Match Report

Match : 1st XI v Armagh
Date : 2007-11-24
Venue : A
Score : 0-12
Scorers :

By Kriss Leslie

We always knew it would be tough playing Armagh, especially when many players were unavailable. However, those who travelled must be commended for their effort against a team which I am sure will be beating many other teams by similar scorelines.

Even though we were playing a team of considerable excellece, we didnt really help ourselves at times. In the first half we lost the ball stupidly from hit-outs due to the lack of movement up front and in the midfield. But this was addressed at half-time and we improved getting the ball out of the back in the second half, as we realised that taking hit-outs and free hits quickly can put the opposition on the back foot.

Also, we tend to dive into tackles far too much. We must get our sticks down and work hard, and not let players beat us. By not doing this against a team like Armagh, we were bound to be in for a hard time.

We also have to learn from playing against teams like Armagh. Their movement of the ball, speed of passing and ball retention is what we should be trying to do ourselves.

Lastly, many of Armagh’s goals came from us not reacting after Daryll had made saves, something which he did a lot of to his credit. As Graeme said at half time, we must react to the save as if we are the ones looking to score.

There were many positives from the game though. At times in the second half we started to think quickly instead of pondering over free hits, which lead to some good bits of play. Also, as I have already mentioned, we kept fighting all the way until the end, something we need to do EVERY WEEK.

The defence should be applauded for their performance, especially Iain Foster who coped brilliantly with the wrath of the Armagh attack in his first game. Special thanks must also go to Graeme and Bertie, who despite hectic personal lives made the trip to help us out.

Next week we play Omagh. Let’s go out and give 110% and play as if we want the 3 points. The difference between success and failure is not a lack of skill or technique, but rather a lack of will.

Iain Foster