New-look Derry earn McKenna Cup draw with Monaghan

Derry's Matthew Downey with Monaghan's David Garland. ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty.

A 74th minute point from Ethan Doherty ensured Derry a share of the opening round spoils last night after Monaghan looked like securing the win thanks to Kieran Duffy's effort moments earlier.

It finished 0-12 apiece at the end of an entertaining and intensely fought Dr McKenna Cup battle at the Derry GAA Centre of Excellence in Owenbeg.

Debuting their new-look jersey, Derry led 0-7 to 0-5 at the change of ends, with 2020 All-Ireland MFC winner Lachlan Murray and midfielder Oisin McWilliams finding their range.

Rory Gallagher's outfit were able to double that lead early in the second half (0-10 to 0-6) before five unanswered points brought Monaghan right back into contention.

Then in a dramatic finish, substitute Duffy put the visitors ahead, only for Doherty to equalise at the death.