Tyrone win second League title in a row

Tyrone 0-21 Laois 1-8

Tyrone powered to their second successive Allianz national Football League title with a classy display of points scoring at Croke Park.

Laois courage and passion proved no match for the slick teamwork and individual brilliance of a Red Hand side bristling with confidence ahead of its championship opener against Derry in a fortnight.

Owen Mulligan and Stephen O'Neill terrorised the Laois defence throughout, and while Peter Canavan was well shadowed by Tom Kelly, he managed to contribute a significant six points tall, three of theme from play.

A solid Tyrone defence never allowed their opponents room to manoeuvre, the only notable lapse leading to Ian Fitzgerald's first half goal.

Tyrone's fast-moving attack was quickly into its stride, opening up a six points lead by the 19th minute.

Peter Canavan, Stephen O'Neill, Owen Mulligan and Enda McGinley all hit the target, and by the 20th minute Laois had still failed to score.

But they announced their belated arrival in dramatic style when Ian Fitzgerald punched a Damien Delaney free to the net for only the second goal conceded by the Ulster side this season.

And they tagged on scored from Colm Parkinson, Delaney and Fitzgerald to cut the deficit to just two points.

Tyrone had two goal chances, the first falling to Peter Canavan, who delayed for a split second and found himself surrounded by three defenders, the second created by Canavan for O'Neill, who cracked a shot off a post.

But for all their early flair and polish, the Red Hands began to look shaky and hesitant once the Laois flyers began to run at them.

Tyrone led by 0-10 to 1-4 at the break, and they continued to hit the target almost at will after the break.

O'Neill, Canavan, Cormac McAnallen and Sean Cavanagh all banged over points, and substitute Gerard Cavlan steered over two gems.

They did have some anxious moments as Laois hit them on the counter-attack, but 'keeper John Devine made two magnificent saves, from Ross Munnelly and Aidan Fennelly.

Chris Conway and David Sweeney tried to drag the Leinster side back into it, but this was to be Tyrone's day, and they swept to victory with polish and style.