DERRY GAA: Forester sets sights on top of table despite Clare draw

The Steelstown man admitted it was frustrating not to secure the win but pointed to last season as an example of how quickly things can change in league football.

“We did much better in the second half but it was disappointing not to win,” said Forester. “One point is better than none but you need to be winning you home games.

“We won our first two games last year and still ended up in a dogfight to stay in the division so winning those games doesn’t guarantee safety or anything else. That shows there is everything to play for.

“Pick up a point, refocus straight away and try to prepare for the next game. That’s all it is. We have Meath now. We drew with them last year in Owenbeg and played them in Championship, so we have a good idea of who their key men are. Hopefully we can come away with two points.”

Meath suffered an opening day home defeat to Kildare but Forester is expecting a tough game.

“We have a really important game now. You don’t want to leave yourself short going toward the last two or three games.

“We have no aspirations of merely fighting a relegation battle, we want to be aiming for promotion. Now, we should have been winning a game like that at the weekend but Meath is going to be a tough away game next week.”