Conor Turbitt (2-5) and Oisin Conaty (0-5) led a surprising demonstration of Armagh’s scoring energy in opposition to Down that encompassed 10 fisted factors in a telling illustration of how successfully the Orchardmen can lower by an opponent’s defence.
Monaghan’s defeat of Derry was powered by eight two-pointers, however issues on the different finish of the pitch could determine their fortunes in opposition to Armagh, with McManus pinpointing marauding Orchard half-backs Jarly Og Burns and Ross McQuillan – if the latter if match after lacking the Down sport with a calf drawback – as key threats.
“Armagh’s largest energy now’s their attacking play as a unit,” stated McManus.
“They get in behind the rearguard of different groups. Ten fisted factors is a outstanding stat in any sport. That is the energy of this Armagh staff, they’re getting scores from proper within the coronary heart of the opposition defence, the place any one in every of their attacking gamers or runners from deep can get the scores.
“That is the energy of their play and it will be very arduous for Monaghan to cease.
“An enormous one for me is whether or not Ross McQuillan is match, who’s going to select up him and Jarly Og Burns within the wing half-backs as a result of they have been a large a part of what Armagh have completed up to now variety of years however significantly this yr, they have been in actually sturdy scoring kind.
“These match-ups will go a great distance in deciding this one.”
