USFC Qtr Final - Armagh V Down - Athletic Grounds 28th May 7:30pm

down_vetran · April 21, 2011, 11:50:41 PM

Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on April 21, 2011, 10:36:36 PM
How can Armagh win?
Last year, Down hammered them in the league, yet Armagh won the important one.
This year, it is 1-1 if you include McKenna Cup.
IMO it will come down to:

Who wants it the most, from management right through to players.
Who believes it is their right to win the game
Who will drop the heads first
And finally, who gets the break of the ball

Nothing between them - am really looking forward to it - and for what its worth, for me, theres no spectacle like a GAA championship game between your team and their closest rivals.
I have followed United since I can remember. But still, no contest.

totally right

Etienne Lantier · April 23, 2011, 12:56:38 AM

Having thought long and hard about it, I believe this is going to be one of the hardest beatings Armagh have ever taken in championship history.

NP 76 · April 23, 2011, 10:56:21 AM

Wise up there will be nothing between these two at the end no matter what way the league has gone for either side just hope it goes our way

bennydorano · April 23, 2011, 11:42:58 AM

Seafoid is correct to a certain extent, there's nothing at stake only local bragging rights, another USFC in Armagh would be greeted with a few hurrahs and that's about the height of it. There'd definitely be more benefit to Down pyschologically winning Ulster, think ours are too fresh in the memory to be heralded as some sort of re-emergence or breakthrough. Whisper it but we'd probably be better of with a long developmental run in the back door, although I'm sure it's not something being countenanced at the moment.

mountainboii · April 23, 2011, 12:52:53 PM

While an Ulster title mightn't raise too many pulses in Armagh, I think this match still carries a lot of significance. We've been on a downer for a good twelve months now, if this is compounded by another depressing defeat it'd be difficult to see us hanging on for much longer in the Summer. The discontent over the management would also reach new heights. On the other hand, a win should provide a decent boost heading deeper into the summer, and would probably buy the management a bit of support.

Dubh driocht · April 23, 2011, 04:03:10 PM

I think the injury to Paddy Bradley has made this match much more significant. Without him, Derry are just average but will be too good for Fermanagh. The winners from the Athletic Grounds will be well up for the semi-final and should make an Ulster Final.
I hope it's Down but the injury to Benny is a concern. However, I expect there will be a few more missing with the number of club games to come in both counties so speculation on the result at this stage is just that- speculation.

PAULD123 · May 04, 2011, 01:23:56 PM

Rogers has also been training with the county team and Down boss James McCartan is delighted to have him back. However, McCartan will not be taking any risks with the big midfielder, even though Armagh loom large on the horizon:

"He would be in the doubtful category," says the manager ahead of the May 28th trip to the Athletic Grounds.

"Ambrose played a few minutes for his club last week. He came through it okay. But coming through ten minutes for his club is still a long way away from being involved in an Ulster championship match.

"We are delighted that he came through unscathed, but certainly we wouldn't be putting any pressure on Ambrose to be fit for the Armagh game. He felt grand and was very happy having come through it.

"It's a big step forward but I still think we have to be careful with him. We all know what happened to Dermot Earley in Kildare, so there is certainly an element of caution with Ambrose.

"Obviously he wants to be available for Armagh - he has made that perfectly clear. But to us that would be a bonus.

"His aim is to be available for the Armagh game squad; if that happens, we would be delighted.

knockitdown · May 04, 2011, 02:26:09 PM

On a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game

armaghniac · May 04, 2011, 03:09:07 PM

QuoteOn a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game

I can see why a Down supporter would welcome that.

knockitdown · May 04, 2011, 10:06:12 PM

Quote from: armaghniac on May 04, 2011, 03:09:07 PM
QuoteOn a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game

I can see why a Down supporter would welcome that.

would u like to share your insight with the rest of us?

our_fella · May 04, 2011, 11:49:06 PM

There's no screen going up ye's eejits

Armamike · May 05, 2011, 06:28:11 PM

But Benny Tierney said there was!

NP 76 · May 05, 2011, 09:37:33 PM

It would need to be a big screen if he is doing the commentary

borderfox · May 06, 2011, 03:11:56 PM

Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away

Joe Umbrella (hey) · May 06, 2011, 04:25:12 PM

Quote from: borderfox on May 06, 2011, 03:11:56 PM
Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away

I cant see any bad refereeing decisions making any difference this time. Sure Armagh have the Cross boys back and possibly Ronan Clarke. They also have natural defenders and being at home will have the bigger support especially due to the Champions League final, afterall theres not too many knocking about Armagh who support the'foreign games'.