Veterans turn the battle for Armagh

Donegal 0-12 Armagh 0-12

While yesterday in Clones was another fascinating chapter, it ended with the same consistent theme - Donegal’s inability to beat this Armagh side.

Six years they have been trying now. And this thrilling game, encapsulating all that was good about the tribal warfare that is Ulster football - two red cards, a plethora of bookings, tough tackling and some fine score-taking-was their best chance yet.

And they will know that as they look back this week.

With 13 minutes left on the clock, and Armagh’s grip on the Ulster title, looking at its most tenuous, Donegal’s impressive corner-back Karl Lacey burst up-field to within 30 yards of the Armagh posts. Perhaps, he was a little surprised at the space he found himself in.

Whatever the reason, Lacey’s shot was rushed and panicky and went wide. Donegal were three points ahead at that stage, 0-11 to 0-8. Had Lacey being more accurate, Armagh might not have tunnelled their way back into this game.

That they did is testament to the spirit Joe Kernan has generated. And he remains the wisest old fox around. There were 12 minutes left when he threw Philip Loughran on, and change the game. He won possession four times in the next 10 minutes. Three times that was translated into scores. That the two most crucial scores came from Oisín McConville and Paul McGrane illustrates the debt the Ulster champions still owe their veterans.

It was McConville who ensured they would return to Clones next Saturday, with a beautifully flighted left-footed effort in the 70th minute.

And still, Donegal had a chance to seize victory, awarded a late free on the left wing. Christy Toye, who wasn’t having one of his best days, took the kick and missed.

So, the surprise never transpired. Perhaps, that’s all right. Clones might only be able to withstand one stunning victory over this weekend. And just like Kevin McBride’s moment in the sun, this match was messy at times, particularly in the first half.

Indeed, much of the first period was simply shadow-boxing. Sometimes, the physicality became a little too intense and Joe McQuillan never really took control of proceedings. He allowed situations to boil, resulting in Kevin Cassidy being dismissed in the 29th minute for taking a swing at Martin O’Rourke.

The dismissal ignited the match. The opening half an hour had been interesting for the way the advantage tossed and turned but there had only been eight scores - Armagh leading at that point 0-5 to 0-3.

Four more points were shoe-horned into the next six minutes, two from each side. Brian Roper and Adrian Sweeney delved into all their experience to claw Donegal back into the game, although Brian Mallon’s fine score in the dying moments, ensured Armagh led at the break, 0-7 to 0-5.

Brian McEniff’s enigmatic collection of moodily talented footballers must have searched deep into their souls in the dressing-room. They produced a wonderful second half display.

Colm McFadden was immense. He kicked some super frees, including one in the 37th minute from a tight angle that levelled the game at 0-7 each. By that stage, McFadden was chasing every ball within his sights.

About the only thing wrong with this Donegal display was a familiar one. While Sweeney, McFadden and Roper expended every last bit of energy in the second half, Brendan Devanney wore the expression of a forward who believes the world, and referees, are against him.

It took Armagh 20 minutes to register a score - a chipped effort from Ronan Clarke. Mallon then burst through the Donegal defence to nail an inspirational score after Lacey’s miss. A schmozzle in the Donegal square saw McQuillan produce his second red card of the day to Paddy McKeever, but that decision seemed to have more of a detrimental effect on Donegal.

Despite dismissing McKeever, McQuillan elected to throw the ball up instead of awarding a free-out, another bizarre decision. McGrane won the throw-up and sliced the ball over the bar. There was eight minutes left and a point between the teams.

Two minutes later, Loughran rose highest, released Aaron Kernan to equalise. Three minutes later, Toye rounded off a lovely, patient piece of football for Donegal with a point. The Ulster champions were slipping off the verge. But, they always had McConville to rescue them.

Scorers: Armagh: R Clarke (0-3), S McDonnell, B Mallon (0-2 each), A Kernan, O McConville (0-2, 1 free), P McGrane (0-1) Donegal: C McFadden (0-5, 4 frees), A Sweeney (0-4, 1 free), C Toye, B Roper (0-1 each), B Devanney (0-1, free)

ARMAGH: P Hearty; A Mallon, F Bellew, P McCormack,.A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever; J Toal, P McGrane; M O’Rourke, J McEntee, O McConville, S McDonnell, R Clarke, B Mallon. Subs: A McCann for McKeever, A O’Rourke for McCormack (both 41 mins), P McKeever for M O’Rourke (45 mins), P Loughran for McEntee (59 mins)

DONEGAL: M Boyle; E McGee, R Sweeney, K Lacey, D Diver, B Monaghan, S Carr; K Cassidy, N Gallagher; C Toye, B Roper, M Hegarty, C McFadden, A Sweeney, B Devanney. Subs: R Kavanagh for Devanney (60 mins)

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).