February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
The Ulster lads at last triumphed, in this Junior Football Division B clash, their third game of the season.
Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was the idea of playing at Gaelic Park rather than Van Cortlandt, whatever it was, Armagh will be happy at clinching this fine 7-point victory over their Division B rivals. In their earlier outings this year, Armagh were defeated in their ties versus Rockland and St Raymonds, so they will certainly be happy with this occurrence of third time lucky.
Had they lost at Gaelic Park on Sunday, Armagh would have had the proverbial mountain to climb to reach the playoffs.
Ronan Quinn opened proceedings with some fine play which resulted in an effort over the bar.
Davie Simms replied for Roscommon with a point.
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Mark McAllister hit another few over the bar for the Ulster side, and a great effort from Owen McParland hit the back of the net for Armagh to give them a convincing lead. McAllister continued his good form up front and banged in another few points before the break to give Armagh a healthy six point lead.
After the half time break, Kieran Mooney hit another goal, and Armagh were in cruise control.
Despite some spirited fighting back from Roscommon’s Davie Simms, who hit a goal and four points throughout the tie, it was clearly not to be their day. More points followed from Ollie Cromie, McAllister and David Muckian to give the men from the north a healthy lead, and to keep their hopes of playoffs alive.
Armagh: Pat Toner, Peter McCormack, Gerard Stanley, Patrick Grey, Neil McMahon, Kieran Mooney ( 1-0), Shane Haughey, Collie Fearon, Ronan Quinn (0-2), Louis Breslin, Mark McAllister (0-7), Ollie Cromie (0-1), Owen McParland (1-0), David Muckian (0-1), Patrick Maguire (0-1). Subs: Joe Madden, Barry Rafferty, Tony McCaul, Danny McCann
Roscommon: Aidan McNelis, Paul Levins, Mick Dooner, Andy Gillivane, Paul Costello, Gordon O’Connor, Declan O’Rourke, Barry Dillon (0-1), Denis Sheehan (0-1), Ivan Connolly, Bart Lehane, Joe Murray (0-2), Tony Glynn, John Stack, Dave Simms (1-4).