This week's Electric Ireland Minor Championship semi-final served up one of the best games of the season as Derry pipped Dublin by 0-17 to 0-14 to secure their spot in the final for the first time since 2007. They will be up against three-time defending champions Kerry.
The match was back-and-forth from the offing with Derry implementing a high-pressing game that made for a really enjoyable match. Derry initally got out in front off the back of some impressive long-range shooting and free taking.
However, Dublin jolted into action before halftime with a good spell where they outscored the Oak-leafers by 0-6 to 0-3 to take a one point lead into the break.
Both sides traded points in the third quarter, including some great strikes from distance with Derry equalising at 0-11 apiece heading into the final 15 minutes.
Derry's final push ultimately saw off the Dublin challenge as they established a little bit of separation in a match where the sides were level on seven separate occasions.
Their defence was excellent throughout but particularly in the closing stages as they thwarted Dublin's attempts to work a late goal.
With such great performances on both sides, be sure to have your say on who shone brightest below.
You can cast your ballot on Electric Ireland's Facebook page, and get involved in the conversation through #GAAThisIsMajor.
Conor McCluskey - Derry
In keeping a high-powered attacking unit like Dublin to just 0-14, Derry's defence impressed across the board.
McCluskey marshalled the full-back line impressively throughout but was especially immense in the closing minutes when Dublin were desperately seeking goal chances.
Possibly his best moment came early in the second half when Dublin still had a one point lead. Dublin forward Ross McGarry did well to get in behind and looked primed to score before he was tracked down and his shot then blocked away spectaculalry for a 45 by the Machair Fiolta man.
Throughout that period of the second half, McCluskey and company also had to deal with Dublin employing a power press to try and force some critical turnovers.
Derry meanwhile, stuck with their attacking principles which meant McCluskey and the others were left somewhat isolated but they were up to the task as they held firm while the bulk of their team bombed forward at every given opportunity.
James Doran - Dublin
Derry's tormentor-in-chief was Na Fianna's James Doran who scored six points, all of which were from play.
The centre-forward was highly energetic as well as clinical as he made several charging runs through the stout Derry defence in what was a great contest.
It's this direct style of play that has led to Doran being Dublin's main goal threat this season as he has raised a green flag in three matches this season.
He and Dublin as a whole can take heart from what has been a good season overall, having secured a Leinster title and brushed aside Clare before coming unstuck on Sunday.
Lorcan McWilliams - Derry
Lorcan McWilliams was once again a key part of Derry's offensive output as he contributed a team-leading six points. Of them, five came from frees as his consistently accurate finishing was a key difference between the sides as Dublin did kick quite a few wides.
Almost all of his scores came while things were really in the balance as he pointed to either tie things up or nudge Derry into the lead on several occasions.
This was a very assured display from the An Suatreach man, who has now equalled his brother Oisin in securing a nomination for Minor Player of the Week this season.
Derry will now have the biggest test of all when they meet the three-time defending champions Kerry in the Croke Park decider on September 17th.
You can cast your vote for the player of the week nominees on Electric Ireland's Facebook page by clicking here.
