John McGovern
BBC Sport NI at the Athletic Grounds

A huge moment just before half-time as Eoin McEvoy palms the ball to the net, sparking huge celebrations among the travelling Derry support.

The Oak Leafers could now be heading for a double-digit lead at the break, with Monaghan struggling for possession and in need of a reset.

The lively Lachlan Murray gives Derry a ten-point lead heading towards half-time.

Eoin McEvoy palms to the net for Derry!

Image source, Getty Images

As was the case against Antrim, Derry have been quick again today to reply to conceding a score.

Ethan Doherty kicks his second here.

Karl Gallagher found himself in acres there. A goal looked on but he fires high for a point.

On the loop, Lachlan Murray taps over for his second point of the game with almost 29 minutes gone.

Micheal Bannigan's shot comes back down off the post but fortunately for Derry, Eoin McEvoy is first on the scene to snuff out the danger.

The Oak Leafers fly up the other end and Ethan Doherty gets on the board with a point to increase their advantage to five points.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI at the Athletic Grounds

Another poor Derry wide and again from outside the arc. Their long-range shooting radar has been off.

Image source, Getty Images

At the other end Stephen Mooney grabs himself a fine point but Derry respond instantly through Shane McGuigan and restore their lead to four.

Brendan Rogers attempts a two-point effort but it's not his best one.

Micheal Bannigan clips over a close-range free to cut the gap to four.

Dessie Ward looks to respond for Monaghan, but his shot is wide.

Goalscorer Niall Loughlin extends Derry's lead with a free.

He didn't get on the scoresheet against Antrim but captain Conor Glass points for the Oak Leafers inside 13 minutes in the semi-final.

Image source, Getty Images

Shane McGuigan has the simple task of slotting over the free, and he makes no mistake.

Michael McCarville kicks Monaghan's third point, but Derry have a free now to regain their three-point advantage.

Karl Gallagher and Paul Cassidy exchange wides at either end with the clock approaching 10 minutes.

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI at the Athletic Grounds

The Oak Leafers have made a sharp start and already look dangerous in front of goal.

After spurning several chances against Antrim last time out, Ciarán Meenagh’s side appear to have made the necessary adjustments — with Niall Loughlin making no mistake with their first opportunity in front of goal.

Niall Loughlin receives a pass through the middle and slots home confidently into the bottom right-hand corner.

Derry hit the net through Niall Loughlin!

Image source, Getty Images