Derry beat Cavan to clinch Ulster Minor Football title

However McGuigan kicked his fifth point from play to settle Derry and though Cavan battled hard in the second half, Derry closed out the game. Within the same time frame, Cavan had also watched two efforts strike the post but gradually Derry composed themselves and played their way back into the game. Not content to watch his strike partner hogging the first half limelight, Barry Grant made it 0-8 to 0-5 before that crucial Flanagan goal gave Derry a comfortable but full deserved six point half-time lead.

McGuigan was on fire for Derry and scored two more left-footed points, one a special score from out near the wing, to help put the Oak Leafers 0-8 to 0-5 ahead as half-time approached.

Damian McErlain, the Derry, boss has been very pleased with the way his side has played and notably their win over Donegal.

Conor Glass proved an inspirational figure as he played himself to a standstill, Patrick Kearney and Jack Doherty formed a combative midfield pairing, Michael McEvoy and Conor McGrogan were twin defensive pillars and Fergal Higgins and Shane McGuigan underlined their marksmanship up front. The young Ballinderry keeper nearly went from hero to villain when he was caught in possession as he tried to bring the ball out.

But he knows Cavan have a strong pedigree and it will be a tough encounter. Further points from Thomas Edward Donohue and Raythorne left four between the teams with seven minutes remaining.

Derry were clinching their first Ulster minor title since 2002 and they along with Cavan, will now progress to the All-Ireland Minor quarter-finals.

CAVAN: F O’Rourke; P O’Reilly, D Monaghan, L Fortune; D Raythrorne (0-3), S Fortune, D Wilson; D Brady (0-2, one free, one 45), C Brady; D Gannon (0-3, two frees), P Leddy, R O’Neill; D Kennedy, T Donohoe (0-1), R Fitzpatick.