Allianz Football League: Derry beat Galway to maintain 100% record as Monaghan lose

Derry proved far too good for Galway at Pearse Stadium

Derry's 100% start to Division One continued as the Ulster champions beat Galway 3-10 to 1-11 at Salthill.

Eoin McAvoy's early goal gave Derry the perfect start but Cein Darcy's 25th-minute strike brought the hosts back into contention.

But second half majors through a Shane McGuigan penalty and Paul Cassidy sealed Derry's win.

Monaghan's Division One relegation worries increased as they were beaten 1-16 to 0-7 in Roscommon.

But it's a very different story for the Oak Leafers as they maintained their winning run in 2024 by clinching a first victory over Galway since 2010.

Derry started in whirlwind fashion and after just three minutes of play, McEvoy picked out the top corner of Connor Gleeson's net.

McEvoy showed great composure in front of goal after being put in the clear by Ethan Doherty.

Derry unruffled by Rogers black card

McGuigan and Conor Glass were also on target as Derry aimed to use as much of the strong breeze in their backs in the opening half.

Galway enjoyed spells of possession in the opening quarter but their shooting left a lot to be desired. Padraig Joyce's men kicked four wides while two efforts dropped short in the early exchanges.

Despite being reduced to 14 players due to a Brendan Rogers black card, Derry were still able to keep their hosts at bay.

Eventually Galway settled and when Darcy picked up a pass from John Daly in the 25th minute, the half forward had only one thing on his mind and that was to bury the ball in the back of the Derry.

Three Robert Finnerty points kept Galway in touch, but points from Glass and Rogers helped Derry to a two-point half time advantage.

Finnerty kept Galway in the contest but after Keelan Molloy dragged down Diarmuid Baker, referee Derek O'Mahoney awarded a Derry penalty as well as a black card for the Galway defender.

McGuigan made no mistake from the spot and when Paul Cassidy added a third in the 60th minute, it all but confirmed a fourth Derry win on the bounce.

Roscommon led 0-9 to 0-4 at half-time at Dr Hyde Park and remainded in control to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop

Monaghan's chances of staying in Division One took a huge dent after a 1-16 to 0-7 defeat in Roscommon.

Daire Cregg had the Rossies comfortably ahead at the break kicking four points for the home team.

Monaghan trailed 0-9 to 0-4 at the break and could only conjure up three scores in the second period.

Shane Cunnane found the net for Roscommon not long after the interval.

Diarmuid Murtagh, Enda Smith and Cregg were all on form and firing for Roscommon.

The Rossies leapfrog Monaghan leaving the Farney men in last place in the top flight on two points, with their 10-year stay now in severe danger of coming to an end.