Posted online: Jun 5th, 2008

Donegal boss Brian McIver chose his words carefully in the immediate aftermath of Donegal’s Ulster Championship defeat at the hands of Derry at MacCumhaill Park on Sunday afternoon.
Cleary frustrated and angry, McIver, conscious of the repercussions, declined to comment further on some of the more controversial incidents involving referee Marty Duffy.
“If you open your mouth too much then you could be suspended for six months, but Derry were the better side in the second half, although a lot of things went their way and that is as diplomatic as I can be,” said McIver.
“The turning point came in the second half when we were a few points in front and didn’t put away those chances. We were three up and had chances to go four or five clear but it didn’t happen.”
McIver felt that his side’s failure to stand toe to toe with Derry in the second half had a big say in the game, and that Derry’s physical presence, particularly around the middle eventually told.
“We matched them pretty well in the first half but just couldn’t maintain that momentum for the rest of the match. Derry were very physical and strong and that told towards the end.
“I thought that Derry got away with a serious amount of charging, that’s the way I saw it but maybe Derry will say different,” McIver concluded.