Holders Into Last Four

Saturday 12.05.2018

Academy Football

Reigning Ulster and All Ireland champions Tyrone are through to the Provincial semi final after beating Down 2-11 to 0-9 at Pairc Esler in Newry on Saturday evening. It was an entertaining contest throughout which we did live on radio and twitter  in association with Business Finance 365.

Tom Close and Daniel Fullerton traded early points before Tyrone full forward Mark Hayes bagged a brilliant individual goal in the 8th minute. Oran Mulgrew and Tarlach Quinn added to the winners advantage before Justin Clarke knocked over a free for a badly needed score for the hosts. Shealan Johnston then cut in from the right wing to land a superb point for Down but Tyrone had the final say of the opening period though a Fullerton free for a 1-5 to 0-3 interval advantage.

Clarke narrowed the gap on the restart with a fine point before a Johnston free left just a single score between the two sides. In the 40th minute Down were dealt a blow when centre half forward Clarke was sent off for a second yellow card offence. Michael McGleenan hit a quality point before Tyrone keeper Mark McGale made a brilliant save to deny Ryan Connolly a goal.

Tom Smyth closed the gap to three but the Mourne lads couldn’t get any closer. Hayes and Fullerton both weighed in with quality points and while Johnston replied with two frees the game was ended as a contest in the final minute with a Fullerton goal. Fullerton and Johnston exchanged points from frees before Tyrone had the final say with an effort from play from half back Ronan Duffin.