THE HANDS OF PLOD FOR MALACHY

Rapid improvement needed says Tyrone manager

- PADDY TIERNEY

TYRONE claimed a hard-fought win over Cavan in Omagh yesterday to set up an Ulster SFC semi-final showdown with rivals and All-Ireland champions Armagh.

The Red Hands were cruising in the early stages of the second half having led by 10 points at the break.

Yet, a rally of five two-pointers from Cavan hinted at another remarkable comeback from the Breffni men after they brought Tyrone to extra-time at the same stage last season.

Conn Kilpatrick's sublime goal ended any prospect of Cavan claiming a first Championship victory over Tyrone since 1983, although Malachy O'Rourke insisted his side will need to be much sharper against Armagh.

"We know we played some good football, but other parts of our game weren't so good at all. We need to improve rapidly over the next couple of weeks — but that’s the intention," said O'Rourke (inset).

"It is massive because we played them in the second game of the League, we had a good victory the first day, and then Armagh just overpowered us in the first half - they were really, really impressive.

"They've got a really strong panel. You don't become All-Ireland champions for nothing, so we know we've a serious challenge in front of us.