Mayo O-16;   Derry 2-8: Mayo made certain of their place in the semi-finals of the Allianz National Football League with a hard-earned two-point victory over Derry at St Tieran's Park , Crossmolina, yesterday.

The Ulster county, battling to avoid relegation to Division Two, dominated around the middle of the field throughout the game, and two second half goals brought them to within one point of the home county on separate occasions.

However, the Derry attack missed a number of other chances, particularly in the first half.

Mayo, the defending champions, made the most of their chances in the first period and led by 0-8 to 0-4 at the break, Paddy Bradley registering three of Derry's four scores.

Although assisted by the wind, Mayo continued to struggle in midfield and a Derry goal by Dermot Dougan at the start of the final quarter took them within a point of the lead.

But the switching of David Brady to midfield reduced Derry's dominance and three great points by Conor Mortimer and another by Michael Moyles appeared to have killed off the visitors.

However, a second Derry goal five minutes from the end by substitute David Burns again narrowed the gap to one point.

But inspired by James Nallen at centre back, Mayo survived further Derry attacks before Trevor Mortimer increased their winning margin to two points after his initial effort hit the crossbar.

MAYO: D Clarke, P Coyne, T Nallen, G Ruane, D Higgins, J Nallen, N Connelly, S Trench, M Moyles (0-1), S Carolan (0-3), D Tiernan, J Gill (0-2), T Mortimer (0-3), D Brady, C Mortimer (0-7). Subs: D Nestor for Tiernan, C McMenamon for Moyles.

DERRY: B Scullion, B Mullan, K McCloy, G Doherty, G Coleman, K McNally, K Doherty, F Doherty, A Tohill, P McFlynn, D Dougan (1-0), J McBride (0-1), P Bradley (0-6), G McGonagle, G Diamond. Subs: D Burns (1-0) for Tohill, J Doughy for McGonagle.

Referee: J Bannon (Longford).