Magherafelt deny Newbridge three-in-a-row to reclaim Derry SFC title

Cormac Murphy of O'Donovan Rossa Magherafelt celebrates after he scoring his team's third goal against Newbridge ©INPHO/Andrew Paton

Magherafelt are Derry senior football champions after defeating three-in-a-row chasing Newbridge by 3-17 to 0-20 at Celtic Park this evening.

Conall Higgins produced a 'Man of the Match' display for Magherafelt with 0-9 over the our, including three two-pointers, as the victors hit nine unanswered scores to lead 0-13 to 0-7 at half-time.

Johnny McErlain’s goal early in the second-half stretched the advantage to a dozen points before Newbridge mounted a spirited comeback, with Oisin Doherty finishing with an impressive 0-11.

Newbridge hit eight unanswered scores during a prolonged Magherafelt scoring drought, with two-pointers from Conor McAteer and Conor Doherty helping to reduce their deficit.

Aidan McCluskey’s goal restored breathing space for Magherafelt before Murphy struck a third in the closing stages to extinguish the holders' hopes of a late comeback.

The victory ends Magherafelt’s wait seven-year county title, denying Newbridge a third consecutive John McLaughlin Cup in the process.