Derry defeat Mayo to return to top spot in Division 1

Derry returned to the top of the Division 1 table after a dramatic victory over defending champions Mayo at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar.

The Oak Leafers looked set to cruise to a comfortable win when they led by nine points midway through the second half, but Mayo came roaring back, with a goal from Paul Towey in the 56th minute helping them to close the gap to two points at one stage.

But Derry rediscovered their composure and four points in the final 10 minutes from Conor Glass, Shane McGuigan (free) and Niall Toner (two) saw them pull clear again in front of 9,373 spectators.

First-half goals from Niall Loughlin and McGuigan helped the Ulster champions on their way to a fifth victory of the campaign and keeps them on course for a shot at the league title later this month.

Mickey Harte's men led at the interval by six points and a brilliant goal from Conor McCluskey nine minutes after the restart left the game just beyond Mayo’s reach.

Last year’s league winners now look set to finish in mid-table after a third defeat of an inconsistent campaign which has included two losses at home.

Derry led at half-time by 2-07 to 1-04 after completely dominating the second quarter.

The visitors outscored Mayo 1-04 to no score in the final 16 minutes of the half as their slick counter-attacking game and efficient finishing left the home defence chasing shadows.

McGuigan finished the half with 1-04 and was at his brilliant best from the start.

Mayo had hit the ground running with two quickfire scores from Jack Carney and a Ryan O’Donoghue free, but Derry hit back immediately with the first of McGuigan’s points.

The All Star attacker then provided an inviting cross from the left wing which Niall Loughlin palmed into the Mayo