Roscommon 0-12 Armagh 2-13
A superb second half showing from Shane McCormack’s Armagh side saw them make it two wins from two with a seven-point win over Roscommon.
After an opening day win over Cavan, the Orchard County followed it up with another impressive triumph.
They travelled all the way to Roscommon, and the journey proved to be a worthwhile one as they left with three points in the bag.
With the assistance of a big breeze, the home side made the brighter start. Aisling Feeley proved a handful at full forward and she opened the scoring.
Armagh, who lost Shauna Grey early on to a nasty looking injury, had a goal disallowed, with Kelly Mallon’s punched effort ruled out as a square ball.
Aisling Hanly and Niamh Coleman swapped scores, as did Aimee Mackin and Feeley. Mackin added her second, assisted by Lauren McConville, to level the game.
Roscommon dominated the next couple of minutes, and it showed on the scoreboard. Laura Fleming (2), Feeley and Hanly all pointed as the hosts raced into a 7-3 lead.
Armagh fought back with a fortuitous goal. Aimee Mackin pounced on a poor kickout from the Rossie keeper and raised the first green flag of the game.
Hanly (free) Roscommon two up but Armagh finished the half strongly. A Kelly Mallon brace followed by Blaithin Mackin’s first left it all square at half time, 1-6 to 0-9.
One sided second half
A right footed Aimee Mackin point put the Orchard ladies on top for the first time, but Roscommon were soon level.
Armagh’s aggressive press on the kickout backfired as Roscommon went over the top and found Hanly who equalised.
Fleming and Mallon exchanged scores, as did Caoimhe Cregg and Aimee Mackin to keep the score level.
But Armagh shot ahead through Mackin, who powered home a penalty after Mallon had been hauled to the ground.
Armagh’s substitutes made a telling difference. Niamh Marley, Alex Clarke and Catherine Marley all scored after coming into the fray.
Blaithin Mackin added her second score of the evening as Armagh ran out comfortable seven-point winners in the end.
It’s Monaghan up next for Shane McCormack’s side, and Armagh will have home advantage next weekend.
Armagh: Anna Carr, Shauna Grey, Clodagh McCambridge, Cait Towe, Grace Ferguson, Lauren McConville, Emily Druse, Niamh Coleman 0-1, Blaithin Mackin 0-2, Aoife Lennon, Aimee Mackin 2-4 (1 pen), Eve Lavery, Blathnaid Hendron, Kelly Mallon 0-3 (2f), Aoife McCoy. Subs:Maeve Ferguson for S. Grey, Alex Clarke 0-1 for B. Hendron, N Marley 0-1 for E. Lavery, Catherine Marley 0-1 for A. Lennon, Louise Kenny for E. Druse, Dearbhal Coleman for N. Coleman, Maeve Lennon for A. McCoy.
