Armagh Sneak Past Tyrone in Ulster SFC Preliminary Clash
By Michael McCarron
Armagh edged Tyrone 1-17 to 1-16 after extra-time in a tense Ulster Championship preliminary-round clash at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday. Conor Turbitt’s extra-time point proved decisive, but Tyrone will feel they let a major chance slip after pushing the Orchard County all the way.
Armagh started brightly and build an early 0-7 to 0-1 lead, with Callum O’Neill, Blaine Hughes and Cian McConville all on target. Tyrone, though, found their feet after Mattie Donnelly was introduced, and his first touch produced a score that helped the Red Hands close the gap before half-time, with Armagh leading 0-8 to 0-4 at the break.
The second half swung back and forth as Tyrone grew into the contest. Donnelly and Ethan Jordan helped drag their side level, while Michael McKernan pushed Tyrone ahead for the first time late on before OisÃn O’Neill responded with a two-point free to swing momentum back Armagh’s way.
The game still had another twist when Ben McDonnell’s late goal forced extra-time, setting up a fantastic finish through a sea of bodies. Armagh were then reduced to 14 men for the whole of extra-time after Darragh McMullen’s second yellow card, but they still managed to find the key scores to survive.
Ross McQuillan struck almost immediately in extra-time and Thomas McCormack palmed in a goal, before Eoin McElholm kept Tyrone alive with a classy equaliser. Turbitt’s late point finally settled it, with Tyrone also left to rue a narrow Niall Morgan wide from a late 45.
For Armagh, the result keeps their Ulster campaign alive, but this was not the performance of an untouchable side. They were slick early on, yet they allowed Tyrone back into the game and needed extra-time to get over the line.
That matters because Tyrone have not gone away. Mattie Donnelly, Michael McKernan and Eoin McElholm all showed enough quality to suggest the Red Hands remain a serious force, and Armagh’s narrow escape was a reminder that the gap between the top sides is still small.
