It was the Strikers who threatened first in today’s Globe Semi final, Jacob Silva sending a dangerous ball into the box but it was well dealt with by Armagh’s Lee Upton.
Moments later a long ball down the right flank almost found Armagh’s Alberto Balde in space, but the opportunity was again snuffed out before he could get a shot away.
A long ball from Harry Evans looked promising for Armagh but Milton Herrera in the Strikers goal was quick in coming out to claim the ball. The best chances of the half however fell to Jack McIvor. The Armagh defender first saw a headed corner sail just wide, before forcing a save from the Strikers shot stopper just before the interval.
Striker’s best chance of the first period fell to Jason Leon who found some space on the edge of the box, but his long range effort went well over.
Shortly before half time a fine ball found Balde unmarked in the box. He rounded the keeper and despite the tight angle managed to fashion a shot on target, but Striker’s Dylan Lybarger got back in time to clear the ball off the line.
Strikers had a great chance straight from the kick-off in the second half. Armagh hadn’t switched on which allowed Silva to feed a ball through to Julian Shackleford, who forced a fine save from David Walsh in the Armagh goal.
That scare certainly woke up Armagh who opened the scoring from their next attacking opportunity. Rioghan Crawford played a fine ball through to Ryan Latifi who placed his shot well past the Californian replacement keeper Oliver Juarez.
Both defences were well organised and offered up few chances, though Striker’s Silva, Armagh’s Daniel Gordon and the troublesome Balde had several half-opportunities. The strong Armagh following had their nerves tested as Strikers sought for the equaliser in the closing minutes, but the County Armagh held on to book their place in the Junior Globe Final, where they will meet County Down.
The match will be played at Broughshane with an 11am kick-off.
