Tyrone demonstrated their winning knack as they defeated Antrim by1-12 to 0-10 at Casement Park.

Without ever being at their best, Mickey Harte's experimental side stepped it up after the break to win with something to spare.

Antrim led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval and were full value for that advantage.

Ronan O'Neill opened the scoring for the Red Hands but midfielder Conal Kelly levelled the scores with Antrim's first point and Brian Neeson hit two.

Peter Hughes, Paddy Cunningham, and Hughes again closed first-half scoring and both managers had plenty to contemplate as they handed out their words of encouragement during the break.

Frees from Ronan O'Neill and Peter Harte and a trademark Stephen O'Neill brace - points from either foot - quickly put the visitors in front, 0-7 to 0-5.

Stephen McNally got forward from wing back to point and Cathal McCarron was also on target as slick Tyrone made it seven successive points to lead by 0-9 to 0-5. Kelly pulled one back for the Saffrons.

Substitute Tomas McCann and Cunningham (free) closed the margin to one point with 15 minutes left and Devine saved well from Cunningham as the Baker's boys threatened to go back in front.

O'Neill and Cunningham traded minors and peerless veteran O'Neill proved his immense value to Tyrone when he got the match-winning goal. Tweet

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