Derry dominate rivals Tyrone to lift McKenna Cup

Derry 3-11 Tyrone 1-05

Derry romped to a 12-point victory over Tyrone to win their first Dr McKenna Cup title since 2011, dominating their fierce rivals in a one-sided decider.

In front of a crowd of 5,113 at the Athletic Grounds, they hit three second-half goals through Shane McGuigan, Oisin McWilliams and Niall O'Donnell to follow up last year’s Ulster Championship win over the Red Hands.

With Paul Cassidy and Brendan Rogers powering their challenge as a dynamic midfield force, the Oak Leafers shed their defensive image to lay on an impressive attacking display.

A cautious Derry side defended in numbers throughout the opening 15 minutes, stifling a frustrated Tyrone side with 15 men deep inside their own half, but still managed to open the scoring through Niall Toner.

The Red Hands had to be patient to find openings, one of which saw Liam Nugent fire over what proved to be their only score of the first half.

But Derry, playing with the gusting wind in their backs, were a transformed side once they got their match-ups sorted and found space on the flanks to push men forward at pace.

Lachlann Murray regained the lead with an eye-catching effort, and converted frees from Niall Toner and Shane McGuigan had them ahead by 0-04 to 0-01 by the 20th minute.

And the Oaks created a goal chance as Brendan Rogers charged through the middle to collect a Toner lay off and send McGuigan in, but Benny Gallen responded with a terrific save.

Moments later, the Tyrone defence was opened up again, and Gallen had to come to the rescue for a second time, saving brilliantly from Murray, who was sent clear by Padraig Cassidy, and Paul Cassidy, following up on the rebound, toe-poked his effort wide.

The goalkeeper was injured in that incident had had to