Orchard unbeaten run comes to an end

Orchard Unbeaten record comes to an end

Suzuki
National League Division 1A: Waterford 1-11 Armagh
1-08

Armagh’s one year unbeaten record came to a disappointing
end against Waterford were they suffered a 3 point
defeat. The Orchard ladies will be very disappointed
with the performance as they were undoubtedly the
better team and dominated the game but were guilty
of poor finishing. Armagh struck 4 wides before
Alma O’Donnell steadied the Armagh ship and coolly
slotted over a point from the 21 after some great
work from Maebh Moriarity. Aileen Matthews then
extended the Armagh lead with a fine point from
play before Armagh suffered an injury to their influential
full back Fiona Quinn who could take no further
part in the game and had to be substituted. Armagh
continued to attack the Waterford defence but could
not convert any of the chances and hit the cross
bar one once occasion, Waterford began to come into
the game and scored 2 quick points (one free).

A quick free caused confusion in the Armagh defence
and an overlap resulted in a Waterford goal. Waterford
scored another 2 points to take a lead of 1-04 to
Armagh’s 0-02. Armagh rallied in the last 10 minutes
and Alma O’Donnell who was excelling in midfield
struck over a fantastic point from play before converting
a 20 yard free to reduce the deficit to 3 points.
Waterford were fortunate not to go down to 14 players
on the stroke of half time after a very high and
late tackle that resulted in Alma O’Donnell’s substitution
with a facial injury. Half time score Waterford
1-04, Armagh 0-04.

The second half began at a furious pace and Waterford struck first blood, scoring a 14 yard free. Armagh’s Geraldine King was unfortunate not to score a goal when she struck a shot past the Waterford keeper only to see it hit the post before going wide. Waterford took full advantage of this near miss and scored 2 unanswered points. Armagh continued to run at the Waterford defence and were playing well in patches but couldn’t get convert their chances and with 7 points down midway through the second half it didn’t look good for the Orchard ladies. However, as we have seen time and time again Armagh have fantastic fighting spirit and will never lie down against any team and they began a remarkable comeback, scoring an unanswered 1-04. 3 points was converted by Aileen Matthews and a further point by Sharon Duncan before a superb Geraldine King goal brought the sides level with 8 minutes to go.  Armagh had chances to score but it was not to be their day and Waterford scored 3 late points in the last 3 minutes to secure victory. While this is a set back for the Orchard County, the management will be pleased with the spirited second half fight back but will want to see more clinical finishing from their team to secure much needed victories. The defence was once again excellent, Sinead McCleary and Bronagh O’Donnell particularly putting in strong performances, Alma O’Donnell was outstanding in midfield and Maebh Moriarty and Sharon Duncan worked extremely hard in the forward line and were instrumental in much of Armagh’s good work.

Alma O’ Donnell on the attack

Armagh
will look to learn from this defeat and will be
determined to secure 2 points and put in a strong
performance in their next game against Dublin on
Saturday 11th March.

Armagh Squad: Dearbhla Murtagh, Orla Murtagh,
Sarah Marley, Caoimhe Marley (Lissummon), Fionnuala
McAtamney (Bredagh), Mairead Tennyson (Mullabawn),
Maighdlin McAlinden, Denise Hagan, Maebh Moriarty,
Maria Donnelly, Sinead McCleary, Shauna O’Hagan,
Laura Brown, Grainne McAlinden, Orla Donnelly, Rhona
O’Mahony (Clann Eireann), Marian McGuinness, Caroline
O’Hanlon, Sinead Finnegan, Geraldine King, Louise
McNulty (Carrickcruppen), Aileen Matthews (Killeavy),
Oilvia Martin, (Dromintee) Clodagh McCann, (Ballyhegan),
Ailish Murphy, Aoife Lennon, (Derrynoose), Alma
O’Donnell, Bronagh O’Donnell, Maria O’Donnell, Fiona
Quinn, Sharon Duncan, Patrica McAvoy (Crossmaglen
Rangers), Dearbhla Toal (Grange, St Colmcille’s),
Theresa Loye, (Silverbridge)
Main Sponsor: Carrickdale Hotel

Armagh
Ladies Seeking Under 16 and Under 14 Managers
Armagh County Board would like to invite any interested
parties who would be interested in managing the
Armagh Ladies Under 16 and Under 14 teams to contact
Chairman Lawrence Crilly on 07900278922 as soon
as possible.