Dr McKenna Cup: Holders Derry secure three-point victory over Down

Holders Derry made it two wins from two in the McKenna Cup as they saw off Down 0-13 to 0-10 at Celtic Park.

They rallied in the second half, with a late flurry of scores sealing the victory in Mickey Harte’s first home game in charge.

They now have a semi-final to look forward to on 13/14 January as they aim to retain the trophy.

Harte made a number of changes to the side which won at Breffni Park during the week, with the experienced duo Chrissy McKaguie and Brendan Rodgers returning to start.

Glen’s Conor Glass, Ciaran McFaul and Ethan Doherty were still missing as they prepare for Sunday’s All-Ireland club semi-final against Kilmacud Crokes.

Down, who added former Derry interim manager Ciaran Meenagh to their backroom staff for the new season, were playing their first Section B game and raced into an early three-point lead.

Diarmuid Baker then registered Derry’s first score of the game, before the Mournemen further extended their lead with four unanswered points.

That provoked a response from Derry as Conor Doherty fisted over after a fine move with Paul Cassidy also pointing to reduce the deficit for the hosts.

Shane McGuigan scored a free with Cassidy converting before Conor Laverty’s side registered another score to make it a three point game at the interval.

Harte’s side were fast out of the blocks at the second half with three quick scores, including two from Slaughtneil teammates McGuigan and McKaigue to bring Derry to within one point of the visitors.

After Down moved to 0-9, a free from McGuigan and a clipped effort from Declan Cassidy drew the Oak Leaf County level.

Niall Loughlin then provided two points to edge Derry in front for the first time in the game.

Points from Doherty and Gareth McKinless further extended the home side’s lead, which they held on to as they booked their place in the final four.

Down will now face Cavan at Pairc Esler on Wednesday 10 January.