Dromore’s push for a Tyrone Division One semi-final spot suffered a blow as Errigal Ciaran grabbed a late goal to fight back for a draw at Dunmoyle.
And the point that got away could make all the difference in a closely fought title chase which has seen four different clubs top the table in the space of two weeks.
Ruairi Canavan’s 62nd minute strike tied it up at 2-4 to 1-7, with the Tyrone attacker hitting all of his side’s scores.
“It was one that got away, but I’m proud of the boys, proud of the performance that they put in,” said Dromore joint manager Ryan McMenamin.
“We had chances to kill them off. We only gave them one chance in the first half, and that was Ruairi Canavan’s goal. And that was probably against the run of play.
“And we had a mistake there at the end. We should have shut that down and we didn’t, but we’re a young team and we’re just trying to get consistency right for the championship.
“We came to give it a good go and we were happy to stay in contention.
“It’s disappointing not getting the two points, but we’ll just have to live with it.”
Dromore are looking forward to the return of some key players, including former All-Star Niall Sludden, along with talented attacker Emmet McNabb, home again following a spell in Australia.
“We had Ryan McCusker and Ronan McNabb snr back in there for 40 minutes, and hopefully we will have Niall and Emmet and a few other bodies back next week,” added McMenamin.
“We’re hoping to have Emmet back. He has been away in Australia and he hasn’t played much football.
“He came on against Eglish, he came on against Donaghmore and he did well.
“It’s just about bringing him back in and giving him as much time as possible, but we’re hoping to have him back for the championship and see where it goes from there.
“Niall picked up a bit of a knock. He has played all the games for us, and we decided to give him a break as well.
“He doesn’t really have to be playing these games at this stage, so if we can get him back for the last two, he’ll be grand.”
The strain on squad depth due to absenteeism was reflected in the age profile of Dromore’s second half substitutes, with a handful of youngsters pressed into action, while Errigal were able to spring the likes of county stars Darragh Canavan and Joe Oguz, as well as other experienced campaigners, from the bench.
“Errigal were throwing in county players, while we were just throwing in a lot of lads, and we finished that game with two or three minors.
“It was great to get them experience, Jack Law and Tiernan McCusker, we had Brian Gallagher and Oisin Teague thrown in there as well. So look, we’re very happy.”
A congested fixture schedule packing in two games per well will conclude this weekend, with the play-off pairings to be confirmed for both the title race and the relegation battle.
“We’re in contention for the semi-finals. It has been a punishing schedule for the boys, with the Reserve Championship thrown in as well.
“But it’s the same for all teams, and we’re happy with the performance, coming up against the league leaders and probably favourites for the championship.
“It’s a punishing schedule for the boys, with having no football for so long, and then you have six or seven games in three weeks.
“It’s tough on the bodies, it’s tough on the physios and it’s tough on the mind. With about five or six games in seven days, it’s tough going.”
The league semi-finals will be deferred until after the championship, which begins on September 5, with Dromore set to face Carrickmore in the stand-out tie of the first round.
