A spirited second half performance saw Derry come seven points behind to draw with Tyrone in their opening National Football League Division game at a rain-swept Celtic Park earlier tonight.
James Kielt:: gave Derry an early lead.
Both sides were barely recognisable from their McKenna Cup semi-final clash two weeks ago, Brian McIver making nine changes to the Derry side while Mickey Harte made eight to the Tyrone line-up.
Derry made the perfect start with a point from a point by Kilrea’s James Kielt after just two minutes.
However, the lead lasted only a minute as Tyrone hit back with a goal from Grugan a minute later.
The reverse spurred Derry on as they went on to put over four points without reply to lead by two points after seven minutes on a scoreline of 0-5 to 1-0.
Following a black card, Enda Lynn extended the lead to three points in the 10th minute before McCurry pulled one back from a free.
Following the introduction of Colm Cavanagh, points from Moran, McCurry and a McFaul “45” put Tyrone back in front.
A point from Glen’s Ciaran McFaul brought the home side level but a Morgan free and a point from McCurry put the visitors two points in front at half-time on a scoreline 1-6 to 0-7.
After the restart, both sides exchanged points before Tyrone extended their lead to four points on a socreline of 0-8 to 1-9 after 40 minutes.
Derry were dealt a hammer blow with a second Tyrone goal to put the visitors seven points clear.
But the Oakleafers were not prepared to lie down and replied with points from Emmett McGuckin and Aidan McAlynn to trail by five points after 46 minutes.
After Fergal Doherty watched his low shot come back off a post both sides exchanged points before substitute Callean O”Boye, who had replaced Ciaran McFaul shortly beforehand, found the back of the net to bring the home side right back into the game to trail by two points.
After an exchange of points by Lynch and O’Neill, Grugan extended the Tyrone lead to three points after 57 minutes.
Points from Gerard O’Kane, Fergal Doherty and Mark Lynch brought the home side level.
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