Holders Tyrone through to final

Tyrone 4-11, Fermanagh 1-11

Holders Tyrone blasted their way through to a second successive National Football League final with a 12-point demolition of Ulster neighbours Fermanagh.

The Erne county's first semi-final appearance since 1935 was moving along nicely when they led by a point at half-time, but four second half goals wrecked their dream of a national breakthrough.

Peter Canavan grabbed two gems, with Owen Mulligan also netting twice to give the holders a comfortable passage to the May 4 decider.

Tyrone's blistering start saw them race into a three points lead in as many minutes, Brian Dooher, Stephen O'Neill and Peter Canavan all on target as the Fermanagh rearguard struggled to contain a fast-moving forward unit.

But with Paul Brewster and particularly Martin McGrath beginning to get a hold of the midfield region, Fermanagh's Croke Park nerves gradually settled.

And their big following raised a mighty roar when Tom Brewster hit their first point form a free in the seventh minute.

Four minutes later they were level, Paul Brewster splitting the posts before Ciaran Donnelly squeezed over an acute angle point.

And with Barry Owens and Michael Lilly now looking more comfortable on Tyrone's two man inside line of Canavan and Owen Mulligan, Dominic Corrigan's men started to find belief.

Corner forwards Ronan McCabe and Ryan Keenan threatened with their pace, but Michael McGee and Ryan McMenamin held firm, and the Red Hands steadied their fraying nerves with scores from Stephen O'Neill and Gerard Cavlan.

Tom Brewster's splendid free kicking levelled in the 28th minute, and his fourth, and first from play, gave the Erne men the lead for the first time a minute from the break, 0-6 to 0-5.

Within five minute of the restart Tyrone had turned a one point deficit into a seven points lead with a devastating blitz.

It took Cavlan just 20 seconds to take an Enda McGinley pass and blast home a superb goal.

And McGinley was again the creator of Mulligan's fisted goal. In between Sean Cavanagh and Canavan floated over points, and Fermanagh were reeling.

But Fermanagh came roaring back into the contest, Tom Brewster sending Ryan Keenan through for the first goal Tyrone had conceded in eight National League games.

But the Red Hands had more left in reserve, and their third goal combined simplicity with artistic perfection.

Mulligan deflected goalkeeper Pascal McConnell's route one clearance into the path of Canavan, who lobbed Ronan Gallagher with delightful precision.

Tyrone's direct approach produced a fourth goal five minutes from the end, Gerard Cavlan's searching pass picking out Mulligan, who turned and shot low to the net.

Tom Brewster and Colm Bradley tagged on a handful of late points for Fermanagh, but this was Tyrone's day, even though they finished with just 14 men, Conor Gormley sent off for a second bookable offence.