Cullyhanna vs Grange
It’s perhaps a bit too early in the season to build up a top of the table clash.
But Cullyhanna’s contest with Grange this weekend sees two of Division 1B’s best go head to head.
They are currently the only two teams with four points, having played a game extra than both Madden and Silverbridge.
Mullaghbawn and Annaghmore are at the foot of the division and will look to get off the mark over the weekend.
Clann Eireann bounced back last week after suffering a five-point defeat to Grange in round one and they meet Madden on Friday.
While St Pat’s may not have set the world alight with their opening two wins over Madden and Annaghmore, they still sit joint-top with four points from two outings.
Aidan Nugent’s return of 2-5 was enough to help his side withstand a Madden comeback in round one while St Pat’s came good in the second half to get past Annaghmore.
Following on from their relegation last season, the South Armagh men are on track to bounce back to the top division and will hope to continue their winning run this weekend.
Kieran Hoey grabbed the all-important goal that turned the tide last weekend and he remains central to their attacking plans along with Jason Duffy.
They face stiff opposition on Friday evening as they welcome Peter Nugent’s men who are they in-form team in the division.
Grange have powered to the top of the table with wins over Clann Eireann and St Peter’s to get off to a flying start.
Their impressive first round victory really caught the eye and they performed extremely well away from home in round two.
Their unbeaten run and early season form will perhaps see them head into this weekend’s tie as favourites to collect maximum points.
But Cullyhanna have been around long enough and they will know what they are up against when the sides clash on Friday evening.
The loss of Pearse Casey and Shane Conlon leaves a huge whole in the St Pat’s midfield, an area that Grange may look to exploit.
Ethan Rafferty has been rampant in that area and the Armagh star will take some stopping in that central area.
Miceal McKenna will as-usual call the shots from centre half forward, partnered by his brother Cathal along the 45-metre line.
Ben Toal is a real scoring threat in attack and with Justin Kieran coming on last weekend, it’s sure that Grange will not run out of options.
With Championship now just days away, both these teams will hope to carry huge momentum into the first round.
Stephen Reel will be hoping his side can make home advantage count this weekend as Cullyhanna aim for three from three.
Grange have yet to meet a team as experienced as Cullyhanna and the St Pat’s men may be able to squeeze through with a win this weekend.
