Paddy Bradley stole the show as Derry made it through to the third round of the All Ireland qualifiers with this comfortable win over Monaghan at Clones on Saturday.
The Glenullin club man had a personal tally of 2-8 as the Oak Leaf County produced a much more impressive display than in their Ulster Championship win over the Farney County.
There had been doubts expressed in some quarters about Bradley's fitness but he looked extremely sharp throughout the game as he dovetailed perfectly with his brother Eoin.
Both Bradley's goals were family affairs, Eoin's passes setting up his brother who did the rest in clinical fashion.
Bradley got Derry off to a dream start with the opening goal after only a minute's play and James Kielt then netted - but a Ciaran Hanratty-inspired Monaghan goal cut the margin to 2-8 to 0-11 at the break.
However, Bradley's second goal which saw him first time the ball into the net from close range soccer-style gave the Oak Leafers some breathing space and they held on, despite conceding a few token points from the home side near the end.
Results
Donegal 0-13 1-07 Clare
Wicklow 1-12 0-09 Cavan
Down 2-09 0-07 Laois
Hurling
Christy Ring Cup final: Carlow 1-15 Down 0-14
Lory Meagher Cup final: Tyrone 5-11 Donegal 3-16.
© UTV News