Armagh 0-8 Monaghan 0-11

Monaghan were dealt a severe blow when Niamh Kindlon was stretchered off the field but Armagh still struggled to make any head way into the Monaghan lead. Sarah Marley drove forward with the ball before Maria O’Donnell won a free which was duly converted by O’Hanlon. As was the pattern of the first half the Monaghan response was quick with the McAnespie twins combining to set up Ellen McCarron for a fantastic individual point. A cleverly fisted point by McConnell restored Monaghan’s advantage before Armagh showed their first sign of real intent when Maria O’Donnell’s excellent attempt trickled out for a 45. Caroline O’Hanlon’s point was cancelled by another Monaghan score leaving Monaghan ahead at the break by 8-4.

Armagh needed to start the second half with intent but it was Monaghan who got off the mark first with two well taken points increasing their advantage to six points. Mags McAlinden and Ciara McAnespie points cancelled each other out but Armagh coulnt take advantage of their possession and were wasteful with the opportunities they did manage to create. The introduction of Puala Enright, Aoife Lennon, Marian McGuinness and Kelly Mallon lifted the Orchard girls and the attack looked to have more shape but Armagh were wasteful and didn’t take the chances presented to them to haul themselves back into the game. Marian McGuinness capped an excellent second half display with a well taken individual point and Caroline O’Hanlon added another to reduce the deficit but the Oriel girls held on for the victory leaving Armagh with a potential winner takes all battle with Tyrone in their final round robin game on 26th June.