Tyrone into semi-finals Photos from Clones Score-by-score

Title holders Tyrone were boosted by an early penalty and Mulgrew claimed the award was harsh on his players.

"Their player was running away from goal, there was no chance of him scoring a goal," said Mulgrew.

"But that was the way the referee saw it. We did not get that many breaks and the boys are gutted in there."

Mulgrew said Fermanagh had come to win the game, although they had been written off by so many.

"Losing Barry Owens was a big blow and so was the penalty decision," added Mulgrew.

This was always a two-horse race and this horse came close to being beaten today. Mickey Harte

"But Tyrone are a fine side and when they got on top they pushed on. Fitness maybe told more late in the game.

"But my lads showed they are proud of Fermanagh. We have to regroup now and look ahead to the qualifiers."

Mickey Harte, who led Tyrone to the Ulster and All-Ireland titles in his first Championship season in 2003, admitted they came close to losing their grip on the provincial crown.

"It was ridiculous that a team like Fermanagh were being written off after having played all season in Division One," said Harte.

"We did not think like that but the players cannot be immune from such talk.

"Fermanagh were bound to fight back. They had lost a lot of players from last year but they deserve a lot of credit.

"We were worried at half-time. Of course, we were. This was always a two-horse race and this horse came close to being beaten today."