ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Tyrone produced a much-improved second half to qualify for the EirGrid Ulster Under-21 final at Donegal’s expense in Derry last night.
Donegal dominated the first half of the provincial semi-final everywhere but the scoreboard, going in only two points ahead at half-time – 0-6 to 0-4.
Photo caption: The Donegal Under-21 panel. Photo: Geraldine Diver
Then, at the start of the second half, there was another missed opportunity.
Jamie Brennan, from a quick free-kick from Caolan McGonagle just 11 seconds into the second half, missed a glorious opportunity to push the Donegal advantage out to five. Tyrone goalkeeper Sean Fox stood up well to save and keep his team in the game.
Fox had also saved well from Stephen McBrearty in the first half. And the pendulum began to swing when Ryan Coleman pierced home a Tyrone goal on 38 minutes after a shot from Mark Kavanagh came down off the upright.
Tyrone were not going to be knocked off their groove and kicked seven in a with Lee Brennan’s free from the sideline the pick of an impressive bunch.
In injury-time, Donegal’s McBrearty scored a penalty after Tyrone goalkeeper Fox was black-carded and Ronan McGreary took over between the sticks.
Tyrone, though, had made far more hay in their period of dominance in the second half to win in the end 1-15 to 2-8 than Donegal managed in the first.
The save from Fox in the first half from McBrearty
30.3.16 Tyrone v Donegal, Sean Fox save #DOCSPORT pic.twitter.com/rASCACvDiN
— DOCSPORT (@DOCSPORT3) March 30, 2016
Brennan was then denied by the Tyrone goalkeeper at the start of the second half
30.3.16 Tyrone v Donegal, Sean Fox save #DOCSPORTpic.twitter.com/akzT1q4AGi
— DOCSPORT (@DOCSPORT3) March 30, 2016
Conor Doherty came off the bench to finally get the better of Fox
30.3.16 Tyrone v Donegal, Conor Doherty goal #DOCSPORTpic.twitter.com/6pvB86lCVr
— DOCSPORT (@DOCSPORT3) March 30, 2016
The Tyrone goalkeeper had been black-carded in the lead-up to an injury-time Donegal penalty, which saw Stephen McBrearty score past Ronan McGreary
30.3.16 Tyrone v Donegal, Stephen McBrearty penalty part 2 #DOCSPORT pic.twitter.com/Q1kpNt4xui
— DOCSPORT (@DOCSPORT3) March 30, 2016
