Rory Beggan: Pair of frees in the first half kept Monaghan in the game, missed a 45 (an easier opportunity). Three of his kickouts were gobbled up by his opposite number Odhran Lynch. 6
Karl O’Connell: Driving forward at full steam, he cut through the Derry defence and added a brilliant finish. Also scored a point and was unlucky not to earn a free. Big hit in the second half and not as prominent. 7
Kieran Duffy: Picked up Shane McGuigan and found the Slaughtneil forward too hot to handle. Did better on Loughlin after the break. 6
Ryan Wylie: Had a variety of marking roles including Niall Toner in the first half. Gave Toner too much room at times. Hit the crossbar when he got forward in the second half. 6
Conor Boyle: Kept the lid on Niall Loughlin and didn’t allow him to get into the game. Got forward to score a point in the second half. 7
Dessie Ward: In the eye of the storm as Derry runners broke into Monaghan territory. Worked hard. Shot wide in the first half when he should have done better. 6
Ryan O’Toole: Monaghan’s goal-scoring hero against Tyrone was restricted to defensive duties against Ethan Doherty. He's a battler but he didn’t get the ball in his hands too often. 6
Darren Hughes: Battled hard in midfield until he was injured after half-an-hour and replaced by his brother. 5
Killian Lavelle: He won a free for Conor McManus but gifted Derry one by picking the ball off the ground. Plenty of graft in midfield from the Clontibret clubman. 6.5
Stephen O’Hanlon: Withdrawn to a sweeper role late in the first half. Got forward in the second period to score a point. 6
Michael Bannigan: Covered a lot of ground and scored a defiant second half point. Good attitude, he’ll have better days in a Monaghan jersey. 6.5
Conor McCarthy: Paul Cassidy caught him out twice in the first half with clever scores. McCarthy stuck to his task and battled to the finish. 6.5
Jack McCarron: Struggled to put a dent in Chrissy McKaigue and withdrawn after half-an-hour. 5
Karl Gallagher: Poacher’s goal in the second half was the reward for his efforts up against Eoin McEvoy. 6
Conor McManus: Didn’t have a shot until 23 minutes had gone by. Conor McCluskey nipped past him to score Derry’s goal. McManus swung over three frees, harshly penalised in second half when he was about to break away. 6
Subs:
Kieran Hughes: Replaced his brother after half-an-hour. Scored a trademark point in the second half. 6
Gary Mohan: Added life to the Monaghan attack. Played the ball in for Gallagher’s goal. 6
Conor Leonard: Shot blocked by Conor Glass at the death. 5
Sean Jones: Not on long enough to be rated.
