Derry find a little extra

Derry 2-16 2-12NHL/Relegation: Derry eventually edged out Meath after 100 minutes of entertainment in this Division 1B relegation battle at Brewster Park, Enniskillen, yesterday.

Geoffrey McGonigle (0-11), and elegant corner-forward Michael Collins (1-2) were their two heroes - while Meath's skilful midfielder Nicky Horan stood out for the losers.

The sides were locked at 1-11 each after 70 minutes of fast and furious hurling. Derry had dominated for the most part but were hauled back on level terms through a fantastic 65 from Horan in the 69th minute.

It looked like Derry were home and dry when Collins hammered home a superb goal five minutes into extra-time but Horan replied with a well-struck free to leave matters at Derry 2-12, Meath 2-11 going into the final quarter.

But Collins showed his true worth by hitting a fantastic point from the sideline to inspire Derry to this victory.

DERRY: K Stevenson; R Lynch, E McKeever, C Brunton; D Magill, C McEldowney, B Ward; O Collins (0-2), A McCloskey; Greg Biggs, P O'Kane, Gary Biggs; M Collins (1-2), G McGonigle (0-11), J O'Dwyer (1-0). Subs: E Farren for Ward; D Doherty (0-1) for O Collins.

MEATH: M Gannon; R Dorran, P Donnelly, G Kennedy; C Keena, D Murray, K Dowd; N Horan (1-6), D Callaghan; T Reilly (0-2), D Dorran (0-1), C Sheridan (0-1); N Reilly (0-1), J Donoghue, M Cole (0-1). Subs: J O'Toole (1-0) for Donoghue; I McCormac for Cole; J Canty for Callaghan.

Referee: A MacSuibhne (Dublin).

(aet: 1-11 each after 70 mins)