Armagh 3-18 Cavan 3-10
Armagh continued their fine form as they picked up their second win in the All-Ireland series on Saturday evening.
They accounted for a Cavan side that shaded their recent league encounter by one point. This game was not as close at the final whistle, but it was tough going for both sides.
It’s no surprise that Aimee Mackin led the charge and finished the game with a personal tally of 0-10 (3f).
The travelling side finished superbly strong with a dominant final quarter to book their place in the last eight.
Armagh sit top of the group with a game in hand, as they face Mayo in round three next weekend.
The early exchanges were fairly even, with the sides tied 0-2 each after seven minutes. Caroline O’Hanlon and Fionnuala McKenna getting Armagh off the mark.
Aimee Mackin swung over a superb effort in the blistering heat of Breffni Park to put Armagh one up.
Points from McKenna and O’Hanlon, along with a Mackin brace, gave the Orchard County a 0-7 to 0-3 lead at the water break.
O’Hanlon was on target once again, this time hitting the net after Tiarna Grimes’ effort bounced back off the upright.
Cavan were right back in contention, and Aishling Sheridan rattled the net at the other end to narrow the gap to one.
Mackin handed Armagh a two-point advantage at the half time break with her fourth score of the opening period.
The home side were back on level terms two minutes into the second half through Lauren McVeety and Geraldine Sheridan. Mackin restored Armagh’s lead with a double.
Aoife McCoy shot home Armagh’s second major before Mackin made five the difference, with 15 minutes remaining.
Cavan proved a tough nut to crack, and another goal for the hosts left the margin at two once more.
Ronan Murphy’s side responded superbly, recording an unanswered 1-7 to steal away in the final quarter.
Kelly Mallon, who earned her first start of the season, struck her sides final goal and chipped in with two points as well.
McKenna, Mackin (3) and Alex Clarke all split the posts as the Orchard County powered to victory.
Armagh Team: Anna Carr, Sarah Marley, Clodagh McCambridge, Grace Ferguson, Eve Lavery, Lauren McConville, Tiarna Grimes, Kelly Mallon (1-2 1f), Niamh Coleman, Blaithin Mackin, Caroline O’Hanlon (1-2), Fionnuala McKenna (0-3), Aimee Mackin (0-10 3f), Aoife McCoy (1-0), Alex Clarke (0-1). Subs: Catherine Marley for E. Lavery, Aoibheann Henderson for N. Coleman, Niamh Reel for A. Clarke, Shauna Grey for S. Marley
