February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Tyrone 1-13, Donegal 1-11
John Moore’s men showed their true mettle Sunday, toppling favorites Donegal for the first time this year. The Red Handers played some outstanding football over the hour and, more important, finished with fire, something that was missing in their previous defeats.
The Ulstermen held their heads high for once and it proved productive. Martin Slowey was instrumental in defense, while the weekend imports from Fermanagh, Tom and Paul Brewster, were well worth their airfare. Tom hit eight points over the hour and his overall contribution was one of the main reasons Tyrone won.
At the interval, Donegal led by four, with Peter Loughran hitting the net after 15 minutes for Donegal. The goal proved pivotal in the opening half, with further points from Kevin Lilly, Loughran (2) and Maurice Leahy pushing Donegal in front.
Tyrone, however, were never overawed, and with Brewster, Ciaran Donnelly and Dermot Curley finding their range, they kept within firing range. The second half was played through rain, hail and lighting. A downpour at the interval made conditions treacherous and the play deteriorated with it. A good free from Peter Loughran put Donegal five in front after two minutes of the second half and Tyrone looked like they were beaten. Then up stepped man of the match Micheal Sloan to reel in the opposition.
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Sloan, with his lighting pace and deadly accuracy hit 1-2 over the next 10 minutes to level the sides 1-10 apiece. His goal was a classic. He weaved his way to the Donegal endline and then turned onto his favorite left peg to rifle a brilliant shot to the roof of the net.
Tyrone were thrown a lifeline and they responded in style. Three points from the boot of Tom Brewster put them in the driver’s seat and once they got their heads in front, they closed up shop at the back. Substitute Danny Barr was sent off in the closing minutes for a second bookable offense, while Donegal threw caution to the wind. A late desperate shot from Maurice Leahy rebounded off the crossbar to safety.
Tyrone deserved their win and with luck on their side on Sunday they always held the advantage. If Moore continues to add a little southern comfort to the Red Handers, they may upset a few more before the season’s end. Donegal were lethargic and Donal Gallagher was rightly outraged with the performance.
Donegal: Eunan Doherty, Mark McClafferty, Owen Cummins, Gerry Kelly, Darren Rocks, Martin Meehan, Rory Sweeney, Mick Moran, Declan Boyle, Kevin Lilly 0-5, Maurice Leahy 0-2, George McKettrick, Niall McCreedy, Peter Loughran 1-3, J.P. Boyle 0-1. Subs: Eamon Shaughnessy, Anton Diver.
Tyrone: Andrew McCann, Collie Fearon, Barry Kelly, Philip Sloan, Enda Donnelly, Martin Slowey, John Cormican, Kieran Ryan, Paul Brewster, Richard Brennan, Ciaran Donnelly 0-2, Dermot Curley 0-1, Micheal Sloan 1-2, Tom Brewster 0-8, Mark Sloan. Subs: Danny Barr, Rory Breen, Conor McCarthy.