Tyrone pull off escape

Ulster MFC Final/ Tyrone 0-11; Down 0-11: Tyrone pulled off one of the greatest escapes in their history when the first Ulster minor final to grace the Croke Park turf yesterday finished honours even.

In the fourth minute of injury time midfielder Ray Mulgrew clipped over the equalising point, the last action of an enthralling affair.

Tyrone raced to a seven-point lead, through midfielder Shane O'Hagan, Gareth Devlin and Colm Cavanagh, and appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win but Down buried any thoughts of stage fright and began to play.

Stephen Doran got them off the mark after 25 minutes and Stephen Sands and Martin Clarke added points to revive their challenge by the break.

Down pressed the issues after the break and the sides were level entering the final quarter.

Clarke began the revival with three points in succession, two from frees, while at the other end it was Tyrone's turn to freeze as Mulgrew and Cavanagh both spurned goal chances, although Down goalkeeper Michael McAllister was also playing a significant role. Down's John Boyle then landed two excellent points to level the contest.

Then with seven minutes remaining Ryan Kelly brought Croke Park to its feet as he put his side in front for the first time.

Devlin replied for Tyrone but when Doran landed a point Down looked to have pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

Tyrone, though, waded forward. Devlin looked to be in for a goal but Pádraig Mageehan produced a remarkable block only for a free to be awarded from close in, which allowed Mulgrew to ensure Tyrone got another chance at retaining their crown.

TYRONE: D McCann; N McGinn, P Marlowe, D Burke; B Boggs, N Kerr, M Murray (0-1); R Mulgrew (0-2, 1f), S O'Hara (0-2); C O'Neill, M Cunningham (capt), S Donaghy; G Devlin (0-3), C Cavanagh (0-3), R McCrory. Subs: C McCarron for S Donaghy (45 mins), A Cassidy for C O'Neill (47 mins), G McCaughey for S O'Hara (55 mins).

DOWN: M McAllister; L Howard, W Russell, P Mageehan; R Lynch, J Colgan, S Parr; B McLoughlin, S Sands (0-2, 1f); S Doran (0-2), R Kelly (0-1), D Morgan; M Clarke (0-4, 2f), J Boyle (0-2), M Farrell. Subs: P Downey for S Sands (Blood sub, 7-11 mins), B McArdle for B McLaughlin (24 mins), P Downey for D Morgan (36 mins).

Referee: P Hughes (Armagh).