It was County versus County at the Riada Stadium, as Counties Tyrone and Armagh faced off in a local derby today in the Milk Cup Junior Section.
Tyrone dominated in a hard-fought first half, filled with big tackles, and plenty of physical battles. Tyrone midfielder Niall McGinley hit the post just eight minutes into the match, whilst striker Thomas Mullen had chances to give their County the lead, whilst Armagh who were on the backfoot, struggled to create chances, in a first half which their Chairman branded “very frustrating”. Despite the frustrations, both teams could remain optimistic ahead of the second half.
The introduction of promising forward Alberto Balde Almanzar for County Armagh as a second half substitute looked to give Armagh an extra push to kick-start their half, with the thirteen year old showing good moment and ability. However, six minutes into the half, it was Tyrone who opened the scoring, and by doing so, regain control of the game. Poor, lacklustre defending gave Tyrone’s Adam Evans the opportunity he needed to score past Tyler Boyce. Seven minutes later, the situation became worse for Armagh, as good attacking play down the right wing by substitute George Curren provided fellow substitute Cameron Coyle the right amount of space to receive the ball, then curl a lovely strike into the net. Armagh created chances to try and restore some hope, however Tyrone stood firm, until an error gifted the ball to Alberto Balde Almanzar, who cooly slotted the ball underneath the diving Adam McAlpine. Tyrone looked shaken, but managed to prevent Armagh scoring another. Armagh, will feel that they should’ve had another goal, as the referee blew the final whistle with Armagh in their County opponent’s box, to Tyrone’s joy, and Armagh’s dismay.
Nathan Thompson
Twitter: @theNatthompso14