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Conor McManus was unlucky to be black carded. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Deadlocked

Armagh leave it late in Clones but they’ve earned a replay with Monaghan

Three late Orchard County points levelled the game.

Monaghan 0-14

Armagh 0-14

IT TOOK THE very last kick of the ball, but Rory Grogan’s free has set Armagh up for an unlikely Ulster semi-final replay with Monaghan.

Despite losing Conor McManus to a harsh black card on 43 minutes, Monaghan led by three points with less than three minutes remaining.

A Jamie Clarke point though showed his team the way, as the excellent Stefan Campbell and then Rory Grogan finished the job.

It was the Armagh captain, Clarke who opened the scoring in both halves – despite Monaghan going on to build big leads in both.

A tally of frees from Jack McCarron and, in particular, Rory Beggan put Monaghan ahead early on, although the introduction of Tony Kernan sparked life into Armagh.

Paul Grimley’s side began to implement a Crossmaglen-like kick passing approach, resulting in two goal chances for Aidan Forker and Stefan Campbell.

Despite their failure to convert either opportunity, both men were part of a four point cameo from the Armagh team in the final 10 minutes.

Surprisingly Monaghan replaced McCarron at the interval, although his replacement Stephen Gollogly was one of a number of experienced players who stood up after McManus was adjudged to have cynically pulled back Armagh’s Finnian Moriarty.

Dick Clerkin was outstanding and his left-footed effort from 45 metres, before Chris McGuinness’ point on 63 minutes, put Monaghan three ahead.

Aaron Findon and Darren Hughes Darren Hughes' direct running caused Armagh problems. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Nonetheless, Armagh failed to give in and they were provided with their lifeline when Ryan Wylie unnecessarily pulled back a Monaghan jersey, before Aaron Kernan would go on to drop the ball in the resulting play.

Kernan’s blushes were spared as the referee brought the play back for the free, and his teammates will now have another crack at the reigning champions.

Scorers for Armagh: Stefan Campbell, Jamie Clarke, Tony Kernan (0-2f) 0-3 each; Aidan Forker, Kevin Dyas, Stefan Forker, Rory Grugan (o-1f), Mark Shields 0-1 each.

Scorers for Monaghan:  Rory Beggan 0-5 (o-5f); Stephen Gollogly (0-1f), Conor McManus (0-1f), Kieran Hughes 0-2 each; Dick Clerkin, Jack McCarron (0-1f), Chris McGuinness 0-1 each.

Ciaran McKeever and Fintan Kelly Ciaran McKeever had a great game for Armagh. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Armagh

1. Philip McEvoy – Dromintee
2. James Morgan – Crossmaglen Rangers
3. Charlie Vernon – Armagh Harps
19. Finnian Moriarty – Wolfe Tones
5. Mark Shields – Whitecross
7. Ciaran McKeever – Cullyhanna
25. Aaron Kernan - Crossmaglen Rangers
14. Ethan Rafferty – Grange
9. Aaron Findon – St Peter’s
10. Eugene McVerry – Mullaghbawn
11. Kevin Dyas – Dromintee
24. Aidan Forker - Maghery
13. Kyle Carragher – Crossmaglen
17.  Stefan Campbell – Clann na nGael
15. Jamie Clarke – Crossmaglen Rangers

Subs

18. Tony Kernan (Crossmaglen Rangers) for Carragher (20 BC)
22. Stephen Harold (Carrickcruppen) for Rafferty (48)
28. Rory Grugan (Ballymacnab) for McVerry (58)
23. Stefan Forker (Maghery) for A. Forker (53)
20. Michael Murray (St Patrick’s) for Morriarty (66)

Monaghan

1. Rory Beggan (An Bhoth)
10. Ryan Wylie – Ballybay
3. Drew Wylie – Ballybay
4. Colin Walshe – Doohamlet
5. Dessie Mone – Clontibret
6. Vinny Corey– Clontibret
7. Fintan Kelly – Clones
8. Dick Clerkin – Currin
9. Darren Hughes – Scotstown
2. Kieran Duffy - Latton O’Rahilly
25. Jack McCarron  – Currin
24. Padraig Donaghy – Donaghmoyne
13. Dermot Malone – Castleblayney
14. Kieran Hughes – Scotstown
15. Conor McManus – Clontibret

Subs

22. Stephen Gollogly (Carrickmacross) for McCarron (H/T)
11. Chris McGuinness (Ballybay) for McManus (43 BC)
12. Paudie McKenna (Truagh Gaels) for Donaghy (50)

Tyrone end Louth’s year with a 17 point thrashing in Omagh

Armagh through to the Ulster minor final after beating 14 man Monaghan

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