A 12,000 strong crowd watched Dr. McKenna Cup champions Tyrone crash 2-11 to 1-08 to Donegal at Healy Park in their Allianz NFL Division 1A tie.
Still reeling from their performance against Cork in the last round, Tyrone’s opening half performance offered little hope of a win; this despite an Enda McGinley goal after eight minutes, as Donegal gained firm control afterwards with a goal from Christy Toye along with excellent work from Conor McFadden and Brendan Devaney ensured a 1-8 to 1-3 interval lead.
Donegal continued their good work on the restart with a McFadden goal from the penalty spot and although Tyrone tried hard in the second half, victory was the visitors lot.
Tyrone’s burst of energy and drive in the opening minutes of this game, painted the picture that they had firmly put defeat in the previous round behind them but they suddenly began to show similar form as Donegal offered some well balanced play.
While Brian Dooher did play well for Tyrone with two excellent points it was the good play of messers, McFadden and Devaney which resulted in a firm Donegal win.
Tyrone’s woes grew immediately after half-time, when Donegal once again found the back of the net, as a foul on Brendan Devaney by Pascal McConnell ensured that a penalty was awarded before McFadden slotted the ball to the back of the net.
A Stephen O’Neill point left double scores between the teams at 2-8 to 1-4 but a Ciaran Bonner point quickly cancelled out O’Neill’s effort.
A point from substitute Paul Quinn for Tyrone offered his side hope but with wides mounting up for the home side, defeat was certainly looming large.
With nine minutes to go in the game, the Tyrone supporters began to head for the exits, a sign of their disappointment with this performance from the Dr. McKenna Cup holders.
