Deja vu for Tyrone and Cavan in u-21 decider

Tyrone's Conor McAliskey getshis pass delivered despite the attentions of Down's Ryan McAleenan, during their U21 semi-final at Casement Park Belfast. Picture Michael Cullen

WHEN TYRONE and Cavan lock horns in tonight’s Ulster Under-21 decider, the only thing that is for certain is that we’re in for a thriller.

The same two sides contested last year’s provincial final, with Cavan securing an unlikely victory. The Red Hands will be doing all they can to ensure that lightning doesn’t strike twice.

Tyrone looked extremely comfortable as they made light of Down’s advances for long spells on Wednesday night, but their failure to convert what should have been straightforward scores meant that there were only five points between them at the break, a margin which gave Down hope as they staged a gallant fight-back.

The truth is that had Tyrone been more clinical, they would have been out of sight and half way back down the M1 by the half-time whistle with their final place safely in the bag.

If there is one major criticism of this Red Hand outfit, it has been that they have so far failed to capitalise on their advantages, and have appeared to lack the ruthless streak required to really hammer a team.

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