BOTH Derry and Leitrim fielded strong selections and played at championship pace when the counties met in a challenge game at Pairc Naomh Bride, Drumkerrin yesterday.

Derry were without Joe Brolly and Sean Lockhart, while Leitrim experimented with former defender Declan Darcy at full forward, where he scored four points.

A goal by Eamonn Burns in the first half was the eventual margin between the sides although Leitrim, playing with flair and confidence, quickly adapted to Derry's fluid passing game.

Leitrim led through the opening quarter, scoring four points without reply, but Burns's goal settled Derry and they were ahead 1-5 to 0-7 at the halfway stage. Brian Mullins introduced Danny Quinn, Brian McGilligan, Rory Boylan and Damien McCusker on the resumption and in an altered attack, Derry scored a further four points without reply.

Leitrim sent on Paul Kearin for Jason Ward going into the closing quarter and his presence steadied the home side who traded points with the National League champions to the end but failed to reduce the deficit despite several scoring opportunities in the closing minutes.