Tyrone Travel In Search Of Points.

Friday 18.03.2011

Club

Tyrone face a long run to take on Laois in round five of the Allianz National League on Saturday night knowing that a win will bring them level with the current table toppers in the division. Justin Mc Nulty’s side lost their 100% record last time out and they will be keen to get back to winning ways. Mc Nulty’s appointment has certainly reinvigorated Laois and they were unlucky to lose to their midland rivals Kildare.

Both Colm Begley and Ross Munnelly are playing some of the best football of their lives and Begley seems to have rediscovered his zest for the game. Tyrone’s record against Laois has not been great over the past few years and they can expect to be well tested by a team that will have plenty of flair and attacking ideas but one that will be built on the Armagh traditions of hard work, intensive tackling and strong support play.

Mickey Harte’s team has shown anything but consistency during this year’s league campaign but their last two fixtures in the competition showed that they were beginning to find some reasonable form. Any forward line that possesses players like Sean Cavanagh, Owen Mulligan, Stevie O’Neill, Brian Mc Guigan and Martin Penrose will certainly take some watching . Should these players produce the sort of form they are capable of Tyrone are in with a great chance of winning. However I reckon this match could be decided by how well Tyrone cope with the threat of Begley from midfield and the Laois forward line.

Kevin Hughes is playing particularly well at the minute and his battle with Begley could have a huge bearing on the final outcome. Ross Munnelly scored five points against Kildare and with his pace and physique plays very like Martin Penrose. He is low set and elusive and knows where the posts are. If we manage to keep him quiet on Saturday night Tyrone would be in with a great chance of making it three wins in a row in the league.