AFTER a frantic start on our game against Tyrone on Saturday we fell into our old ways and were beaten by a team that knows how to win.
Everything seemed to work for us in the opening 20 minutes with our midfield winning plenty of possession.
Up front there was plenty of movement and if I had put away the goal chance in the first half then we would have had a lead at the break.
We had plenty of chances in the second half but if truth be told Tyrone were the better team on the day. They had the experience in their side to carry the ball and to pop over some vital winning scores towards the end of the game.
Tyrone boss Mickey Harte will be pleased that they are in another final but if we were a bit cooler then I think we could have taken the victory.
Although we did not play in the second half I still believe we can get a decent run in the qualifiers. Our defence played well and Tyrone never looked like scoring a goal in Casement whereas we probably should have had a couple.
If we are going to improve this year we will have to take the positives out of the game. Its disappointing not to be contesting a Ulster Final but we should be big enough not to let this defeat get to us and to try and get focused for round two of the qualifiers.
The minors really will fell disappointed after their narrow defeat to Tyrone. They were the better team for most of the game but they just did not get the breaks which Tyrone did. There are a lot of good players in that team who I believe can be coached through to under 21 and senior level.
It is now back to club football for us and I hope to play a part against Rostrevor on Friday evening. The top of division one is extremely tight and the championship is going to be very interesting this season.
After a poor start to our campaign we have got our season back on track and if we can get our injuries cleared up then we should be in with a shout for honours.
Burren still set the standard and they will probably start favourites for the O’Hare Cup.
Kilcoo, Byransford and Rostrevor will also fancy themselves as will Clonduff who are flying at present. The Yellows were tipped by many as relegation candidates but they are now in a play off place. If they can keep their momentum going then they will cause plenty of team’s problems.