Caolan McGonagle of Donegal in action against Rory Grugan of Armagh during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Armagh and Donegal at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Allianz Football League Division 2
ARMAGH 1-9 DONEGAL 0-12
By Steve Malone at the Box-It Athletic Grounds
It was as you were as Division Two table toppers Armagh and Donegal couldn’t be separated in an exciting battle in the Box-IT Athletic Grounds.
Either side could have won the game but they remain unbeaten and Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh are yet to concede a goal in the National League.
Armagh led by a point at the break and they probably should have been further in front but they might have also gone behind had Ciaran Thompson’s close-range shot gone under instead of over the bar, with the last kick of the half.
It was cagey opening quarter, which suited Donegal’s style who opted for power and punch and points from Peadar Mogan and the brilliant Michael Langan gave Jim McGuinness’ side an early lead. Conor O’Neill nabbed Armagh’s first two points, with Donegal captain Paddy McBreaty scoring in-between.
Kieran McGeeney’s tactics was for his team to kick long into Andrew Murnin, the first two attempts were comfortably dealt with by Donegal but Ciaran Mackin’s insightful forward pass found the St Paul’s man one-on-one with Shuan Patton and Murnin made no mistake.
The goal on 19 minutes sparked life into Armagh, Orchard captain Aidan Forker, floated over a beauty from the outside of the foot, Rory Grugan won a 50—50 ball and drilled over and young Oisin Conaty followed up.
The Orchard pressed but Donegal soaked up the pressure and with McBreaty leading the charge, they finished the half with a flurry as their captain grabbed two scores, including a free and looked set to nail his fourth but his shot dropped shot into the arms of Thompson, who from outside the square drilled over the bar.
Half-time: Armagh 1-05 Donegal 0-07
It wasn’t long before Donegal were back in driving seat with three converted scores on the trot. McBrearty levelled with free and Gallan followed up with a mark and free.
Armagh pressed but Donegal’s defence of Stephen McMenamin and McCole along with Ryan McHugh mopping up kept the Orchard at bay for long periods but with 55 minutes gone the sides were level. Rory Grugan weaved his way through before firing over and substitute Jarly Og Burns stroked his effort between the posts.
Both sides squandered chances to go in front but Murnin’s fisted point had Armagh leading for a brief period only, because Gallan’s third converted free restored parity and it was all to play for with ten minutes remaining.
Donegal were gifted a penalty but Orchard keeper Blaine Hughes dived to his left to save the spot kick from Gallen. Not one of the 11, 252 in Box-It Athletic Grounds were leaving early as four additional minutes was announced.
Rian O’Neill, making his first introduction for Armagh this year, curled over the bar, a minute into additional time to put Armagh in front. It was a touch of class but Donegal weren’t done and Shane O’Donnell struck a fine point to level the game for the fifth time.
Jarly Og almost completed a fairytale weekend for the Burns family as, with his Dad, GAA President Jarlath, watching in the stands, he made a brilliant run through the Donegal defence but his fisted effort fell short.
Armagh make the trip to Fermanagh next week, while Donegal face Louth.
Armagh scorers: Andrew Murnin (1-01), Conor O’Neill (0-02), Rory Grugan (0-02), Aidan Forker, Oisin Conaty, Jarly Og Burns, Rian O’Neill (0-01 each).
Donegal scorers: Paddy McBreaty (0-04, 0-2 frees), Oisin Gallen (0-04, 0-2 frees, 0-2 marks), Ciaran Thompson, Michael Langan, Peadar Mogan, Shane O’Donnell (0-01 each)
ARMAGH: Blaine Hughes, Paddy Burns, Peter McGrane, Greg McCabe, Aidan Forker, Ciaran Mackin, Connaire Mackin, Conor O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Rory Grugan, Joe McElroy, Cian McConville, Conor Turbitt, Oisin Conaty. Subs: Jason Duffy for C McConville (ht’), Jarly Og Burns for Connaire Mackin (41’), Rian O’Neill for Forker (45’), Stefan Campbell for Turbitt (50’), Jemar Hall for O’Neill (66’),
DONEGAL: Shaun Patton, Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Stephen McMenamin, Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonigle, Daire O Baoill, Ciaran Thompson, Michael Langan, Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Moore, Odhran Doherty, Paddy McBreaty, Hugh McFadden. Subs: Shane O’Donnell, for McFadden (40’), Jeaic Mac Ceallabhui for Doherty (49’), Jamie Brennan for O Baoill (52’).
Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).
