Monaghan survive Cavan comeback to set up Derry semi-final

Monaghan survive Cavan comeback to set up Derry semi-finalImage source, InphoImage caption, Monaghan will face Derry for a place in the Ulster final ByJohn McGovernBBC Sport NI contributor at ClonesPublished37 minutes agoMonaghan produced a largely dominant display to see off local rivals Cavan 0-27 to 2-14 in their Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final at St Tiernach's Park.In a high-tempo derby marked by aggressive pressing and clinical long-range shooting, the Farney men controlled large stretches to secure a semi-final meeting with Derry on 2 May.Having built a 0-15 to 0-8 half-time lead, the hosts were forced to fend off a spirited Cavan comeback in the second half. Tiarnan Madden and Darragh Lovett both scored goals for the visitors, while Rory Beggan saved a Paddy Lynch penalty.Beggan also scored five points for Monaghan, as did Stephen Mooney, while man of the match Dessie Ward struck 0-4. Watch: GAA Social live with reaction to Monaghan's win over CavanMonaghan dominate first halfGabriel Bannigan's side quickly imposed themselves, with their dominance around kick-outs and turnovers proving decisive against a Cavan team that struggled to establish rhythm early on.Monaghan's superiority in that area laid the platform for a spread of scorers, with Ward and Beggan influential from distance, while Mooney consistently found space inside. The hosts struck three two-pointers in the opening period alone and maintained a high conversion rate, in contrast to Cavan, who relied heavily on Paddy Lynch's placed balls despite a number of missed frees at key stages.The Farney men were relentless from the throw-in, with Mooney opening inside a minute before Aaron Carey and Ward extended the lead. Monaghan repeatedly disrupted Cavan's restarts with a well-drilled zonal press, turning over possession high up the pitch and converting efficiently. Ward's early two-pointer underlined that control, and although Cameron Dowd struck the...