By Mike Fitzpatrick
Tyrone 0-11, Stamford 1-6
This was always going to be an exciting game. Last year’s championship finalists Stamford versus a side that can truly lay claim to the moniker "sleeping giant." Tyrone have not won a trophy in some time, though they are always expected to do so, or at least to come close. Eamon Devlin’s Tyrone side entered the tie Sunday at Gaelic Park as the slight underdog. Despite Stamford’s great run last year, it’s obvious that Tyrone have strengthened their side with some off season transfers joining the Ulster club.
Referee Liam Bermingham did well to keep the game well in control when at times tempers seemed to boil over a little as both sides fought a ferocious battle in attempting to win this much-anticipated senior football clash. Tyrone’s on-form Mike Slowey opened the scoring with a couple of early points, battling his way through the stubborn Stamford backline of Martin McDermott, Brendan Brady and Declan Partin. Slowey continued this lightening like onslaught on the Stamford goal to see three more efforts sail over the bar during the first half.
Stamford’s full forward, Terry McCann, was not to be outdone, however, and snatched two points himself to begin his side’s early comeback. Keith Hennessy of Stamford scored probably the best point of the game with a surging run from midfield finishing with the ball sailing high over the Tyrone crossbar. Stamford gained the lead thanks to a cheeky goal from Justin O’Halloran, a short kick out from Mike Deere intended most probably for the hands of Aidan Lloyd, was intercepted by the sharp reflexes of O’Halloran, who fired home the goal much to the delight of the always exuberant Stamford support. Tyrone went in at halftime trailing by two points, 1-4 to 0-5.
Slowey commenced the second half as he did the first, immediately grabbing the ball and setting off for the Stamford goal line, hitting over another effort. Slowey thought he had grabbed the lead for his side when an attempt made between himself and Gary McConnell went over the line, but a foul well spotted by referee Bermingham prevented the goal from counting.
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Purcell hit another point for Stamford, and that man Slowey replied again for Tyrone. The game remained on very much an even keel, with neither side really succumbing to the other. After a scuffle in midfield, the other Tyrone Slowey, half back Martin was given his marching orders after a disagreement erupted between him and the Stamford midfield. Fourteen-man Tyrone held on, however, despite Keith Hennessy scoring a point for Stamford, Tyrone replied in the form of Philip Mallon and Mark Daly to give Tyrone a precious victory against a side that could well be up there at the end of the season.
Tyrone: Mike Deere, Aidan Lloyd, Sean Teague, Mark Daly (0-1), Philip Sloan, Martin Slowey, John Cormican, Paddy Redmond (0-1), Danny Barr (0-1), Raymond Higney, Philip Mallon (0-1), Barry Tally, Gyles McShane, Mike Slowey (0-7), Gary McConnell. Subs: Collie Fearon, Michael Crummy.
Stamford: Brian Martin, Martin McDermott, Philip Kermet, Brendan Brady, Declan Partin, Richie Purcell (0-1), Tom McDonagh, Keith Hennessy (0-2), Ted Steede, Mike Martin, Justin O’Halloran (1-0), Eric McDonald (0-1), Adrian O’Regan, John Cregan, Terry McCann (0-2).