Last-gasp O'Connell point secures Farney deserved draw

Karl O'Connell rescued a deserved point for Monaghan as Ulster champions Derry were held in a thrilling All Ireland Series Group 4 clash.

Ciaran Meenagh's men looked leggy only 13 days after lifting the Anglo Celt Cup, but appeared to have dug an unlikely victory when Shane McGuigan, who finished with 0-9, fired over a monster free three minutes into injury-time.

Monaghan never panicked though and despite the clock reading the full 75 minutes worked O'Connell and he showed nerves of steel to split the posts and ensure both sides would remain unbeaten.

Derry made one change from the side that started the Ulster final two weeks ago, penalty hero Ciaran McFaul coming in with Benny Heron dropping to the bench and it facilitated a slight change in shape for the Oak Leafers, Niall Toner pushed further inside to occupy the foraging 'Heron' role.

Monaghan for their part, welcomed back Ryan McAnespie who provided the Farney with a different dimension in attack.

And four weeks to the days since the two counties met in their one-sided provincial semi-final, Monaghan showed they had taken plenty of learning from Healy Park as they turned around at the break 0-7 to 0-6 ahead.

Derry's main issue was a defensive line that met the Farney too deep.

Three times in the opening half Monaghan were able to take points from unchallenged shots inside the Derry '45' but there was little between the teams in the opening 35 minutes.

Six times the teams were level before the break, Monaghan's ability to stop - not always within the rules of the game- the Derry break meant the visitors were able to stifle Derry and scores had to be of the highest quality at both ends.

McFaul's kicked things off with a lovely effort on two minutes and from there a fascinating