TYRONE 2-16 MONAGHAN 0-14

A STUNNING five minute second half spell by Tyrone minors turned an enthralling Ulster play-off on Tuesday night very much in their favour after Monaghan had led by six points at half time at Killeeshil.

A hungry Tyrone side played some outstanding football especially in the second half when they outscored the Farney girls 2-11 to 0-3, in the end claiming a semi-final berth against Donegal on the score of 2-16 to 0-14.

During the opening quater scores were regularly exchanged at either end, Clodagh Poyntz (0-2) and Ashling O'Kane trading points with Catriona McConnell (0-3) and McAnespie, while Omagh's Christiane Hunter made a superb block from Ciara McAnespie to prevent a goal and Sarah Connolly's combination pass with McLaughlin almost raised a green flag at the other end.

The Monaghan girls came more and more into the game in the second quarter and they racked up the points with Fahy, McAnespie, Boyle (0-2) and full forward McConnell (0-3) putting them in command at the break. O'Kane's goalbound effort that bobbled wide and points from Sarah Connolly and Poyntz were all that Tyrone could muster and the signs were ominous as they trailed by six.

However a stunning spell of Tyrone dominance in the opening minutes of the second half signalled the comeback that the large home support craved.

Ellen McMeel's dangerous foul on Shannon Quinn who was sent through on goal by Connolly gave Tyrone their first lifeline, a penalty, that was duly drilled home by Cappagh's Clodagh Poyntz. And within minutes the sides were level when Connolly's inch perfect pass was collected by midfielder Emma Conlon who beat keeper Edel Corrigan from ten yards.

The comeback was completed when captain Neamh Woods lashed over a point to regain the lead.

Fleming pulled the sides level again but the hero for the visitors proved to be the goalkeeper, seventeen year old Corrigan. She stopped two certain goals in the space of five minutes to keep Monaghan in contention, first from senior star Connolly and then from Ashling O'Kane. Conlon in between the goal chances scored a cracking point.

Monaghan could not break the Tyrone resolve in defence and with Quinn and Conlon assured at midfield and the forwards running the show, the heads dropped. McConnell hit point thirteen for them on twelve minutes but by now it was all Tyrone. O'Kane, Kellie Grimes and Poyntz hit scores and Connolly saw another goal bound effort saved once more.

The bustling forward though had the last word as she hit 0-4 in the final ten minutes to ease the tension. Her opposite number Catriona McConnell unable to get clear of McGillion only managed a pointed free on 57 minutes to end a dismal half for Monaghan.

In injury time Grimes and Conlon scored a point apiece to leave Tyrone in the comfort zone and on course for the last four.

There were fine individual displays all over the park but manager Martina Dillon would not single any one player out.

" I felt that we performed so well, every girl worked tremendously hard and fully deserved the victory. We showed courage and determination to come back and we got the best possible start to the second half, its great to be in the last four, but there were no cups handed out at Killeeshil on Tuesday night and its Donegal next"

Tyrone will need little motivation against their next opponents, the bulk of this squad were involved last year when a big lead was overturned by the Tir Connell side and Tyrone lost out in extra time.

Tyrone: Sinead McVeigh, Britta Quinn, Laura McGillion, Christiane Hunter, Rachel Molloy, Niamh Woods (0-1), Roisin Rafferty, Emma Conlon (1-2), Shannon Quinn, Rebecca McCrory, Ashling O'Kane (0-2), Kerrie Grimes (0-2), Clodagh Poyntz (1-4), Sarah Connolly (0-5), Sarah Louise McLaughlin. Subs: Claire Scullion for O'Kane, Ashling O'Kane for McLaughlin, Naiome McAnulla for Molloy

Monaghan Scorers: Catriona McConnell (0-8), Laura Boyle (0-2). Ciara McAnespie (0-2), Nicky Fahy (0-1), Tessa Fleming (0-1)

UNDER 16S

The new Tyrone Under 16 management team has been confirmed for 2007 and the County Board feel that the "New team" can get success at this grade.

Trials are set to begin as soon as possible and details will be made available shortly, in the meantime clubs should think about the trials and the players who they will be sending. The new management team will be announced officially this weekend.