Monaghan hopes of landing an Ulster U20 semi-final took a hit as Derry edged a two point victory in Castleblayney.
Derry inflicted a first defeat of the championship on Monaghan, winning out 1-11 to 2-6.
In a low scoring opening, Derry led 1-5 to 1-2 at half-time. Kian Duffy and Oisin Doherty had exchanged points in the opening six minutes.
Whereas, Johnny McGuckian and Bobby McCaul exchanging goals by the 16th minute. A Niall O’Donnell point on 18 minutes put Derry ahead. Kian Duffy’s second point on 18 minutes was Monaghan’s last of the half.
Two Doherty points (1f) and an Eoin Higgins point from play had Derry lead 1-5 to 1-2 at half-time.
A Cian Conlon free two minutes after the restart was cancelled out by Conleth McGrogan. Conlon and Ruairi Forbes exchanged points on 36 minutes.
Sean Young and a Doherty free moved Derry five points clear with 11 minutes remaining. Bobby McCaul and a Kian Duffy free made it a three point game 60 seconds later.
Ronan Walls brought it back to four points before Aaron Carey setup a grand stand finish with a 57th minute goal.
However, Oisin Doherty converted a free three minutes into stoppage time to seal the Derry victory. 1-11 to 2-6.
Monaghan go into the final round of games against Tyrone with an outside chance of making the semi-final.
