Probably the easiest game of all the Quarter Final clashes to predict a winner, it’s hard to see anything other than a convincing Crossmaglen victory.
But trying to tell Mullaghbawn that. They have an exciting youthful team coming through the ranks and will be keen to test themselves against the best the county has to offer.
Peter McDonnell holds a wealth of experience at both club and county levels and he will be quietly confident of his side causing a major upset.
In the opposite corner stands Stephen Kernan, who is a newbie at this level, his record currently standing 2-2 from four games.
His side did win when it counted, as they usually do, when they saw off rivals Silverbridge in the opening round.
Mullaghbawn can take some heart from the Harps’ performance as they caused Crossmaglen issues, especially in the first 20 minutes.
The Rangers showed their worth with three goals that ultimately decided the contest, Oisin O’Neill, Aaron and Tony Kernan all finding the net.
If Mullaghbawn are to have a chance this afternoon, they have to keep out the goals and they are likely to set up a rigid defensive formation.
Of course, they have goal scorers of their own, and forwards that they hope can trouble Crossmaglen’s man-to-man stance.
Shea Loye recorded 1-7 in his sides twelve point, first round win over Annaghmore and he is the danger man in the green and gold.
Eddie English missed out that encounter through injury and his absence would be sorely felt should he be unfit to take part this weekend.
Paul Hughes is likely to be tasked with the job of marking Loye while James Morgan will go toe-to-toe with English should he feature.
Oisin O’Neill and Stephen Morris form one of the deadliest midfield partnerships in the county and the battle around the centre of the park will be crucial.
Eoghan McDonnell will be called upon in this area as Mullaghbawn hope to at least break even.
Rian O’Neill is a class-act and hard stopped when in full flow and the choosing of his immediate opponent will be an interesting one.
Of course, there is the likes of Tony Kernan, Cian McConville, Mel Boyce and Dara O’Callaghan all to worry about as well.
Mullaghbawn will fire up a defensive scene but how long it can hold out the power of Crossmaglen’s arsenal will be the main question.
Stephen Kernan’s men are once again expected to get through this one with the minimum of fuss and it would be a major surprise if it goes any other way.
Prediction: Crossmaglen
