NFL Derry 2-15 Cavan 0-10: Derry took a massive step towards a return to Division One football in Maghera yesterday when they easily saw off the challenge of Cavan in a game that was every bit as one-sided as the scoreline suggests.

Derry were dominant in every sector with captain Paddy Bradley doing much of the damage with a handsome personal tally of 1-7.

This was expected to be a highly competitive game but in truth it was over as a contest before the 25th minute when goals from Paul and Paddy Bradley helped Derry to a 2-4 to 0-2 lead. With the visitors offering only the most sporadic of threats, Mickey Moran's side led by 2-7 to 0-4 at the break.

Derry stormed out of the blocks at the restart with a superb score from Lynch and points from Murphy and Paddy Bradley increasing the home side's lead.

Even the introduction of former All Star Dermot McCabe at midfield couldn't lift Cavan's challenge.

With eight minutes to go Derry led by 2-15 to 0-7 and three late Cavan points from Larry Reilly only served as a consolation.

DERRY: B Gillis; K McGuckin, N McCusker, G O'Kane; Francis McEldowney, P Wilson, P Kelly; F Doherty, J McBride; P Murphy (0-3), C Gilligan, M Lynch (0-2); Paul Bradley (1-2), Paddy Bradley (1-7, two frees), P McFlynn (0-1). Subs: G Donaghy for Gilligan, J Donaghy for J McBride, E Burke for Paddy Bradley, M Kelly for O'Kane.

CAVAN: James Reilly; M Hannon, C Hannon, K Fannin; P Brady, P Reilly, K Crotty; L Mulvey, N Walsh; M McKeever (0-1), J Tierney (0-1), L Reilly (0-5, one free); G Pierson (0-2, one free), Jason Reilly, A Forde. Subs: D McCabe for Mulvey, F O'Reilly (0-1, free) for Pierson, M Graham for Forde, D Rabbite for Crotty, A Gaynor for C Hannon, S Johnston for F O'Reilly.

YELLOW CARDS: Derry: J McBride (48 mins) replaced by J Donaghy, N McCusker (69 mins) not replaced. Cavan: K Crotty (52 mins) replaced by D Rabbitte, F O'Reilly (59 mins) replaced by S Johnston.

Referee: S McGonigle (Donegal).