Did Donnelly’s Side Come Of Age Today?

Sunday 10.06.2012

Club

Tyrone minor manager Mickey Donnelly was a relieved man at the end of a compelling game of championship football this afternoon in Armagh. His team looked out of sorts early on as they struggled to cope with the pace and accuracy of their opponents. His Tyrone team was forced to dig deep as they had to come from seven points down, showing tremendous character to eventually win by three. Armagh dominated possession and scoring opportunities for the majority of the first half but found Daire Martin in superb form in the Tyrone goals. The Killeeshil clubman made two vital stops in the first half and combined with Conor Mallon to deny the Orchard County a goal chance late in the game.
During the opening thirty minutes Tyrone played second fiddle for long parts but with Sean Hackett and Mark Bradley in fine form they managed to make the most of their limited opportunities. Several switches and a couple of changes after the break gave Tyrone a better shape to their side and Donnelly was able to watch his team turn the game around through hard work, clever football and good finishing. Bradley was involved in some excellent play and finished with 2-7 to his name after a devastating display of scoring. The introduction of James Mc Gahan in the second half helped take some of the weight off the Cappagh lad and between the two of them they wrought havoc in the Armagh rearguard.
Tyrone won by three points at the end of what was a hugely compelling game of minor football. This game will stand to them in the semi final because of its quality and intensity and it will be a match that will live long in the memory of all who saw it, especially team manager Mickey Donnelly. He learned a thing or two about the quality and character of his players today and he will hope to build on the confidence gained by this display when they face Derry in the semi final at the end of the month.