Donegal lead Tyrone by three points at half-time in a intense and enjoyable opening 35 minutes in the opening match of the Dr McKenna cup at O’Donnell Park.
Michael Murphy
Donegal playing against a strong breeze struggled to assert themselves early on and were guilty of making a number of handling errors.
Tyrone settled better and were more economic in possession and raced in to an early two point lead with Ronan O’Neil scoring a fine point.
It took Donegal 15 minutes to open their account when Colm McFadden struck a wonderful free from distance.
That was quickly followed three minutes later when Michael Murphy got Donegal’s first point from play to level the match.
Tyrone quickly regained the lead through Shane McGuigan.
Donegal were then awarded a penalty following a mistake from Tyrone keeper Niall Morgan who hauled down Darach O’Connor.
Michael Murphy struck the penalty but it was wonderfully saved from Morgan.
Donegal then added further scores from Eamon McGee and Colm McFadden.
On 30 minutes Michael Murphy made amends for his penalty miss and found the back of the net with a clinical right foot finish to put Donegal four points ahead.
Tyrone pulled one back to leave the score at half-time Donegal 1-05 Tyrone 0-05