Regrets, perhaps, but nobody was complaining after this thrilling draw at Pomeroy yesterday, achieved through a point in injury-time by Offaly substitute James Stewart.

Offaly's regrets sprang from the spectacular denial of two goals in the last quarter. Placekicker David Connolly also missed opportunities at the re-opening of Plunkett Park as an inter-county venue.

A shot at goal by Stewart was tipped away for a "45" by goal keeper Finbarr McConnell and Padraig Moran's shot from close range was miraculously taken off the line by full back Chris Lawn. The low scoring was not due to an inordinate number of wides - both teams had seven. Rather, the forwards failed to shake off the attention of defenders.

Offaly Manager Tommy Lyons said: "We have done really nothing and it showed in a physical sense. We are not fit at this stage". Like counterpart Danny Ball, Lyons was very happy with the result. It was the reigning champions' second draw from two outings.

Tyrone's inability to sustain the midfield dominance of Seamus McCallan and David McElroy after the first quarter led to vulner ability. From the moment Sean Grennan moved to the midfield to partner Ciaran McManus, the supply to a Tyrone attack led by the cagey Peter Canavan decreased. A one-handed high overhead fetch by McCallan was the highlight of Tyrone's early dominance. Offaly right half-forward Colm Quinn helped out in defence to great effect and the holders' challenge came alive after a laborious start. Offaly failed to score until the 14th minute, a point by full forward Frank Weir, but did well to achieve parity at four points all by half-time.

Eoin Gormley's place kicking was an asset for Tyrone, although he did miss some shots in between hitting 0-6, including one from play. Pascal Canavan took his place at half-back after overcoming fitness problems and he shared in the success of defenders on the day. Gerard Cavlan, although listed as left half-forward, can claim marks as a defender and link man and Paul Devlin also starred in the Tyrone defence. Finbar Cullen and David Foley were strong on the left flank of the Offaly defence. Veteran corner forward Vinny Claffey was seen to best effect when setting up Moran for the goal chance near the end.

Tyrone: F McConnell; P McGurk, C Lawn, F Devlin; P Devlin (0-1), C Holmes, Pascal Canavan; S McCallan, D McElroy; B Dooher, Peter Canavan, G Cavlan; C McBride, E Gormley (0-6, 5 frees), R Thornton. Subs: M McGleenan for McBride (46 mins), S Lawn for Gormley (59 mins).

Offaly: K Furlong; C Daly, J Ryan, D Foley; J Kenny, B Malone, F Cullen; R Mooney, C McMan us (0-1, 45); C Quinn, S Grennan, R Malone (0-1); V Claffey, F Weir (0-1), D Connolly (0-3, frees). Subs: J Stewart for Mooney (40 mins), P Moran for Quinn (55 mins).

Referee: B Crowe (Cavan).