ULSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL: Tyrone v Down:A SERIOUS test of the intent and desire of both teams. They'll respect each other but hold no fear. Down recorded their first win over Tyrone since 1999 when beating them, after extra-time, in their Ulster quarter-final replay two years ago.
Tyrone won’t want to surrender their Ulster title here and Down are desperate to get back into a final, against either Fermanagh or Monaghan, and finally bridge that gap since 1994, when they last won it.
It has the promise to be a fascinating encounter if only because Down have shown great promise this year.
Mickey Harte has been forced into two defensive changes due to concerns over Ryan McMenamin (hamstring) and Davy Harte (calf) – but there’s nothing wrong with the cover, as Conor Gormley returns to centre back having recovered from a knee injury, while Peter Harte makes his championship start as a replacement for his cousin, Davy, at right wing back.
Brian Dooher, at 34, is retained in the half forward line where, at just 27, Seán Cavanagh will be making his 50th championship appearance.
Stephen O’Neill and a fit Owen Mulligan front a typically threatening attack which is bound to test the Down defence to the maximum.
Darren McCartan remains a notable absentee in that defence as his suspension, dating back to the red card he received in the league final against Armagh, does not finish until Sunday. Aidan Carr is another to miss out due to injury.
The return of Ambrose Rodgers to the midfield after injury allows Dan Gordon’s size to be used on the square’s edge to provide a tough test for the Tyrone defence.
TYRONE: P McConnell; M Swift, Justin McMahon, D Carlin; P Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; C Cavanagh, K Hughes; B Dooher, S Cavanagh, Joe McMahon; M Penrose, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
DOWN: B McVeigh; D Rooney, B McArdle, D Rafferty; K McKernan, J Colgan, C Garvey; A Rodgers, K King; D Hughes, M Poland, B Coulter; C Maginn, D Gordon, M Clarke.
Referee: G Ó Conamha (Galway).
In the Last Episode– Two years ago, Down recorded a first win over Tyrone since 1999, beating them 1-19 to 0-21, after extra-time, in their Ulster quarter-final replay.
You Bet– Ladbrokes.com offer odds of Tyrone 1/2; Draw 7/1; Down 21/10.
On Your Marks– Down were unexpectedly slow to start against Donegal, conceding 2-1 early on, and slow to kill them off too, only after extra-time, while Tyrone proved the opposite against Antrim, hitting 2-6 in the first half.
Gaining Ground– Casement Park is proving a fine, open venue for the usually smothering Ulster football, although Tyrone will be a little more familiar with the place having dismissed Antrim there last month.
Just The Ticket– Not an all-ticket event. Patrons can pay into the Open Seating and Terrace at the gate. Terrace €15/£13; Open Seating €25/£21; Covered Stand €27/£23. Concessions: OAP Terrace €10/£9; OAP Open Seating €15/£13; U16s Free into Open seating and Terrace.
Crystal Gazing– If that predatory streak is still running thick and fast in the Tyrone attack, then the Ulster champions will prevail.
