No way through for Tyrone

ALL things considered, this was a sweet victory for 14-man Roscommon in Dr. Hyde Park yesterday.

Taking account of the twin controversies last year which resulted in the disbanding of the squad and the departure of John Tobin as coach, victory over the champions in the opening round of the Allianz NFL might have been regarded as improbable.

The fact that it was achieved, after having Jonathan Dunning sent off in the 15th minute, was a deserving reward for pure effort of the kind which had motivated Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn the evening before. That, more than anything else, pleased new manager Tom Carr.

"I think that when it came down to heart, we had it. If there's one thing we will take out of the game, it's that fellows were willing to battle," he commented.

"That was all we looked for beforehand."

Meanwhile, Micky Harte's first game in charge of Tyrone after a distinguished career at minor at U-21 level was disappointing. But, considering that ten of the panel were absent for one reason or another, he was positive.

"It was a very good performance considering the number and caliber of the players who were not available," he said.

Interestingly, he regarded their numerical advantage as one of the reasons why they lost, explaining: "probably we suffered as any team does from a man being sent off. We were as comfortable when it was 15-a-side as when it was 14/15."

At the stage when wing-forward Jonathan Dunning was dismissed for a reckless charge, which really merited a yellow card, Tyrone were leading 0-4 to 0-2 after having kicked some very good scores in the opening minutes.

However, they were playing with a very strong wind which was to have a strong influence on the outcome ultimately. Despite having to replace both midfielders, they were winning more ball overall and Roscommon's early attempts at attacking play were not too impressive.

Nevertheless, there was a gradual improvement after Gerry Lohan opened their account with a 10th minute free and brothers Gary and Ronan Cox contributed two good scores.

After they were reduced to 14 men progress was much slower, but an increased effort, particularly from the backs compensated to a large degree.

And, they were also helped by the fact that Tyrone's finishing got worse. Former Allstar Francie Grehan, named at midfield but given a roving commission, won a lot of possession and used it sensibly, midfielders Karl Mannion and Donal Casserley were more involved and clever play from Gary Cox and Nigel Dineen on the right flank kept them in contention.

It meant that a four points deficit at half-time (0-8 to 0-4) was by no means insurmountable. To their credit, Roscommon lifted their game even more on the resumption, scoring twice in nine minutes before conceding an Eoin Mulligan point and them storming back to be level.

With Grehan continuously involved and Paul Noone to the forefront in the half-back line, the home side were boosted by a great equalising score from substitute Stephen Lohan before Dineen put them into the lead for the first time in the 60th minute.

The confidence in their play meant that they were not perturbed when Tyrone cancelled out that score through Ryan Mellon two minutes later. Given huge support, they rallied to regain the lead when Gerry Lohan put over a great free from the left wing.

And, with the holders unlucky in a few late raids and denied a probable free themselves, it proved to be the winning of the match.

Referee Pat Foxe didn't exactly distinguish himself. While he made a lot of good decisions, his performance was spoiled by some inconsistency and indecision in ignoring some obvious fouls.

Scorers: Roscommon: G. Lohan 0-5 frees; R. Cox and G. Cox 0-2 each; S. Lohan and N. Dineen 0-1 each.

Tyrone: E. Mulligan 0-4 frees; R. Mellon 0-3; S. O'Neill 0-2; B. McGuigan 0-1.

ROSCOMMON: S. Curran; J. Nolan, D. Casey, A. Carbury; A. McPadden, F. Grehan, P. Noone; K. Mannion, D. Casserly; G. Cox, R. Cox, J. Dunning; N. Dineen, G. Lohan, A. Nolan. Subs: B. Higgins for Casserley (second half); S. Lohan for Nolan (50th); F. Dolan for G. Cox (66th).

TYRONE: P. McConnell; C. Gormley, C. Lawn, M. McGee; R. McMenamin, G. Devlin, P. Jordan; R. Mellon, C. Holmes; B. Dooher, B. McGuigan, S. O'Neill; F. McGuigan, S. Cavanagh, E. Mulligan. Subs: B. Robinson for Lawn (second half); P. Donnelly for F. McGuigan (51st); D. McCrossan for McMenamin (58th).

Referee: P. Foxe (Westmeath).