Dolan goals prove decisive

Gay Sheerin praised the industry of his side after a three points win at Dungannon lifted Roscommon to the top of the division. Dynamic corner forward Frankie Dolan was the hero, hitting both goals in his side's deserved success over Tyrone, with Derek Duggan thumping over seven points from frees.

But Sheerin admitted the balance is not yet correct. "I think sometimes our forwards come back and defend too deep." And he paid tribute to Dolan. "The goals were the key factors. Frank's very fast, he took his scores well."

It was in the first half, while playing into the wind that Roscommon laid the foundation for victory by defending in numbers and hitting crucial scores on the break.

They opened the scoring through Duggan before Tyrone hit back with two Peter Canavan frees and excellent scores from Eoin Gormley and Stephen O'Neill.

However, with John Gilhooly and Donal Casserly giving Roscommon the edge at midfield, Duggan thumped over a 40 metre free. Then they produced a flowing move which led to Dolan's first goal in the 12th minute. Nigel Dineen and Steven Lohan made the running for the corner forward who drove a low shot passed Martin Conway.

Roscommon were given another massive boost when Duggan scored from a 48 metres free. Tyrone hit back with two scores from Canavan and Gormley but trailed by 1-5 to 0-7 at the break.

And they suffered a hammer blow within 10 seconds of the restart, when Dolan got in behind the defence for his second goal to beat Conway in goal.

Four points down and playing into the wind, Tyrone gave themselves a chance with points from Canavan and Gormley, both from frees.

Canavan's sixth point left just a point between the sides, but the visitors again managed to break the siege for Duggan to punish defensive indiscretions. Substitute Peter Loughran, reduced the deficit with a point.

Goalkeeper Derek Thompson earned himself hero's status with a stunning save from Richard Thornton.

TYRONE: M Conway; C Howe, C Lawn, M McGee; C Holmes, C McAnallen, C Gourley; Pascal Canavan, T McKenna; B Dooher, Peter Canavan (0-6), B Meenan; S O'Neill (0-1), R Thornton, E Gormley (0-3). Subs: S Corr for Meenan, P McLoughlin for Holmes, C McBride for Howe, P Loughran (0-1) for O'Neill.

ROSCOMMON: D Thompson; D Gavin, J Whyte, R Owens; B Butler, B Bourke, B Mannion; J Gilhooley, D Casserly; C Conneely, D Duggan (0-7), S Casey; N Dineen, S Lohan, F Dolan (2-0). Subs: E Lohan (0-1) for Lohan, F O'Donaill for Casserly.

Referee: M Convery (Derry).