Goal-hungry Tyrone win all-Ulster clash to edge Monaghan closer to relegation

Thirteen-man Monaghan slipped closer to the relegation trap-door after losing to Ulster rivals Tyrone at Clones, the Red Hands on the verge of safety thanks to their first win on the road this season.

Peter Harte, from a penalty, and Cormac Quinn were the goal-scorers on a day when it all went wrong for the home side in the opening ten minutes of the second half, when they had Jack McCarron and Ryan O'Toole sent off.

The Farney men, who managed just one point from play in the entire game, scored by full back Kieran Duffy, must defeat Mayo at Castlebar next week to have a chance of avoiding the drop to Division Two.

Tyrone dropped fifteen men deep into their own half to frustrate the hosts, who dominated early possession but fell two points behind as their opponents broke for scores from Conn Kilpatrick and Daren McCurry (free).

But Monaghan pressed high to win frees that Micheal Bannigan converted to bring them level after ten minutes, with full back Kieran Duffy steering over a long range point.

But in the 12th minute, the Red Hands were awarded a penalty. Brian Kennedy drifted in to the edge of the square to rise high and collect a Michael McKernan cross, and a rash challenge by Francie Hughes promoted referee Joe McQuillan to point to the spot.

Peter Harte stepped up to slot the kick low to Rory Beggan’s left and into the bottom corner of the net in a massive boost for the visitors.

Harte also got forward to pick off a point from play, but Monaghan kept it close, with Bannigan and 'keeper Beggan, with a ’45, on target.

However, they conceded a second goal on 25 minutes when Canavan sent his Errigal Ciaran club-mate Cormac Quinn in to rattle the net with a clinical finish.

The Farney response was impressive, with three points