Wexford 1-1 Armagh 4-18
It’s unlikely that Armagh will get an easier game this year, as Wexford failed to provide any sort of challenge across the 70 plus minutes.
The home side were already on the wrong end of some heavy defeats so far throughout the campaign, so the comfort in which Armagh saw the game out should have come as no surprise.
The Orchard had built up a huge half time lead with Caroline O’Hanlon and Kelly Mallon scoring freely in the opening period, to see Armagh ahead 3-8 to 1-0 at the break.
The visiting team registered four points in as many minutes before they raised the first green flag of the game, Caroline O’Hanlon rattling the net to open a seven point margin between the sides.
Niamh Reel got in on the scoring action with her sides 5th point before Wexford finally got off the mark, Catriona Murray grabbing a goal that proved to be their only score during the opening 35 minutes.
Caroline O’Hanlon added to her growing tally with a pointed free before Armagh hit the net for the second time, Kelly Mallon this time burying the ball past the keeper.
Armagh’s scoring form continued with Caroline O’Hanlon’s second three-pointer sandwiched between points from Blaithin Mackin and Kelly Mallon to see the away side into a commanding 14 point lead at the short whistle.
Things never looked like improving for the yellow bellies and the leaders continued to add to their huge advantage, with Aoife McCoy, Kelly Mallon (free), Caroline O’Hanlon and Blaithin Mackin (3) all splitting the posts, to extend the margin to 20.
Aveen Donaldson got her name on the score sheet while Mallon kept the scoreboard ticking over with her precision in front of the posts.
Niamh Marley, Corinna Doyle and Alex Clarke all added to the Wexford woes before the hosts finally opened their account for the second half with the final score of the game through Aisling Murphy.
Armagh come away with a huge 4-18 (30) to 1-1 (4) victory and will be happy that they are back to winning ways, following recent defeats to Tyrone and Kerry.
While the game was extremely one sided and failed to provide any contest, its three points that Armagh needed on the board to put to rest any fears of relegation.
The ladies will now enjoy another week off before hosting Meath in round 5, to be played on the 8th of March, and Peter Murphy’s side will want to continue their momentum into that game with the Royals.
Armagh Scorers: Caroline O’Hanlon (2-4), Kelly Mallon (1-4), Blaithin Mackin (0-4), Niamh Marley (1-0), Niamh Reel (0-1), Aoife McCoy (0-1), Aveen Donaldson (0-1), Niamh Marley (0-1), Corinna Doyle (0-1), Alex Clarke (0-1).
