The Armagh hurlers host Fermanagh on Saturday in Crossmaglen with the aim of getting their first points of the season.
The Nickey Rackard Cup hasn’t gone to plan for the Orchard. Although they have faced the three toughest teams in their opening three games.
Roscommon recorded five goals on the opening day of the competition to race into a 5-19 to 2-7 win.
That was just one week after losing the Division 3A league final to Tyrone. A difficult turnaround following that disappointment.
The performances and results improved in the next two weeks, but still Armagh couldn’t find the win.
The travelled to Donegal and put in a great display. The home side just had enough to edge through by five.
Eight points was the difference the next day out against Tyrone, who are the only team that have won all their games.
Fermanagh
So, focus now turned to Fermanagh, who will play in the same division as Armagh next year after earning promotion from 3B.
The Erne County went unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign and overcame Longford in the decider.
While Fermanagh have only picked up one win in the Nickey Rackard Cup, against Warwickshire in round three, they’ve been fiercely competitive.
Donegal escaped with maximum points after a late rally saw them overcome their hosts 2-13 to 1-21.
Tyrone had similar problems against Fermanagh and again sneaked through with four points to spare.
Fermanagh were dominant in their dismissal of Warwickshire. Goals from Tom Keenan and Caolan Duffy along with 0-11 from Sean Corrigan, shot their side out of the relegation zone.
Armagh remain in second last place, just above Warwickshire, who they face in the last round next weekend.
Tomorrow’s clash is crucial and nothing but a win will do for Terence McNaughton’s men. The target is now confirming their place in the competition for 2023.
