Armagh GAA made it two in a row with a fighting display against Wexford this afternoon in their Allianz Football League Division 3 clash.
Clan na Gael’s Stefan Campbell and Grange’s Ethan Rafferty were in inspirational form and the backbone of an Armagh who, despite trailing early on, never rolled over and gave a fighting display to be proud of.
A number of late changes to the line-up saw Neil McConville replacing Crossmaglen star Jamie Clarke, whose two late points against Tipperary last weekend had given the Orchard County a 2-8 to 0-13 victory against Tipperary at the Athletic Grounds.
Wexford – after being well beaten by Clare – should have been an easy day at the office for the Orchardmen, but they proved they were going to be no pushover and were cresting with a four point lead without reply.
Wexford opened their account with a point from Adrian Flynn who added to his personal tally after further scores from team-mates Ben Brosnan and Kevin O’Grady.
Stefan Campbell meant business and pulled one back for Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh before adding a further three to draw level, one of which came after the Model County’s Paddy Byrne had been black carded.
Mark Shields came on after Sean Connell received a black card and Campbell, with another free, put Armagh in front.
And then the Armagh supporters went wild. Young Ethan Rafferty was on target with a great goal after a perfectly placed ball from Crossmaglen’s Tony Kernan, who had been brought on in place of Stephen Harold.
Half-time: Wexford 0-4 Armagh 1-5
Clan na Gael’s Stefan Campbell extended the lead for Armagh after the break before Ben Brosnan pulled another back.
Armagh continued to show their fighting spirit and Aidan Forker was the next to get his name on the scoresheet and Grange’s Ethan Rafferty brought his personal tally to 1-2 with a further two points giving the Orchard County a commanding lead.
With Armagh seven points clear at this stage, Kevin O’Grady hardly raised a cheer from the Yellowbellies’ faithful, but Wexford Park erupted when he scored a goal to narrow the margin.
Ethan Rafferty and Gavin McParland added further scores before Wexford’s goal hero O’Grady picked up a black card and there was that man Rafferty again with a converted free.
Charlie Vernon added another and then what we all had been waiting for – Ciaron O’Hanlon, no sooner on to replace captain Caolan Rafferty, added a second goal for Armagh and left Wexford reeling.
Two more points for Wexford – courtesy of Kevin O’Connor – but it was never going to be enough and the heart was gone, making it two in a row for a well-gelled and battling Armagh and repaying the faith of the supporters.
Full-time: Wexford 1-08 Armagh 2-13
Armagh: Niall Geoghan, Andy Mallon, Charlie Vernon, Michael Murray, Brendan Donaghy, Finnian Moriarty, Sean Connell, Aaron Findon, Stefan Campbell, Ethan Rafferty, Aidan Forker, Stephen Harold, Miceal McKenna, Caolan Rafferty, Neil McConville.
