NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE NORTH

ARMAGH V TYRONE

Saturday, Athletic Grounds, 7pm

By Niall McCoy

ARMAGH host Tyrone on Saturday night looking for one of the rarest of things – a victory over the Red Hands.

When it comes to league and championship encounters – and even McKenna Cup finals – Tyrone have generally ruled the roost in recent times.

Indeed, Armagh’s last win over Tyrone was their shock 2014 Qualifier win at Healy Park. Tyrone have won four of the five previous championship meetings between the sides stretching back to the famous 2005 All-Ireland semi-final. Two of the players that day, Armagh’s Kieran McGeeney and Tyrone’s Brian Dooher, now manage their respective counties.

League meetings in that period have been rare treats. The rivals have had a habit of missing each other through promotions and relegations.

In fact, they have only met twice in the league over the last 20 years. In 2003, the Orchard county suffered their first defeat in 11 months as an Owen Mulligan goal helped Tyrone to a 1-9 to 0-10 win while in 2016, Niall Grimley’s late, late goal secured a smash and grab draw for Armagh.

There is a feeling though that Armagh are well placed to mount a serious challenge. Take note though, the same was said following their fine 2017 Qualifier win over Kildare only for Tyrone to trounce them by 18 points in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Seven of the players that started on that horrific day for Orchard fans also started in last weekend’s impressive 1-16 to 1-12 win over Monaghan in Enniskillen.

Given that Monaghan started without a few bright lights such as Conor McManus and the Hughes brothers, Darren and Kieran, the victory wasn’t a huge surprise, but McGeeney’s side showed a composure that has oft been missing when games are in the melting pot.

The teams were tied at 1-11 apiece but Armagh kicked five of the final six points. Rian O’Neill had been having a quiet day by his lofty standards, but he showed up with two points late on while his older brother Oisin was really dominant in the second half.

It was their calmness at the back though in those final 20 minutes that would have most pleased McGeeney. The excellent Rory Grugan twice tracked runs and forced turnovers, Aaron McKay was solid at six and brought on-field organisation while Connaire Mackin made one timely interception late on. James Morgan, who was given license to push forward, was also very good throughout.

Tyrone’s desire for a win on Saturday night is not just in order to keep up their good record against Armagh, they are desperately in need of the points.

That’s the cut throat nature of this condensed season. Dooher and Feargal Logan’s side lost to Donegal last weekend and given that teams will be split first on the head-to-head rule, another defeat would consign them to the relegation play-offs no matter what happens in round three against Monaghan.

There wasn’t a huge amount to worry about in the 0-18 to 0-16 loss to the Tir Chonaill county at O’Neills Healy Park.

Michael O’Neill’s second-half dismissal was probably the main reason why they weren’t able to secure at least a point.

Tyrone hit 12 wides in the contest with the likes of Conor McKenna looking game but rusty. That side of things will only improve with minutes.

The undoubted bright spot was the performance of league debutant Paul Donaghy with the Dungannon man helping himself to 10 points, including five points from play.

Cathal McShane has also returned to full training and could be part of the matchday panel for this derby.

Overall, Armagh have improved but are still a way off Tyrone. If the Red Hands can improve on their conversion rate, they should secure a stress-relieving win.

Verdict: Tyrone