Armagh v Monaghan D2-R5 15th March 7pm

[Schkite]

Strange sorta game. After doing so well to build up a commanding lead I thought we were going to throw it away again, especially when it was brought back to a point. Decent response to that and Mallon going off killed Armaghs comeback hopes.

McManus and McCarron continue to work well together scoring 0-13 between them, Beggan made a couple of good saves at important times, but the biggest positive of the night for me was the return of Darren Hughes and marking it with a goal.

[JP]

The ref was a gobshite. I hate niggly referees that are whistle happy, ruins the game as a spectacle.

Not that he made a difference Monaghan were far superior.

Armagh are right back in the relegation mix now. Has to be said we have been very unlucky with injures. Does getting two yellows carry a suspension for Andy Mallon? Is Shields going to be out for the Galway game as I assume he went off injured.

At the end of the game we had defenders on the pitch, Murray and Hughes, both of which made their debut this year. Will be tough going to Galway now in a game we will have to win.

[Throw ball]

The ref was a gobshite. I hate niggly referees that are whistle happy, ruins the game as a spectacle.

Not that he made a difference Monaghan were far superior.

Armagh are right back in the relegation mix now. Has to be said we have been very unlucky with injures. Does getting two yellows carry a suspension for Andy Mallon? Is Shields going to be out for the Galway game as I assume he went off injured.

At the end of the game we had defenders on the pitch, Murray and Hughes, both of which made their debut this year. Will be tough going to Galway now in a game we will have to win.

Seemingly radio Ulster said the referee looked 'inexperienced'.

Injuries are really crippling Armagh. Only 2 fit and available defenders at the end of the game it is hardly a surprise Monaghan pulled away. They are a hard nosed experienced team. Hope they go up now. Big game in Galway. Hopefully we have 15 players left fit!

[Maguire01]

Good result, but poor of Monaghan to let Armagh back into the game like that. With the momentum and the crowd getting behind them I thought we were about to throw it away. 2 great saves from Beggan worth noting - I didn't see the reason for the penalty, was it clear cut? McManus and McCarron working well up front and a lovely point from the latter at the end, but there were a fair few sides there too, so far from perfect. Nice to see Darren Hughes back too - a great boost going into two important games.

[Zulu]

It was a penalty alright.

[Throw ball]

For anyone watching on TV were Mallons two yellow cards justified?

[Main Street]

For anyone watching on TV were Mallons two yellow cards justified?

I didn't see the first yellow, he got the the 2nd yellow for an outstretched arm making contact with the neck area of McManus who had turned him and was getting away. The contact looked innocuous but McManus was on the ground as if he was dragged back and in pain. Usually a player like him would go with the ball, once in the clear.

[eriugaMS]

Although betaen by double scores it does not tell the story of the Match.

The first 20 mins Armagh were not at the races. Defenders second to every ball and Monaghan finding space and much sharper.

In saying that during that time Armagh missed a peno and 2 great goal opportunities where a different bounce would have left the forward clear.... Soupy actually got the bounce but couldn't hold onto it.. In saying that the Monagahan goalie was excellent....

Am not greatly concerned as this was a big match for a lot of inexperinced players... A few of the backs are getting a run out whereas up until now they haven't and the experience will do no harm...... Shields looked great the last day and tonight seems to do a hamstring.... To think that by the end Caolan Raffterty was having to play full back and Brian Mallon centre half shows how depleted the squad is.

After 20 mins we cam alive and started to play - B Mallon made a big difference and we got back to within a point after the break and controlled the game for 20 mins. During this time we missed a number of clear pointing chances and Ethan a good goal chance ....

Tonight midfield was hot and cold but see a good partnership developing.... Great experience for both Ethan and stephen and they are putting in a bucketful of work and getting stuck in.

In forwards tonight showed that some of them are not there yet. Jamie has to get his sparkle back after his break. Caolan put in a good shift before moving back and made some great runs while employed at centre half. Soupie didn't fire like last week but lets not give up yet.

Brian Mallon seems to work much better as an impact sub

In all - by the scoreboard we were trounced -  but for a bit of luck, better finishing and a less cat ref we didn't perform as badly  as the score suggests... For the last 15 of the 1st half  and first 20  of the 2nd half we dominated IMVHO....... The first 20 minutes were terrible though.

[Throw ball]

For anyone watching on TV were Mallons two yellow cards justified?

I didn't see the first yellow, he got the the 2nd yellow for an outstretched arm making contact with the neck area of McManus who had turned him and was getting away. The contact looked innocuous but McManus was on the ground as if he was dragged back and in pain. Usually a player like him would go with the ball, once in the clear.

Yes. In real time I thought second was a yellow. The first I thought he was fouled!

[Maguire01]

For anyone watching on TV were Mallons two yellow cards justified?

I didn't see the first yellow, he got the the 2nd yellow for an outstretched arm making contact with the neck area of McManus who had turned him and was getting away. The contact looked innocuous but McManus was on the ground as if he was dragged back and in pain. Usually a player like him would go with the ball, once in the clear.

I was directly opposite in the stand and to me it was a definite yellow - high and potentially dangerous tackle. I hadn't realised he was already booked.

[Main Street]

The unexpected margin of victory could well be handy for the points difference, should we be in serious contention for a top 2 finish.
But I wouldn't read too much into it.
Some concern in letting a big lead slip to just a single point. To let a game drift away totally after racking up such a lead, would have likely battered confidence and woken up that nagging susceptibility in future games.  But by the time Mallon was sent off, I think we had the game back firmly in our control, after some great defending where Dessie Mone was sprightly and impressive.

Also nice to keep adding to the team out on the pitch, with Doogan who missed out on most of 2013, Lennon impressing and Darren Hughes late on. Also McCarron, establishing himself in the team, someone of quality to take the pressure off  and focus away from McManus.

[naka]

For anyone watching on TV were Mallons two yellow cards justified?

I didn't see the first yellow, he got the the 2nd yellow for an outstretched arm making contact with the neck area of McManus who had turned him and was getting away. The contact looked innocuous but McManus was on the ground as if he was dragged back and in pain. Usually a player like him would go with the ball, once in the clear.

I was directly opposite in the stand and to me it was a definite yellow - high and potentially dangerous tackle. I hadn't realised he was already booked.

The second yellow was justified
The first was iffy but to be fair he had fouled a couple of Monaghan players at tgT stage and the ref could probably feel justified in giving it.
All in all ref was poor though
He booked Jamie who was getting hit cynically a few times yet seemed to give Monaghan a few handy frees .
Would say though that no 11 for Monaghan is a tasty player
Hits hard and can carry the ball well
A real asset to any team

[Main Street]

Nr11 is Jack McCarron, son of the great forward Ray McCarron.
One of those thoroughbred GAA  families. His sister is also a county footballer.

[timmyot501]

Jack wore 14 last night main Street. Kieran hughes wore 11 and played quite well alright

[Main Street]

Jack wore 14 last night main Street. Kieran hughes wore 11 and played quite well alright

My mistake.