Monaghan 0-6 Armagh 0-13
Armagh’s winning streak continued on Sunday. They saw off their hosts Monaghan with seven points to spare in the end.
The Orchard have held the upper hand in recent clashes with Monaghan. That proved the case once again at the weekend.
For the first time this season, Armagh didn’t rattle the net. As it turned out they raised enough white flags to win the game.
It was a dead rubber for Ronan Murphy’s side. They had already completed their first goal of the season by reaching the semi-finals.
Wins over Tyrone and Cavan had already ensured Armagh toped the group. Still, they carried on their winning form.
It was a low scoring affair. Armagh welcomed back the experienced Caroline O’Hanlon to the starting team for her first outing of the year.
It was nip and tuck during the early exchanges as the sides were tied 0-2 apiece at the first water break.
The team still couldn’t be separated as the half time whistle sounded, with the scoreline 0-4 to 0-4.
Armagh were creating the better chances and should have had a Lauren McConville goal but for the heroics of the home sides netminder.
Anna Carr also pulled off a magnific close-range save during the second period to keep her side ahead.
The back-to-back Ulster champions pushed on after the break, led by Aimee Mackin who top scored with 0-4.
Six players got on the scoresheet in total as Armagh pulled away from their opponents to pick up their third win of the season.
It’s Laois next in the league semi-final. That game is due to take place in two weeks’ time with the winner facing either Kerry or Monaghan in the decider.
Armagh Scorers: Aimee Mackin 0-4 (2f), Fionnuala McKenna 0-3, Caroline O’Hanlon 0-2, Blaithin Mackin 0-2, Catherine Marly 0-1, Lauren McConville 0-1.
