Harte quashes Oakleaf challenge as Tyrone reach decider

Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Semi-Final 2019

Tyrone 0-14

Derry 1-8

From Odhrán Crumley at the Athletic Grounds

Tyrone have overcome a valiant Derry effort to reach their seventh Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup decider in a row.

The sides were level at the break despite the Red Hands playing with a sizeable breeze arguably, the Oakleafers should have been ahead as they bossed the early exchanges with the trio of Enda Lynn, Shane McGuigan and Christopher Bradley causing the Red Hand defence no end of problems.

At half time, Mickey Harte introduced the trio of Liam Rafferty, Darragh Canavan and Peter Harte, the latter kicking five second half points on his way to the man of the match accolade.

It wasn’t all that straightforward however as Paddy Coney riffled the net in the 46th minute of the contest to give his side a two point advantage, this would prove to be their final score for 25 minutes.

Kyle Coney and Peter Harte hit late scores as Tyrone move on to meet Armagh in next Saturday night’s decider.

Tyrone: Benny Gallen, Aidan McCrory, Hugh Pat McGeary, Michael McKernan, Ben McDonnell (0-1), Rory Brennan, Michael Cassidy, Declan McClure, Brian Kennedy, Conal McCann, Kyle Coney (0-2), Cathal McShane, Lee Brennan, Ronan O’Neill (0-2 1f), Ruairi Sludden (0-2 2f).

Subs: Peter Harte (0-5 4f) for R O’Neill (HT), Darragh Canavan (0-1) for L Brennan (HT), Liam Rafferty for A McCrory (HT), Darren McCurry for R Sludden (49), Frank Burns for M Cassidy (71)

Yellow Cards: A McCrory (30), D McClure (36), K Coney (65)

Red Cards: None.

Black Cards: None.

Derry: Thomas Mallon, Eoghan Concannon, Conor Mullholland, Sean Quinn, Patrick Coney (1-0), Karl McKaigue, Jason Rocks, Christopher McKaigue, Ciaran McFaul, Ryan Dougan, Jack Doherty, Padraig Cassidy, Christopher Bradley (0-4 3f 1 45’), Shane McGuigan (0-2 2f), Enda Lynn (0-2).

Subs: Conor McAtamney for J Doherty (47), Gareth McKinless for C Bradley (57), Niall Toner for R Dougan (57), Declan Hughes for C Mullholland (63)

Yellow Cards: J Rocks (30)

Red Cards: None.

Black Cards: None.

Referee: Ciaran Branagan (Down)

Attendance: 2,928