Derry turn on the style

Derry 3-18 Louth 1-12:Derry may have missed out on a semi-final spot but they secured their Division One status for next season in some style by dismantling the challenge of Louth at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon.

In the process they condemned Eamon McEneaney's side to Division Three football next year with a stellar scoring display.

As usual, there was an outstanding individual cameo from Paddy Bradley, who kicked nine points, but the Oak Leafers' star performer was also well supported by the rest of his forward line. Enda Muldoon weighed in with two goals, Mark Lynch added another, Barry McGoldrick was outstanding at wing-forward and James Conway contributed three points from midfield.

The Ulstermen have gained a reputation as slow starters this season but Conway got them off the mark in the second minute before Enda Muldoon showed great awareness to flick the opening goal over the head of Louth keeper Stuart Reynolds.

With Bradley adding his second point, Derry led by 1-3 to 0-1 after only 13 minutes.

The one downside for Paddy Crozier's men was captain Kevin McGuckin reportedly damaging ligaments in his left ankle.

DERRY: S O'Kane; K McGuckin, K McCloy, J Keenan; P Carton, S M Lockhart, G O'Kane; F Doherty, J Conway (0-3); B McGoldrick (0-1), C Gilligan (0-2, one sideline, one free), M Lynch (1-0); E Muldoon (2-1), Paddy Bradley (0-9, three frees), Paul Bradley (0-2). Subs: Patsy Bradley for McGuckin (26 mins), G Donaghy for Paul Bradley (62 mins), J Diver for McGoldrick (66 mins), C McKeever for Lynch (68 mins), P O'Hea for O'Kane (69 mins).

LOUTH: S Reynolds; A Page, C Goss, J Carr; J O'Brien, J Neary, R Finnegan (0-1); P Keenan, R Carroll; C Grimes (0-1, free), J P Rooney, M Stanfield (0-2, one free); Aaron Hoey (1-3, one free), S Lennon (0-1), D Clarke (0-3, two frees). Subs: S O'Neill for Clarke, JJ Quigley for Rooney, M Farrelly (0-1) for Lennon (all half-time), J Doyle for Carroll (46 mins).

Referee: G McCarron (Monaghan).