Crossmaglen v Dromintee Match Preview

The clash of Dromintee taking on Crossmaglen brings the curtain down on an exciting weekend of championship action.

Dromintee certainly drew the short straw in getting the Rangers, but perhaps this is the time to get them.

Silverbridge offered so hope that there are ways to get at Stephen Kernan’s side but can Dromintee come up with a similar gameplan.

Fast direct ball into active forwards seems to be the way to go as Cross will leave space back there as they trust their defenders to win their one-on-one battles.

It’ll be up to the likes of Darren McKenna and Gareth Kilgallon to win primary possession at midfield and ensure their forward line has enough ammunition.

In Cathal McKenna they have a man-mountain on the edge of the square. He’s coming in full of confidence having bagged a brace of goals against Sarsfields.

Conor Martin was impressive in his playmaking role that day, supported up front by the likes of Jack McArdle and Oran Loughran.

Peter Campbell didn’t start in the first round, so Ronan Quinn, Paul Martin and Ryan Gaskin will be the main men at the back.

Photo Credit: Richiespics

And of course, Armagh defender Aaron McKay, who will probably be handed the toughest job of all. Shutting down Rian O’Neill.

Admittedly, O’Neill didn’t have his best day out against Silverbridge but came away with 0-8 to his name.

Cian McConville just goes from strength to strength each year and he’s a real concern for the Dromintee defence.

Caolan Finnegan grabbed the goal against the ‘Bridge, while Stephen Morris is a warrior around the middle.

Photo Credit: John Merry

Their half back line, consisting of Aaron Kernan, James Morgan and Paul Hughes, is probably the best in the county.

There remain question marks over the last line of their defence and Dromintee will surely try out their inexperienced keeper.

It’ll take goals and Dromintee know that. And even then, can they keep Cross out at the other end? It’s likely the Rangers will have too much.