From the outset, Sarsfields have been widely tipped as the team to go on and win the Intermediate Championship.
That opinion hasn’t changed for many as the High Moss men saw off Culloville in the opening round to gain access to the last eight.
League results point to a team on form, winning three of their four games, losing out to Clan na Gael in the opening round by a single point.
Wins over Culloville, Whitecross and Tir na nOg have saw Sarsfields bounce back after their loss to hit a great run of form.
Paul Magee’s men currently lead the pack at the top of Division 1A, just ahead of their closest competitors on score difference.
One of those teams trailing the league-leaders is Tullysaran who share an identical league record as their opponents for tonight.
They have also won their three most recent games, having came up short against Whitecross on the opening day of the season.
Wins over Tir na nOg, Clan na Gael and Culloville have followed, as Tullysaran looked about gaining momentum heading into the championship.
That they did, and they got a win under their belts in round one of the Championship when they saw off rivals An Port Mor.
The contest proved to be a tighter one than many predicted, and Padraig McGuckins men squeezed through with a point to spare in the end.
Tullysaran trailed by the minimum of margins at the halfway stage of the game before mounting a comeback to win 0-11 to 0-10.
It’s their forward line that will worry Sarsfields, with Eddie Mallon the main threat in the attacking third of the field.
Youngster Mark McKeever has been an exciting addition to the Tullysaran ranks this season and is a player to keep an eye on.
Brian Kelly marshals the defence from his centre half back position and he will need plenty of assistance this evening.
Sarsfields arguably have the best attacking options in the Intermediate Championship with several players able to lead the line.
The McGeown brothers are obviously the main threat and their ability to get goals has been a noteworthy aspect of this Sarsfields team for a few years now.
Kevin McAlinden in a lively player who knows were the goals are while Caolan Skelton, Thomas McAlinden and Paul McGaughey are all good options.
Michael Stevenson has been around Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh panel for a few years and you can be sure his accuracy from frees will be crucial.
If Tullysaran can deny their opponents goal opportunities, then they’re sure to be in with a great chance of getting something out of this game.
It just seems that Sarsfields have too many options in attack and if they hit the form they have in recent weeks they should continue their journey for Championship glory.
Prediction: Sarsfields
