Points are hard-earned in the top flight and Sunday’s narrow win over Kildare felt like a huge one for All-Ireland champions Tyrone.
The Red Hands had only one point from their opening two fixtures following a draw against Monaghan and a defeat to Kildare. A second successive loss at home to Kildare was unthinkable.
They travel to Ballybofey to face Donegal on Saturday night and their final three outings sees them face fellow provincial champions Dublin (home), Mayo (home) and Kerry (away).
Tyrone simply had to take something from their round three fixture, but Glenn Ryan’s side pushed them all the way.
Daniel Flynn flashed a late goal chance over the crossbar while goalkeeper Mark Donnellan missed a free to salvage a point for the Lilywhites.
All-Star midfielder Brian Kennedy knows there is more work to be done to avoid a relegation dogfight, but was glad to see Tyrone secure their first win of the 2022 season.
“It was a big result for us but there's no corner turned yet until we get safe in this division, there's still a lot of results that go for you or against you,” said Kennedy.
“It was good to get that win, it gives us a bit of confidence and hopefully we can build on it.”
“There are no easy games in Division On. Kildare were a serious outfit, Armagh proved to be a serious outfit.
“On any given day, any team is capable of winning, it's all about how you turn up on the day and how you apply yourself.”
Tyrone’s 2-7 to 0-12 win over the Lilywhites came courtesy of two second half goals from Kennedy’s midfield partner Conn Kilpatrick and leading attacker Darren McCurry.
The game was played in dreadful conditions with Healy Park passing a late pitch inspection before being deemed fit to host the Division One tie.
The Red Hands were also without the suspended quartet of Padraig Hamspey, Kieran McGeary, Michael McKernan and Peter Harte while Mattie Donnelly and Ronan McNamee were both injured.
A host of emerging talent got their opportunity to try and impress Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher with Kennedy hailing the reserve of talent within the squad.
“I thought the lads who came in were exceptional,” said Kennedy.
“They put the shoulder to the wheel and really put in a good shift and that's the best result we've had this year.
“The new boys are here for a reason, they know what is expected of them when they put on a Tyrone jersey and they've stood up massively.
“We had four or five new faces in and it was unbelievable to see them stand up and it was good to scrape over the line at the finish.”
The suspended players will return for Saturday’s Ulster derby meeting with Donegal, in what is a repeat of last summer’s Ulster SFC semi-final between the counties.
However, the game will come too soon for Donnelly and McNamee.
Prior to Tyrone edging out Kildare on Sunday, Donegal shipped a 1-13 to 0-7 defeat to Kerry in Killarney and Kennedy knows Declan Bonner’s side will be keen to bounce back this weekend.
“They (Donegal) will be hungry for points as well,” added the Derrylaughan clubman.
“Nothing's ever easy when you go to Ballybofey so it'll be another massive encounter, no doubt, but that's the way you want it.
“When you're playing against the best week-in, week-out it's the best way to improve yourself.”
