Only goal was decisive

THIS virtual Ulster Shield group decider went the way of the visitors in a closely contested match watched by a decent crowd at Lurgan Junior High School on Thursday night.

Both teams obviously realised the importance of this encounter as tight marking and close pressing were the name of the game right from the outset.

Chances at both ends were limited as forwards were tightly marked and play became congested in the middle of the park. Lurgan created the first real opening of the match mid-way through the half when Zoe McNally managed to break free of her marker and only a good save from the keeper prevented the Lurgan striker from giving her team the lead. Towards the end of the half Armagh began to put pressure on the Lurgan backline who responded well with timely tackling.

Armagh came out for the second half in determined fashion and with the half only a few minutes old they scored what was to be the game’s deciding goal.

A long ball to the corner of the Lurgan circle was controlled by Rachel Mulligan whose reverse stick strike across goal was deflected of an Armagh attacker’s stick into the Lurgan net.

Lurgan tried hard to respond to this setback and build attacks of their own but too often passes were misplaced and possession was given away too cheaply. The pace of the match was furious with two fit teams locked in combat as Lurgan searched for an equaliser and Armagh counter-attacked from deep in an effort to extend their lead.

A beautiful flowing move from Lurgan almost gave them the goal their play warranted. Jenny Harvey picked up the ball in midfield and raced at the Armagh defence. She slipped a lovely pass to Bethany Barr on the right wing whose cross into the centre found sister Natalie, but unfortunately for Lurgan Natalie's shot was well saved by the Armagh keeper, who got across just in time to prevent a certain equaliser.

A swift Armagh attack resulted in Lisa Costley pulling off a great save from a reverse stick shot which looked to sailing in to the top of the net.

Try as they might Lurgan could not find an equaliser and it looks almost certain that it will be Armagh who will be progressing into the semi-final of this year’s Ulster Shield competition.