Derry need just a draw against Down next week to claim the Ulster U21 Hurling title after they shocked Antrim 0-16 to 1-11 on Wednesday evening.
The Oak Leafers had defeated Armagh in their opening fixture in the new-look round robin competition so a draw or win against Down will secure the title.
Colm Duffin's goal helped Antrim lead 1-9 to 0-7 at half-time in Celtic Park.
However, Derry outscored Antrim 0-9 to 0-2 in the second half and Michael Kirkpatrick finished on eight points.
The Saffrons were raging hot favourites for Wednesday's contest as they started with eight players who are regulars for the Antrim seniors.
In the final series of games next Wednesday (1930 BST), Down will host Derry at Ballycran while Armagh will take on Derry at Keady.
Derry: D McDermott; C McKenna, S Henry, N O'Doherty; R O'Kane (0-2), M Craig, M Kirpatrick (0-8); N Holly, O McCloskey; P Henry, B Dodds (0-2), C McKenna (0-1); S Dodds, P McCloskey (0-2), SL McGoldrick (0-1).
Antrim: C O'Connell; A Graffin, C McKinley, M McFadden; B McFall, C Donnelly, J Campbell; PJ O'Connell (0-2), C Duffin (1-0); P McGill (0-2), R McDonnell (0-1), E McCloskey (0-1); S McNaughton, P Doherty (0-1), P Shiels (0-4).
Referee: G Devlin (Armagh)
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