Armagh v Westmeath - National League Div 2

[Bainisteoir]

Armagh 2-19 0-8 Westmeath

Armagh cruised to an easy victory in Crossmaglen as Steven McDonnell almost single-handedly won the game against Westmeath.

The Killeavy star scored 1-09 - all from play - as Armagh earned their first league win under new manager Paddy O'Rourke.

McDonnell's fisted goal in the sixth minute left Westmeath chasing the game and they were 1-09 to 0-05 behind at half-time.

Paul Greville and Denis Glennon tried to keep their side in the hunt, but Finnian Moriarty's 52nd-minute goal killed off the match as a contest. McDonnell was the star of the game and it comfirms "STEVIES BACK!!".

It was a solid performance by the team with Aaron Kernan playing very well at CHF and I hope he continues to play that role for the remainder of the league. Duffy, Vernon, Feeney and Swift all had great games. Lets not get carried away though, Westmeath were poor but it was great to see another determined display by the Orchard County and a brilliant performance from McDonnell.

[pearse og lad]

Glad we got the two points, but it must be said tougher tests lie ahead.

Stevie looks like he means business this year!

[saranbhoy]

Agree that tougher tests lie ahead, but great to see so many players get in on the scoring. T.Kernan, A.Kernan, Vernon, Swift, Feeney, Henderson, Moriarty and watters all got on the score sheet as well as McDonnell.

All our defenders looked very comfortable and willing to carry the ball out of defence to build from the back. Andy mallon made a great run from the full back line which led to Hendersons point.

Vernon showed some of his university form in the middle of the park, and was very impressed by Nippy in the half forward line, scored 2 excellent points.

For anyone not at the game, we lined out as follows:

GK - McEvoy - Relatively untested, saved one shot from distance round the post.

RCB - A.Mallon - Made some excellent attacking runs from deep, got penalised a few times, unfairly imo.

FB - B.Donaghy - Relatively untested, fairly solid. Won anything came his way.

LCB - P.Duffy - Contender for MOTM. Always available to receive possession, strong in the tackle and got forward well. Got caught in possession once on the 45, but excellently made up a good 15 meters on his opponent to atone for his error.

RHB - B.Shannon- In Mal Mackin (and switched positions with A.Kernan) Had a solid game, again a willing carrier of the ball. Relatively untested.

CHB - C.McKeever- Played a brilliant sweeper roll in front of the full back line early on when West Meath were still in the game. Always looking for the ball and took a number of short kickouts off McEvoy and carried the game to W.Meath

LHB - F.Moriarty Again relatively untested, got forward well. Cracking finish for his goal, power and accuracy.

MF - C.Vernon & K.Toner Dominated through out, I still feel Toner would be better used in full back, had a decent game, but there are tougher midfeilds than that out there. Vernon was exceptional. Made some lung busting runs through the middle, setting up numerous scores, had a few chances of his own, including a spectacular point from distance. Contender for MOTM. Made several marks in the 2nd half.

RHF- G.Swift In for Lavery - Brilliant performance from Nippy, scored 2 excellent points from angles and distance. Strong in the tackle and defending from the front. Would love to see him make a real go of it and O'Rourkes thoughts on a strong physical yet mobile half forward line could work for him.

CHF - A.Kernan Full game in the half forward line for Kernan. Was an excellent play-maker. Always available and always accurate with his passing. Scored 2, 1 from play which could have been a goal, but he opted to fist over. Hope to see more of him in this position.

LHF - J.Feeney Another good performance for Feeney. Quickly establishing himself in the team, If he keeps playing like this he'll be there come the summer. Similar role as Nippy, defended from the front. Got 1 point IIRC.

RCF - T.Kernan Done ok without being spectacular. Scored 1 maybe 2 from frees, missed a few frees too though it has to be said.

FF - S.McDonnell 1-9 from play says it all really. Great flick on for the goal. Was the target for all passes into the forward line, and on that form, why not! Could have had another goal or 2. Was taking all sorts of points, off both feet, close in, from distance and all sorts of angles. Master class.

LCF - R.Henderson Similar to Kernan, ok without being great. Wasted posession twice first half by fist passing the ball carelessly without looking. Scored 1 from play.

Subs included - J.O'Neill, M.McNamee, C.Watters, K.Dyas

Scorers:
McDonnell 1-9
Moriarty 1-0
Swift 0-2
A.Kernan 0-2 (1 free)
Vernon 0-1
Henderson 0-1
T.Kernan 0-2 (2 frees i think)
J.Feeney 0-1
C.Watters 0-1

[shanedoc]

Guess who's back Stevie's back
A Kernan played a blinder has he found his new calling
great stuff

[Cross Gael]

Yes I'm sorry to say Hearty must go, Jamie Clarke is the boy for the future.. so give him a run out in the league!!!!!!1

[Bainisteoir]

I'm really looking forward to see how J Clarke and Forker do when they eventually come into the squad.

[saranbhoy]

Is Jamie Clarke still under 21? Doubt we'll see him t'll U21 championship is over. Play Donegal on 24th March

Forker was sitting with the subs on sunday, but not togged out. Must not be available t'll sigerson is over.

[Bainisteoir]

Is Jamie Clarke still under 21? Doubt we'll see him t'll U21 championship is over. Play Donegal on 24th March

Forker was sitting with the subs on sunday, but not togged out. Must not be available t'll sigerson is over.

yeah Jamie is still under 21 but I'd imagine him and Forker could feature after sigerson is over. I believe Jamie was on a holiday this week and could feature after sigerson.