Tyrone secure place in second tier

A well-drilled Tyrone retained their division two status with an eight point win in their relegation play-off against Clare at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. Clare were always in touch in the contest as they carved out many chances; hit the woodwork several times; and brought out the best in Tyrone goalkeeper, Sinead McVey – yet this was a much improved Tyrone that fully deserved the win.

There was an experienced look about the Red Hands, and they played their best football at times; with quick movement off the ball, carving out openings, and excellent finishing – a trademark of a good performance.

Niamh Hughes was back to her best in a natural attacking role hitting 1-5, while Niamh O’Neill and Grainne Rafferty were always a threat up front, and Chloe McCaffrey looked sharp.

McVey organised the defence well, and as they led by three points at the break, they were able to build on that advantage through the second period, although Fidelma Marrian and Grainne Nolan were on hand to press the Ulster side.

The three point lead came as Tyrone carved out several goal chances: Their high octane style of football causing Clare plenty of issues, with goalkeeper, Michaela Glynn, making several key stops; her presence also putting pressure on a lively Tyrone attack.

Chloe McCaffrey opened the scoring four minutes in with a well worked point. The St Macartan’s player was then the provider for team mate Slaine McCarroll; Niamh O’Neill tagging on a third on six minutes with Tyrone playing good football.

Clare took time to settle, but found their scoring touch with two quick-fire points from Chloe Maloney and Sinead Consideine.

Tyrone drove at Clare: Grainne Rafferty closed in on goal with Glynn making a fine stop as McCaffrey teed up Sasha Bryne again Glynn quickest to react. Niamh Hughes increased the Tyrone tally to four with an excellent point before Clare crashed in a goal.

An initial shot from Nolan was well-saved by McVey, and the ball was squeezed away to Chloe Maloney, who slid the ball to the net. Hughes and Maloney exchanged points with McCaffrey pulling the sides level on the stroke of the water break.

Laurie Roche and Nolan nudged Clare ahead on the restart as McCaffrey fired across a great ball, with Glynn denying O’Neill. Although, Tyrone were back in the game when Sasha Byrne was fouled and Rafferty sent her penalty to the right of Glynn on 21 minutes. The goal kick-started Tyrone again with O’Neill, McCaffrey and a well-worked Hughes point pulled Tyrone clear as Clare struggled with the kick out.

McVey made a fine stop again to deny Louise Griffn, with Nolan drilling over from close range while McCaffrey’s point had Tyrone in the box seat at the break.

Chloe Maloney closed the gap to two with the first score of the second half, yet within five minutes, Sean O’Kane’s side were on track for the win. Hughes and McCaffrey added points with Hughes on the run finishing for a crucial goal as referee, Paul Burke, allowed the advantage.

Marrian hit a brace of points for Clare, and O’Gorman’s effort was turned away by McVey as the Munster side carried a genuine threat. McCaffrey slid home a well placed third goal on 42 minutes, following a sweet long ball over the top from Hughes with Nolan and O’Neill exchanging points before the final water-break.

Nolan smashed shots of the crossbar twice in as many minutes with McVey also turning away Ciara McCarthy’s effort as Nolan and a double of points from Marrian kept them in touch.

Maria Canavan signalled her return to Tyrone with a well-taken score as O’Neill and McCaffrey kept their side in control.

McCarroll wrapped up the tie with her second point of the afternoon on the whistle.

A fine team performance from Tyrone that secured status in division two with the focus on a championship final in May.