By Alan Rodgers

A TIMELY opportunity to set their form on the correct course ahead of championship next month arrives for the Tyrone seniors when they make the trip to Croke Park on Saturday night for a crucial clash against Meath in the National League.

It has been a roller-coaster journey for the Red Hands, with little grounds for optimism. Wins over Cavan and Offaly have been the only high-points in a campaign that has also seen frustrating defeats to Derry and Louth and a draw on the opening day against Kildare. But hope springs eternal of course. While only a mathematical miracle or disaster would result in either relegation or promotion from Division Two, there is a determination to make the most of the final two rounds against Meath this Saturday night and then Cork on March 22.

Conn Kilpatrick is determined that the Red Hands produce a strong display back at headquarters for the first time since last year’s All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry.

“We know that we aren’t where we want to be at this stage of the year. It was good to get the two points on the board against Offaly and all we are doing from here on is to take each game as it comes,” said the Edendork midfielder.

“The two points have been massive for us, everyone was coming here to get a result and it didn’t really matter by how much that win was achieved. It was about getting back to enjoying games because we probably haven’t had the best start.

“This is another step towards where we want to be. Our focus has been on ourselves, our performances haven’t been what we have been expecting from ourselves and all the players want to show more what we’re capable of.”

Saturday night’s match will be a first against the Royals since their resurgence last year. They are playing their home league games at Croke Park due to the re-development of Pairc Tailteann in Navan and are pushing for promotion. Nevertheless, if Tyrone can produce more of their best form, then they will pose a formidable challenge.

“We’re looking forward to Meath because they’re pushing for promotion. They are coming, they’re good and very athletic. It’s going to be a massive task playing them and then Cork after that,” added Kilpatrick.

“It would be good to finish the campaign on a high. But we cannot look any further than where we are at the moment. We have put ourselves in the position where we’re fighting for points.

“Everybody is working hard in training, the chances are being created and hopefully with boys getting a bit more gametime the accuracy for scores will come. There’s a lot of things to work on, but progression is what we’re looking for.”