Paddy Tally aware of tough test as Derry battle to stay in Division 1

Paddy Tally is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge facing Derry as they make the trip to Ballyshannon on Sunday.  

With their backs against the wall, they need to conjure something special just to keep their heads above water as they face second in the division Donegal. 

After back-to-back losses to Tyrone and Kerry, the draw with Galway seemed to suggest a corner was about to be turned for Derry. But then came Dublin at Croke Park, where Derry were soundly beaten, leaving them staring down the barrel of a relegation scrap unless they can start stacking up some wins – fast. 

READ NEXT: Donegal v Derry: Match details, news, and where you can watch it 

Next up? A trip to take on the reigning Ulster champions. Donegal has already scalped the last three All-Ireland winners in their opening three games, so the odds aren’t exactly in Derry’s favour. 

With an Ulster Championship clash between these two sides looming in Ballybofey in early April, this one has all the makings of a dress rehearsal. But in the here and now, it’s as close to a must-win as it gets if Derry are to reach that all-important six-point mark and avoid the drop. 

"It's a challenge for us all," Tally admitted. "Everybody in that group has to really get back up again, and this is going to be tough because it's going to be a hard one to digest after that. 

"We have to pick out through the bones and see what was good, what worked for us, and we know when we go to Ballyshannon it's going to be really difficult. 

"Donegal are on the crest of a wave at the moment but we need the points. We really do need the points at this stage, so we need a performance next week, and I'd like to think that there'll be a kick in the team."