Cast your mind back to 2018. No covid. No knockout championship. Madden were drawn at home to Crossmaglen in the second round of a round robin structure.
Beaten by six to an up and coming Clann Eireann side one week previous, not many gave the Raparees a chance against a wounded Crossmaglen.
The Rangers were beat in the previous two championship campaigns and were eager to regain their title. Sound familiar?
Madden played with determination and a never say die attitude that saw them mount a comeback, having trailed 0-6 to 2-11 at the interval.
Route one tactic
Goals from Conor and Ryan Grimley brought the home side back into contention. It wasn’t enough however as Cross limped through with one-point to spare.
The abiding moment of the night was Ryan Grimley’s move to the edge of the square. Both Aidan Rushe and Rico Kelly struggled to deal with his physicality.
Question marks remain over Crossmaglen’s ability to defend route one football and Madden’s 2018 tactic could once again cause problems.
Alan Farrelly wore the number three shirt against Clan na Gael, and could offer Stephen Kernan a solution to Madden’s tactic, if they try it.
Mickey Grimley’s attacking unit aren’t just one dimensional. Far from it. They have plenty of quality and class up front.
Conor Grimley and Joe Sheridan caught the eye in last years championship while Ciaran Rafferty and Aron McKenna are two tidy footballers.
Youngster Darragh McMullan is an exciting talent and one to watch for the future. He’s likely to get his first taste of Senior Championship action.
Midfield battle
Crossmaglen of course have the two O’Neill brothers and Rian’s battle with Niall Grimley could be spectacular.
Oisin is just returning from injury and will play so part, as will Tony Kernan and Callum Cumiskey.
Cross are the bookies favourites, as usual but Madden will be confident of causing an upset. If they play to their potential, one could be on the cards.
