The sense of frustration of the home fans was clearly reflected as Cavan suffered their third consecutive league defeat when they were comprehensively beaten by Tyrone at Breffni Park yesterday. Cavan haven't won a game since their Ulster title success last July, and lie bottom of this group.

Tyrone, minus the services of Peter and Pascal Canavan, led by 09 to 0-4 at half-time thanks to the accuracy of Brian McGuckian, who punished the Cavan defence for their persistent fouling. Cavan missed a couple of early goal opportunities and gradually lost their shape. Ronan Carolan scored two points and Anthony Forde and Dermot McCabe one each.

Tyrone's midfield of Sean Corr and Jody Gormley were dominant, while the speed of forwards Barry Eccles and Damien Gormley as well as the accuracy of McGuckian and Ciaran McBride, left Cavan struggling.

Cavan managed to reduce the deficit to three points early in the second half, but Tyrone responded confidently.

The closest Cavan came to saving the game was when they again got to within three points entering the final quarter thanks to two 45s from Carolan. However, Tyrone replied with three points in four minutes from McGuckian (three) and McBride.