The heading above this report might well have read "Micky Linden" vs Derry so much of an impact he had in this his first Masters Football game. Indeed in the first ten minuets of the game his was the only name on the score board having registered four points, two from far out frees from the hands and his total in the whole game was an impressive one goal and nine points from both feet which left the remainder of scores coming from Peter Withnal one goal two points and half back Donal Ward a point from far out on the right wing.

Mickys contribution was so great that every time the ball came near him one could hear the groans of the Derry side line supporters with none of the Derry backs able to curtail the flying Down winger. One of the Derry management mentioned to me after the game that Micky could still play for the senior county side and i wouldnt dissagree. Well thats the end of this episode of the "micky linden appreciation society" and i think i might have a good chanch of passing my driving test next week.

One might be forgiven for thinking that this was a one man show but definitly not for in this high class encounter there were great displays from Breandan McKernan and Peter Withnal at midfield, Ross Carr at center half forward and big Mark Mc Cartan at center full forward and these boys had to play the shirts off their backs to overcome a first class Derry masters team that could show their seniors a thing or two.

The Derry team included seven All Ireland medal winners including Enda Gormley and Seamus Downey up front Henry Downey the McGurk brothers and Tony Scullion and whilst never leading threatened to overcome Down and coming close with the half time score reading Down 1 06 to Derrys 7 points.

Whilst all the ex Down Senior stars are sprinkeled from midfield up the less fashionable back lines had to pull out all the stops getting in last second tackels time after time to rob Derry of vital scores when they were looking to pull the game out of the fire with a few balls literaly cleared off theit lines. This leaves Down into the semi final against Tyrone next saturday 22nd Sept at a netural venue still to be appointed with the other semi finalist being last years winners Mayo vs Dublin and the final fixed for the following saturday 29th Sept.

footnote 1; one down player was heard to say after the match quote: "that man linden lost us the last two all ireland masters finals". figure that one out.

footnote 2; dj kane has still to make an apperance for the masters this year but should be ready soon.

footnote 3; gerry mc avoy (coke) didnt start this game.

footnote 4; when the final whistle went the down sideline supporters went wild with delight but soon quietened down after both were seen leavingdown squad for the long journey home on their moterbike.

Down squad ;
Micky McMahon (Darragh Cross), John Farrell (Annaclone), Eamon O Rourke (An Riocht), Terry O Higgins (Leitrim), Donal Ward (Castlewellan), Mike Quinn (An Riocht), Garvin Bradly (Clann na Banna), Brendan McKernan (Burren), Peter Withnall (Clonduff), Audi McVeigh (Castlewellan), Ross Carr (Clonduff), Sean Devlin (Kilcoo), Paddy Hardy (Castlewellan), Mark Mc Cartan (Carryduff), Noel Greenan (Annaclone), John Donnely (Drumgath), Declan Mc Cann (Dromara), Martin McCaul (Drumgath), Coke (Aghaderg), Sean Magone (Mayobridge), Kevin Savage (St John's), Aidan Rice (Rostrevor), Colum Rogers (Mitchels).