Co. Armagh 1-1 Co. Down (9-7 Armagh win on penalties)
Adam McAlpine was the hero for Co. Armagh as he scored the winning penalty, and saved a Co. Down penalty, in an evenly matched Globe final in Broughshane.
After a nervy start from both sides, Armagh were able to conjure up the first opportunity of the match when Ryan Latifi latched on to a short back pass from a Down defender, but he was foiled by the feet of Down goalkeeper Dylan Stewart.
Down began to see the majority of possession and were unfortunate not to score when Jake Corbett’s long range shot sailed just past the post.
Down, while enjoying the majority of possession, were struggling to deal with the pace of Alberto Balde, who was able to get in behind the defence but his dangerous cross was just cut out by Ruari O’Hare. Soon after Armagh’s Ryan Carmichael almost tested Stewart from an acute angle, but his effort flashed past the far post.
Just on half time, McAlpine was dealt a cruel blow when a Callum Ferris shot squirmed just past his hand and into the net to give Down the lead.
The second half started the same as the first ended, with Down controlling possession but Armagh looking threatening on the break. Armagh had the first chance of the second half when Chris Hutchinson whipped the ball into Scott McCann, who lifted the ball on to the roof of the net under pressure form the onrushing Stewart. Minutes later Armagh were level, when a long free kick found Latifi, who slotted past Stewart.
Down were almost able to take the lead back immediately, when Daniel Smith met a Sam Dinu cross, but his shot drifted just wide of McAlpine’s goal. Smith came close again, this time his long range shot ripped just past the post.
No further goals lead to a penalty shoot out to decide the Globe winners. After a series of fantastic penalties, McAlpine stepped up to slot in his penalty. He then took his place in nets and saved a well struck Nassem Ouldhamlet penalty to win the Globe for Armagh.
@dion_houston