Allianz FL D1: Tyrone defeat Donegal

Allianz Football League Division One

Tyrone 0-16 Donegal 0-8

By Declan Bogue at O'Neill's Healy Park

Tyrone's league campaign is up and running as they controlled matters from start to finish at home to old derby rivals Donegal.

They go into the league break feeling somewhat better about themselves after producing a performance that was short on sparkle at times, but they must be thankful to Darren McCurry with his ability to generate and convert frees.

After last week when Tyrone toiled into the wind for the first half of their defeat to Roscommon, it was interesting to see captain Padraig Hampsey elect to play into the wind for the first half.

The Red Hands displayed a lot more urgency to go into the break three points to the good. They grabbed the first three through Darragh Canavan, Brian Kennedy and a Darren McCurry free, before the benefit of the wind was shown by long range points potted by Jamie Brennan and Jeaic McKelvey.

A Shaun Patton kickout sailed over the top of the Tyrone press to fall to Caolan McGonagle and after a delivery to Patrick McBrearty was converted into a point by Conor ODonnell.

Further Tyrone points came from McCurrys second free and the next two chances had the hint of goal chances, Frank Burns and Cormac Munroe arrowing over.

The biggest goal chance of the half however landed somewhat unexpectedly to McKelvey when ODonnells fisted attempt hit the crossbar. McKelvey didnt get a clean connection on his shot and Kennedy was on the line to clear the danger for Tyrone, who went on 0-6 to 0-3 up at the break.

Donegals lack of scoring ability was shown up when they had to run into the wind and you sense that Tyrone enjoyed breaking down their multiple sallies forward by setting defensive traps and profiting off the turnovers.

From the dead ball, McCurry feasted on frees and marks, Canavan added a brace of points and Donegal looked toothless and young, especially when captain Patrick McBrearty was withdrawn.

Monaghan away the next day out will be a big test for Paddy Carrs young charges.

Scorers for Tyrone: D McCurry 0-7, 6f 1xm, D Canavan 0-3, C Munroe, P Hampsey, B Kennedy 0-1 each, C McShane 0-1m

Scorers for Donegal: J Brennan 0-2, 1m, C ODonnell 0-2, J McKelvey, H McFadden 0-1 each, P McBrearty 0-1m, J Bracdley Walsh 0-1f

Tyrone: N Morgan; M McKernan, C Munroe, P Hampsey; C Quinn, P Harte, N Devlin; C Kilpatrick, B Kennedy; F Burns, K McGeary, C Meyler; C McShane, D McCurry, D Canavan

Subs: N Sludden for Canavan 53m, M Donnelly for Quinn 64m, R Donnelly for Sludden 68m, E McNabb for McCurry 72m, N McCarron for McGeary 72m

Donegal: S Patton; M Curran, B McCole, C Ward; C McColgan, S McMenamin, J McKelvey; C McGonagle, J McGee; J McGroddy, D Baoill, C ODonnell; H McFadden, P McBrearty, J Brennan

Subs: P Mogan for McMcKelvey HT, J Grant for McGrotty 51m, J Bradley Walsh for McBrearty 58m, B ODonnell for McColgan 67m.

Referee: David Gough Meath.