It's back to the drawing board for Tyrone now after another Suzuki national league defeat (two from three outings now)at the weekend. 3-7 to 1-9 the final score against Mayo at Castlebar, but a single point in the second half for Tyrone tells its own tale.
Level at half time 3-2 to 1-8 Tyrone played some good football at times. Gemma Begley had found the net with points from Orla O'Neill, Siobhan McGarvey and the ever impressive and improving Sarah Connolly who added six points (five from frees) to the first half tally.
Sadly it didn't last into the second period, Tyrone were at times disjointed, dragged over the park and indeed looked physically lighter than the home side. The Mayo side only latched on five further points though as Tyrone hit the woodwork twice Orla O'Neill having a great chance for a second Tyrone goal. Connolly the only point scorer for Tyrone in the second half.
The work rate was good throughout and although disappointed the management felt there were signs of improvement against a strong Connacht outfit.
The after affects of this defeat however could have bearings on the Summer and the Ulster championship. Briege Daly was taken to hospital with damaged ligaments in her ankle she ended up in a cast! while Tyrone also lost Seana Keenan with a knee injury, both are expected to be out for several weeks at least with both set to see specialists in the coming days.
A break now for Tyrone who meet Kerry on March 12th, over the coming week though the preparation continues for the Ulster campaign, it may seem a long way off but with two league defeats and two games to go the knock-out stages of the league seem far away.