A DEFEAT to Slaughtneil on their home patch was far from the ideal start to Glen’s campaign as they seek a fourth successive Derry title, but there are plenty of opportunities to regain the lost ground, starting tomorrow when they travel to face Bellaghy.
The Watty Graham’s side fielded against the Emmet’s without seven of the team that started their All-Ireland final win over St Brigid’s in January and a Shane McGuigan goal from a penalty ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
Bellaghy, meanwhile, edged out Kilrea in an entertaining contest a fortnight ago, goals from Ruairi McElwee and Oisin McErlean proving crucial.
They’ll be wary of a wounded Glen side, but will know that another win could see them take a huge step towards the quarter-finals. That may be a big ask against Malachy O’Rourke’s side, who still have county stars Conor Glass and Ethan Doherty to welcome back into the team.
It’s a free hit for Bellaghy in many ways as they will see their chances of qualification from Group A come down to their meetings with Dungiven and Swatragh, but this may be a rare chance to catch the champions cold.
With a win already in the bag, Slaughtneil, who before this year’s championship were the last team to beat Glen in championship football in Derry, host Swatragh in the first of two successive home games.
The Davitts opened with a home win over Dungiven two weeks ago with three second-half goals doing the damage. They’ll find Slaughtneil a much tougher opponent on Sunday though.
The third game in Group A is a chance for Dungiven and Kilrea to get their first points on the board.
In Group B, 2022 All-Ireland intermediate champions Steelstown could not have had a more difficult opening fixture against one of the championships favourites Magherafelt.
They managed only three points against last year’s beaten finalists and the city side take on Ballinascreen today hoping they can steer clear of the relegation play-off places.
The ‘Screen drew their opening game against Loup, with Benny Heron getting their goal, and they’ll be hoping the former county man can provide more of that magic against the city side.
Magherafelt will be favoured to top the group, but the remaining knock-out places are very much up for grabs.
Loup and Newbridge are two of the teams with ambitions of progressing and they meet today in what is a crucial game for both.
Lavey, meanwhile, who were edged out by Newbridge in their opening game, will have their work cut out to get anything from their trip to Magherafelt.
O’Neills Derry SFC round two
Saturday
Group B
Steelstown v Ballinascreen (2.30pm)
Magherafelt v Lavey (3.30pm)
Loup v Newbridge (6.30pm)
Sunday
Group A
Slaughtneil v Swatragh (2.30pm)
Bellaghy v Glen (5.30pm)
Dungiven v Kilrea (5.30pm)
