While the team have given their all in terms of application we just don’t think they’ll match Derry on Saturday night and here’s six reasons why.

Derry’s attack
Just a few names to start off with Paddy Bradley, Eoin Bradley and Mark Lynch. Top-class forwards capable of obliterating a weak defence. Eoin was sent off in the Armagh game, a feat which ultimately cost them the contest, and Paddy has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season but expect a two-man full-forward line kicking points over their shoulder for fun.

Carlow’s attack
While there are many problems with Carlow’s football team at present perhaps the most glaring one is in the forwards. They currently play a system called the Bertie Ahern style, ie nothing sticks and often comes back faster than it’s delivered. Without a ball winner they always struggle in this area.

Derry’s defence
When you can leave 2007 all-Star full back Kevin McCloy on your bench you know you’ve got something special. Playing with a naturalised defensive platform they kill space for slow-building attacks.


Brendan Murphy
It’s strange that someone so young should be such a talisman for the team but when Murphy was sent off against Wicklow it virtually ended Carlow’s season. Thomas Walsh can’t carry the team alone. The psyche of the team is clear when half back Paul McElligot leaves midseason for San Francisco and Sean Gannon flies out straight after the game.

Pain
Don’t underestimate the drive Derry will approach Dr Cullen Park with. Losing to Armagh meant a first championship loss at home for 16 years. Take into account the emotional responsibility the city will place on their shoulders following the Saville Inquiry findings and you have a team out to prove a point.

Carlow
At the end of the day the team has shown nothing to make you believe they can beat a Division 3 team let alone a high-flying Division 1 team. Paul Broderick is in and Shane Redmond will start but expect this to be a cruel afternoon.