Down defeat Derry in Ulster U-20 decider after devastating second-half display

Down 2-11 Derry 0-09

In a spellbinding final 20 minutes, Down overwhelmed their Derry opponents to come back from behind to claim their second Eirgrid Ulster U20 title in three seasons. Both Danny Murphy Cups were collected under manager Conor Laverty and his side's ability to keep opponents scoreless while they rampaged ahead to victory with an unanswered 2-05 to no reply was simply stunning.

To make it all the more impressive, Down only led for the first time in the provincial contest when Odhran Murdock buried home with his unaccustomed right foot after he collected a high ball in the square in the 51st minute.

There was a serenity about Down all despite trailing for the majority of the match.

Backed up by the composure of Oisín Savage when it mattered, Murdock’s strength around the middle and the outrageously talented Jamie Doran off the bench, it was a memorable night for the Mourne men.

Derry centre forward Charlie Diamond opened the scoring at the second attempt, his 'free' shot after a foul was called back seconds earlier. So, from the exact spot and with his eye now in, the Bellaghy man whipped it over convincingly.

All eyes were on midfielder Murdock last Sunday in Newry for the Down seniors against Donegal and even more eyeballs again before this showpiece. The Burren man didn’t take long to announce his arrival with Down’s first score with five minutes on the clock.

Mark Doherty gave Derry the lead and they would hold on to that margin until half-time.

Down’s inside man Savage starved of possession won a fine mark but Derry were finding the scores that bit easier.

Diamond spun over a brace from both standing and running positions to give Martin Boyle’s side a deserved 0-06 to 0-04 lead at half-time.

Upon the