Preview: SFC qualifier - Armagh v Galway
July 11, 2015
Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney talks to his players. INPHO
Will it be a case of third time lucky for Armagh tomorrow?
The Orchard County will take on Galway for only the third time in championship football and they finished up on the wrong end of the scorelines in 2001 and 2013.
The opposing managers Kieran McGeeney and Kevin Walsh faced each other on the field 16 years ago.
"Kevin Walsh is a shrewd operator so they will be well prepared," 'Geezer' remarked. "It would probably be fair to say that whoever comes through our game will have a bit of a springboard. The draw on our side this year is heavily loaded with stronger teams.
"They are physically very strong throughout the team and Galway would be known for their attacking from the half-back line so he definitely has a lot of cards to play."
Aaron Findon comes in for Tony Kernan in the only change from the team that scored a 2-17 to 2-7 win over Wicklow which means that captain Ciaran McKeever missed out again because of a calf injury.
For Galway, Brian O'Donoghue returns between the posts ahead of Manus Breathnach, who started last month's 1-15 to 2-8 Connacht semi-final defeat to Mayo, while Gareth Bradshaw and Peadar Og Griofa are preferred to Patrick Sweeney and Danny Cummins respectively.
"The minute we saw the draw we knew it would take a big display to come through that challenge," Tribe boss Walsh commented.
"They will feel, like us, that they have a point to prove. They are at home, that brings its own pressure, but we both know that there is no second chance after this."
Verdict - Armagh.
Armagh team: Matthew McNeice; Andy Mallon, Charlie Vernon, James Morgan; Michael Murray, Brendan Donaghy, Sean Connell; Aaron Findon, Ethan Rafferty; Stefan Campbell, Aidan Forker, Caolan Rafferty; Miceal McKenna, Andrew Murnin, Jamie Clarke.
Galway team: Brian O'Donoghue; Johnny Duane, Finian Hanley, Cathal Sweeney; Liam Silke, Gary O'Donnell, Gareth Bradshaw; Fiontan O'Curraoin, Tomas Flynn; Gary Sice, Paul Conroy, Sean Denvir; Peadar Og O'Griofa, Damien Comer, Michael Lundy.
Match details: Sunday; Athletic Grounds; 3pm; extra-time playable.
Referee: David Gough
Odds: Armagh 4/5; Draw 15/2; Galway 11/8.
