Brilliant work from Kevin McGlynn throughout this game marked him out as the game's best player while Joe Gray, a squad member for the Northern Ireland Milk Cup soccer team, was equally impressive for the losers.

John Paul Boyle - also a Donegal under-21 player - proved invaluable from frees, finishing top scorer with 0-6.

Level four times, it was late points from Brendan Boyle and McGlynn which gave Donegal a vital cushion, Derry's Gray cutting that lead to just one in added time.

DONEGAL: S Sweeney; A McHugh, P McGongley, J Sweeney; P Galalgher, M McGinty, S McDermott; B Boyle (0-1), E Sweeney (1-0); K Rafferty, JP Boyle (0-6, all frees), D Alcorn; C McFadden (1-1), K Cassidy, K McGlynn (0-2). Subs: J Keeney for Cassidy (42 mins); M Maguire for McHugh (43 mins).

DERRY: B Scullion; D Hasson, K McGuckin, S McKenna; F McEldowney, C Collins, G McMaster; F Doherty, J Conway; J Bell, L Bradley (0-1), J Gray (0-4, frees); P Bradley (0-2, frees), C O'Neill (1-2), J Kelly (0-3, one free). Subs: M Donaghey for Hasson (h/t); F McEldowney for Conway (57), M O'Kane for F McEldowney (58).

Referee: M Heary (Cavan).