Crossmaglen's quest for a 20th Armagh SFC title in 21 years remains intact, but only after they survived a huge scare in yesterday's quarter-final against Armagh Harps in Keady.

Leading by 1-9 to 0-10 with 15 minutes to go, the Harps had a glorious opportunity to put the champions to the sword when defender Con Stephenson found himself in a one-to-one situation with Paul Hearty, but his shot was deflected over for a point by the veteran goalkeeper.

Within five minutes of that let-off, Cross' were in front thanks to a great finish by Tony Kernan and they went on to win on a 1-16 to 1-13 scoreline.

Cross' had led by 0-10 to 0-6 at the break, but the wind-assisted city side roared back after the restart through points from Tom O'Kane and the excellent Conor White, and a goal from Ryan McShane, to take the lead. But Stephenson's missed goal chance proved the turning point.

Joining Cross' in the last four are Clann Eireann, Maghery and St. Patrick's, Cullyhanna. Clann Eireann edged out 13-man Round Towers by 0-11 to 0-10 at Pearse Og Park on Saturday to qualify for their first semi-final since 2009 where they will meet north Armagh rivals Maghery, who defeated Dromintee by 1-15 to 2-5 at the Athletic Grounds last night.

Cullyhanna will provide the semi-final opposition for Crossmaglen after their 1-13 to 1-7 victory over Wolfe Tones in Ballymacnab.

 

 

 

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