Updated at 21.03
Armagh 2-17
Wicklow 2-7
ARMAGH ARE THROUGH to Round 2B of the All-Ireland football Qualifiers but Kieran McGeeney’s men didn’t have it all their own way at the Athletic Grounds this afternoon.
Two years ago, the Orchard County ran out 25-point winners over the same opposition but the margins were much tighter this time around with the home side only sealing victory thanks to a run of 2-3 without reply in the closing stages.
It looked like it would be a much easier afternoon for Armagh when they raced into a four point lead while Wicklow had to wait 19 minutes for their opening score. However, five minutes later the sides were level after John McGrath raised the first green flag of the game before Paul Cronin clipped over a point from a close-range free.
Armagh closed out the half much the stronger with Jamie Clarke key in establishing a four point lead at the break, 0-8 to 1-2.
The sides traded scores to begin the second half but James Stafford made an immediate impression when he found the back of the net within minutes of coming on to make it a one point game, 0-14 to 2-7.
Armagh finally showed their superiority in the final five minutes of the game as they outscored their guests 2-3 to no score thanks to a pair of goals from Clarke to see out the game.
Wexford 2-16
Down 2-11
(Down goalkeeper Stephan Kane saves from Wexford’s Kevin O’Grady)
Wexford proved too good for Down, winning 2-16 to 2-11 at Innovate Wexford Park in this evening’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier.
A goal from Jerome Johnston occurred amid a lively opening, which saw Down earn a 1-3 to 0-3 lead, before a Ciaran Lyng free helped his side draw level.
Further scores from Tiernan Rossiter and Kieran Butler subsequently enabled the home side to secure a 0-9 to 1-4 half-time lead.
Wexford pulled further ahead after the break, with points from Michael O’Regan and Kevin O’Grady extending their advantage.
Two quick-fire goals from the Rossiter brothers then looked to have won it for the hosts, after they capitalised on poor Down defending, however a swift response in the form of a goal from substitute Arthur McConville gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Another point Donal O’Hare increased chances of a dramatic comeback, but Conor Garvey was sent off late on for an off-the-ball incident, as Wexford held on for a five-point win.
Louth 1-16
Leitrim 0-11
(Louth’s Colm Judge and Niall Woods of Leitrim)
Louth earned a comfortable 1-16 to 0-11 victory over Leitrim in the All-Ireland SFC qualifier at Gaelic Grounds tonight.
The result did not appear so clear cut after a finely balanced first-half however, with points from James Califf, Colm Judge and Ryan Burns helping their side to secure a narrow 0-11 to 0-8 lead at the break.
Nevertheless, the outcome seldom looked in doubt after Conor Grimes’ goal in the second half put Louth 1-13 to 0-9 ahead.
Points from Danny Beck and Kevin Conlan kept Leitrim’s faint hopes alive, but additional scores by Grimes, Declan Byrne and Tommy Durnin ultimately sealed a convincing win for their side.
Yet another wonderful plan
We have barely a 9 team second tier at present , and these geniuses want to create a third!
I know it’s only a plan and historically the fai can’t be trusted but at least its encouraging. Hopefully it’s not all talk as per usual and some of it is put into action, because we deserve a league with a good standard and up to date facilities. Football in Ireland has huge potential plus it can only improve the international set up with having a stronger domestic league. The standard is improving but it can be so much better if more people starting investing in itbin whatever way possible. That can be as simple as buying merchandise from your local club or going to a game to at least give it a go. I implore people to get involved!
@John Kelly: stop with the positivity, your kind aren’t welcome around here. You have to moan about John Delaney and blazers and our poor team. It’s all about the thumbs don’t ya know.
@Gerry McCaughey: I wasn’t talking to you anyway ya pleb
The last line to me (quote regarding Brexit) epitomises the FAI for me.
The fact they have relied far to heavily on another football association to nurture our own talent and wash their hands of creating a viable league system on a divided island suddenly shifted into a blinkered vision of what they dillusionally ‘wish’ to achieve.
Kids playing matches every weekend on waterlogged pitches that often are not even flat. Long ball is all they can play. When they go to school its GAA and Rugby.
@Mogh Roith: our pitches are grand; you’d want to see what they have to play on in Brazil, and yet look at what they produce.
@Philip Fox: Brazil also has a population of over 200 million
@Philip Fox: Croatia is the like for like example. Similar population….much stronger league abd under a weak FA.
We need to aim higher avd longer term than 3 years away.
@Mogh Roith: totally untrue to say “long ball is all they can play” You obviously haven’t been to watch schoolboy football in recent years.
@Sean Coady: ah ya sure pass and move is grand when you avoid the puddle. You obviously haven’t a clue yourself.
When are they building Eircom Park?
@Genera L Consensus: Where oh where is our Bertie Bowl?
Believe all that bulls,,t and you will Believe anything
Targetting 50% retention rate of new referees is low. They need to crack down on clubs to manage the sidelines to ensure refs are not abused or harassed the way they are.
What about an all island league, FAI COUNTY TEAMS??
@David Crosbie: How many changes have been made over the last 10 years by the GAA to the league and championship? 140 years on the go and they are STILL trying to get a county based system right!
@sean o’dhubhghaill: maybe the GAA should look at the AFL format,
Would love to see it happening. We can live in hope.