Pearse Og vs Ballymacnab
When the league fixtures were released, it would have been fair to suggest that the Crossmaglen vs Armagh Harps game was the standout tie in round three.
But as the competition has progressed, instead of battling it out for a spot at the top as expected, the Harps meet Crossmaglen as both teams look to pick up their first points of the season.
Dromintee have been earmarked as the ‘in-form’ team in the top section of the Senior League and they are expected to continue their winning streak against Killeavy.
Granemore and Maghery clash in another intriguing battle with the St Mary’s team hoping home advantage will see them through.
However, this weekend we look at two of the teams that impressed in round two with huge victories to pick up their first points of the season.
Pearse Ogs bounced back from their opening day defeat to see off the defending league champions Maghery in a surprise victory.
James Freeman’s goal before the game was one minute old proved to be the difference between the sides at the final whistle.
Having fell at the feet of Killeavy on the opening day of the campaign, the Ogs seem to have got their season back on track.
They face a stern test this evening when the welcome Ballymacnab to Pearse Og Park, who are fresh off the back of a 23-point mauling over Crossmaglen.
The Grugan brothers were outstanding the last day out and carry a huge threat to the defence of any team in the county.
Conor McNicholl is likely to start in the middle of the field to pick up Rory Grugan while Gerard Barton will relish the physical battle Jack Grugan poses.
Sean Sutton performed extremely well on Gavin McParland when these side met last season and he could find himself shadowing the Nab’s corner forward once again.
Anto Duffy gave a leader’s display against Maghery, top scoring for the city side and Ryan Kennedy is the man who will try and curb his influence.
Shane McConville is as shrewd as they come and Ballymacnab will not be provided the opportunity to play free-flowing football.
Jack Grugan owned 40-yards of space against Crossmaglen, but it’s sure the Ogs will clamp down and flood bodies back into the defence.
If the home side can keep this score down this evening, then they are certainly in with a fighting chance.
The Ogs only lost one home game in the league and championship last year and with that win over Maghery also coming on home soil, McConville’s men will be full of confidence.
They will look to the older heads of Conor Clarke, Chris Rafferty and Paul Duffy to see them through and they hope to continue their good form.
