A plum draw against Wicklow- now all Armagh have to do is win the tie

Armagh have received a plum draw against Division 4 outfit Wicklow in the first round of the All Ireland Qualifiers.

Paul Grimley’s team will face the garden county on Sunday June 30th. The game will have a 3.00 o’clock throw in and the Ulstermen will be red hot favourites to reach the next round.

Nothing can be taken for granted though considering that the last time the sides met back in 2011 the Leinster side, under the management of Mick O’Dwyer, took Armagh to a replay and were unlucky not to snatch a win when they travelled to the Athletic Grounds.

Thankfully the orchard men have avoided the big guns in the draw such as Tyrone, Derry and Galway, but the overall draw itself could be described as dull and uninspiring.

Armagh will be keen to put the bad form they showed against Cavan last time out behind them.

The Breffni men franked their recent performance against Armagh with a gutsy victory over Fermanagh last Sunday to set up a provincial semi-final date with Monaghan.

It would be a major shock if Paul Grimley’s side were to be beaten by Wicklow who play an open brand of football but could well change their tactics for the pending one off game.

Armagh on the other hand can be expected to implement an all out attacking strategy.

The county’s fans will need a measure of reassurance before their confidence in the side is uplifted. Traditionally the ‘back door’ system has been cruel to Armagh - on this occasion however the safety net provided will be greatly welcomed and hopefully they can produce a winning performance on the day.

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