Armagh 0-20 1-08 Antrim.
The Armagh of 2022 appeared to be back as they easily disposed of Antrim in the Ulster championship with an attacking game that we haven’t seen much of this season.
Last year Armagh were devastating going forward with route one football, lots of kicking, and an eye for goal – however their leakiness at the back often prevented them from winning the game.
Throughout the 2023 league campaign they have opted for a much more rigid and defensive structure, that many have been critical of, particularly as they got relegated from Division One.
However, as they lined out against Antrim in the opening round of the Ulster championship, they appeared to have regained some of that attacking prowess.
Despite the absence of Rian O’Neill through injury, they were much more dynamic in the first half, the best example coming from a long ball kicked into Jason Duffy who was only stopped by a brilliant save from Michael Byrne.
Antrim on the other hand were very loose with their passing, giving the Orchard county plenty of opportunities to turn them over, and their shot selection was very poor.
Slow start at the Athletic grounds 🏐@Armagh_GAA 0-05 @AontroimGAA 0-00 (L)
Watch it Live now ➡️ https://t.co/DlTZN3RaFE
#BBCGAA pic.twitter.com/E9bGh94P8B— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) April 8, 2023
Most of their efforts came from the wings, behind the 45 or just in the general peripheral of the scoring zone, relying on wonder scores like an outside the boot effort from Eoghan McCabe that did manage to split the posts.
The second half played out in much the same manner with Rory Gruggan pulling the strings, and Greg McCabe cleaning up everything in defence.
That was until the Saffron’s strolled through the middle of Armagh’s defence and Conor Stewart slotted home a very tidy finish that would have Kieran McGeeney blowing steam out his ears.
Conor Stewart fires home for Antrim.
Could a comeback be on the cards for the Saffrons ?@Armagh_GAA 0-16 @AontroimGAA 1=06 (L)
Watch it Live now ➡️ https://t.co/DlTZN3RaFE
#BBCGAA pic.twitter.com/KLim4dHP1a— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) April 8, 2023
Armagh showed their experience however, and kicked the next two scores, and despite some momentary lapses, they were very much in charge.
Conor Turbitt filled the shoes of O’Neill brilliantly, and lead by example as he kicked scores, took frees, and set up attacks, making him a very deserving winner of the Man of the Match award.
The game then fizzled out as both teams accepted the pre-match narrative, and Armagh proved too much for Andy McEntee’s side.
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