Derry goalscorer Mark Lynch.
A Mark Lynch goal has given Derry a deserved four point lead over All-Ireland champions Dublin in their Allianz National Football League Division One clash at Celtic Park.
In a first 35 minutes that saw narrow Derry leads clawed back on a number of occasions, Lynch punished the visitors for a defensive error late in the half to see the Oak League County lead on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-09.
Dublin went into an early lead but Derry were level by the second minute thanks to a point from Eoghan Rua’s Declan Mullan.
Lynch put over a free – awarded for a foul on Ciaran McFaul – from the 21 yard line to put Derry in front for the first time in the seventh minute.
A great point from play by McFaul three minutes later extended the advantage.
However, the two point advantage was reduced almost immediately as the All-Ireland champions hit back with two quick points.
Derry edge ahead on two occasions but were pulled back each time and with 20 minutes gone the sides were level at 0-05 each.
After a Benny Heron free from 45 yards out dropped short, Dublin broke to be awarded a free of their own which was pointed by Hudson.
Another Lynch point in the 26th minute was followed by Fergal Doherty one on one with the Dublin goalkeeper but the Bellaghy midfielder chose to hand pass the ball over the bar when a goal looked a possibility.
Dublin once again struck back and Derry keeper Mallon kept the sides level with an excellent save in the 27th minute.
Both sides exchanged points before Lynch capitalised on a mistake in the Dublin defence to drive low past Cluxton to put Derry three points clear.
Another point put the home side four ahead at the break.
However, Brian McIver will feel his side could be further ahead as referee Fergal Kelly denied the Oak Leaf County what looked like a clear penalty shortly before the break.
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