It was a point gained rather than a point dropped. That was the verdict of Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney following Sunday’s dramatic draw with Tyrone in Healy Park.
The final score of 0-9 each doesn’t do justice to a remarkable game played, for the most part, in dreadful conditions in Omagh.
Footballer of the Year Kieran McGeary was sent off late on for a second booking in a game which had plenty of talking points.
Monaghan probably have more reason to feel aggrieved with the outcome as they spurned a host of chances to take both points.
Yet, Tyrone had an injury-time score disallowed by referee Joe McQuillan as Brian Kennedy was penalised for charging into Monaghan ’keeper Rory Beggan just as Paul Donaghy’s shot dropped over the crossbar.
"It was a great game of ball in the conditions,” stated McEnaney.
“There was a lot of stake – National League points. For us, it is a point gained away from home.
"We only have three games at home and to get a point away from home is very important.
“This is the best Division One campaign in 25 years. There’s serious competitiveness in this division and we’re delighted to come out of here with a point.
“The positive for us is that we created 25 or 30 scoring chances. The disappointing thing is that we only scored nine.
“For attitude, character, work-ethic – we couldn’t have asked for more.”
Those sentiments were echoed by goalkeeper Rory Beggan, who was the game’s top scorer with three points, including one from open play in the second half.
“I’ve been threatening without doing it. At that stage of the game, it was nice to get it,” said Beggan.
“If I’m in that position, you’d expect your outfield players to score and I’m no different. The area of the pitch I was in, it should have went over the bar.
“I was delighted to get on the scoreboard, whether it is from frees or from play, you’re there to help the team.
“It could have gone either way at the end, but both teams are happy to share the points. We’ll go on to next week and try and get two.”
While Donaghy’s late effort was ruled out, Monaghan also had an opportunity to claim the win in injury-time when they were awarded a late free.
Rather than trying to land the winning score himself, Beggan opted to go short to full-back Conor Boyle, but his effort dropped into the arms of Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan with the full-time whistle sounding moments later.
It was a tough afternoon for free-takers and Beggan explained his reasoning for not attempting the 40-metre free.
“I know with my first one, the ball rolled on me and I had to take it back,” added the Monaghan ’keeper.
“I just had a feeling if it rolled again, he (Joe McQuillan) would have blown it up. That was maybe playing on my mind a bit.”
