Oak Leafers overcome Orchard minors

Armagh 0-7 Derry 0-15

The Armagh minors suffered their first defeat of the league, losing to Derry on Saturday afternoon by eight points.

It comes after an impressive first round win, when Armagh made a terrific second half comeback against Antrim.

There were no such heroics this time around however, although they did offer a spirited second half fightback.

Derry were much the better side during the opening period and soared into a commanding lead.

The Oak Leafers hit nine points on the bounce to comfortably lead before Armagh eventually opened their account.

The Armagh minors suffered their first defeat of the league, losing to Derry on Saturday afternoon by eight points.
Photo Credit: CP McMahon

Armagh’s only score of the opening period came through wing half forward Sean Hamill. That left Derry ahead 9-1 at the halfway stage.

The visitors stretched their lead to ten early in the second half with a brace of scores before Armagh grabbed a second.

Shea Carr swung over a lovely score, matched by a Derry free, while the Orchard hit three on the bounce.

Hamill (free), John Joe Hughes and Calum Hughes (free) all pointed to close the gap to seven.

Paul Hendron marched forward from wing half back to hit two scores (one free), which were both matched by Derry.

The Armagh minors suffered their first defeat of the league, losing to Derry on Saturday afternoon by eight points.
Photo Credit: Sinead Snaps

The away team claimed the final score of the game, to stretch their winning margin to eight when the final whistle sounded.

It could have been more, but for the heroics of Armagh goalkeeper Liam Carroll. The Clann Eireann man brilliantly pulled off a number of point-blank saves.

The Armagh minors will be disappointed with their first half display, although the second period was much more encouraging.

They have a chance to bounce back immediately as they take on Monaghan, away from home, next weekend.

Armagh: Liam Carroll, Eugene McEntee, Fionnbar McKee, Daire Young, Paul Hendron 0-2 (1f), Aodhan O’Connor, Shea Carr 0-1, Aaron Haughey, Ryan Nugent, Sean Hamill 0-2 (1f), Eoin Kane, Martin McKinley, Conall McGeough, Calum Hughes 0-1 (1f), Donal Coffey. Subs: Darragh McNulty for M. McKinley, Adam Reavey for E. Kane, John Joe Hughes 0-1 for E. McKee, Ross Marsden for S. Hamill, Cahal Donnelly for S. Carr.