Achieving promotion from Division 2 this year would have completed Derry's rise from the footballing nadir.A draw against Roscommon and then a heavy defeat at home to Galway de-railed the Ulster side's momentum, however.
No jump then from Division 4 to Division 1 in successive seasons.Still, you sensed that Rory Gallagher's side were on a mission of sorts.The Ulster draw was tough, but they were more than just 'dark horses' in the mix for the Anglo Celt.Their dismissal of Tyrone was brilliantly executed, a rigid defensive set-up that the Red Hand could not break.
When midfielder Brian Kennedy was red-carded shortly before half-time, Derry sensed blood.A goal shortly after half-time put distance between the sides.
Tyrone's implosion was in marked contrast to how efficient Derry were in carrying out their plan. It was no ambush. Gallagher's side were now genuine provincial contenders.Monaghan were next up.Talk ahead of the game centred on the Monaghan 'challenge' - Derry no longer had that element of surprise, yet their plan to counter the Farney worked a treat.