On-song newcomers Canavan and McKenna help seal win

DARRAGH Canavan and Conor McKenna were the goalscoring heroes for Tyrone as the Red Hands secured their survival in Division One for 2021 thanks to victory over Mayo at Castlebar.

The 3-14 to 1-19 win ensures that Mickey Harte and the players will be in bouyant form as they look ahead to next weekend’s Ulster Championship clash against Donegal, back at Ballybofey.

The dangerous attacking duo each scored a goal in the opening period as Tyrone were full value for a 2-9 to 0-7 interval lead.

But they simply couldn’t shake off the challenge of the Connacht side. As a result, the issue was very much back in the balance early in the second half.

Then Conor McKenna struck for his second goal approaching the final quarter. He picked up a poor kick-out to race through and smash the ball to the net.

Now the stage was set for the visitors to press home their advantage, but when games involving Mayo rarely go according to plan. Instead, they fought back, a goal 10 minutes from the finish providing them with fresh hope of avoiding a drop to Division Two for the first time in 23 years.

Tyrone, though, held firm. Ronan McNamee and Mattie Donnelly made their mark with a number of vital contributions as late points courtesy of Darren McCurry and Conor McKenna sealed the win and that coveted place in Division One for next year.