Tyrone produced a strong finish to overcome a spirited Cavan challenge at Breffni Park yesterday. Despite the unpleasant conditions both sides produced some entertaining fare.

The exchanges were keenly contested throughout and referee Jim Sheridan issued four yellow cards to Stephen Fawl and Mark Kelly (Tyrone) and Donal Kennedy and Philip Brady of Cavan.

Cavan performed well in the early stages and were well worth their half-time lead of 1-5 to 05, the goal coming from Aidan Fitzpatrick in the 19th minute.

Cavan failed to sustain their good form, however, in the second-half and thanks to the accuracy of Paul Lavery, who scored a total of nine points, this combined with Tyrone's greater fitness ensured them of victory.

TYRONE: K Connolly; C O'Neill, P Sweeney, B Daly; B Winters, S O'Neill, K Cunningham; M Kelly, J Kerr; R Winters, P Lavery (0-9), O Kerr (0-2), S Fawl (0-1), G McGettigan (0-1), C McBride. Subs: E Hughes for G McGettigan, C McDaid for S McFawl.

CAVAN: D Plunkett; P Sheridan, F Conway, D Kennedy; D Crudden, P Sheridan, J Briody; T Smith, B Sweeney; K Downes (0-6), A Fitzpatrick (1-0), P Kelly (0-1); P J Kelly, P Brady, J Reilly. Sub: D Sullivan for P Kelly.

Referee: J Sheridan (Kildare).