WESTERN UNION MIRE

Mayo put managerial woes behind them to topple Red Hands with desire and spirit

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

MAYO have blown Group One wide open following a stunning seven-point defeat of Tyrone at O'Neills Healy Park.

Goals in each half from Darren McHale and Ryan O'Donoghue from the penalty spot helped an embattled Mayo side claim a fully-merited victory.

The fortunes of both teams could hardly have been more contrasting coming into the game with Mayo losing to Cavan in round one before Kevin McStay was forced to step aside for health reasons with Stephen Rochford coming in as interim boss.

Just seven days previous, Tyrone handed Jim McGuinness his first loss in Ballybofey as they defeated Ulster champions Donegal. Yet, the Red Hands never matched the pitch of that game. They posted a meagre four points in the first half as Mayo dominated the midfield battle.