Cork showed just why they are top of Division One of the Allianz National Football league with an impressive second half comeback in Omagh on Sunday. They came from five points down in the second half to pip Tyrone in an exciting game that ended in some controversy.
A late Colm O’Neill point appeared to have gone wide but was awarded to help the Rebels lead by two very late in the game. Tyrone did manage to reduce the gap to the minimum but were denied a last chance of glory when the game ended after a minute and forty five seconds of the allocated two minutes additional time was played.
First-half goals from Connor McAliskey and a Peter Harte penalty put Tyrone in a strong position in the opening period. The home side’s work-rate and massed defence proved difficult for Cork to break down. Tyrone’s counter attacking system enabled them to capitalise on their chances and to be ahead by five at the break.
Even with full forwards Hurley and O’Neill in fine form Cork were having to work exceptionally hard for scores. The home side were denying them time and space on the ball and Cork were becoming increasingly frustrated as the second half progressed.
As the game entered the last quarter Cork manager Brian Cuthbert went for broke making a triple substitution which finally saw his team get the upper hand. In spite of this Tyrone did have chances late in the game to get the scores that would have seen them win their first home points of the year. An uncharacteristic slip by Mattie Donnelly saw a great goal chance lost while one or two other chances either tailed off or dropped short. The home side might also rue their lack of a consistent free taker which once again proved the difference between the sides.
Mickey Harte’s side now find themselves in a real relegation dogfight with two very difficult games remaining. Next up is an away trip to Donegal followed by a home clash with All Ireland champions Kerry.
Tyrone: N Morgan, A McCrory, R McNamee, D Quinn, R McNabb, J McMahon, P Harte (1-0, pen), C Cavanagh, P McNulty, T McCann, M Donnelly, R McKenna, D McCurry (0-7, 5f), S Cavanagh, C McAliskey (1-3).
Subs: C McCann for McMahon, PJ Lavery for Quinn, D McBride for McKenna, P McNeice for McNamee
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