It could have been very different. Armagh had the majority of chances to score however it was not their day.
There was a jubilant roar from the crowd 5 minutes into the game as the ball ended up in the back of the United net. The referee had a decision to make and disallowed the goal for a push on the Red Devil’s keeper.
Jack Scott and Alberto Balde linked up well for Armagh with the former displaying a great piece of skill beating a United defender on the left wing and providing a good cross for his teammates. Balde again ran at United’s defence but his shot was blasted wide.
United’s first real chance of the match came when a corner was swung in from the right hand side. Odubeko rose above his marker in the box to direct his header past the Armagh keeper. 1-0 United.
Jack Scott was giving United problems early on with his determination and work rate. He won the ball high up the pitch, cut inside and tried to curl his shot into the top corner. United’s keeper looked beat but fortunately for him Scott’s shot missed by just a fraction.
It looked like an Armagh goal was coming soon. They began to enjoy more of the ball and were creating chances. Odubeko looked to have other ideas as he picked up the ball and raced his way to Armagh’s net.
He dribbled past the keeper and was brought down in the box giving United a penalty. Mengi stepped up having scored his last penalty against Colina of Chile. He finessed a powerful shot to the right of David Walsh who guessed right and kept Armagh in the game going into the break.
HT : 1-0
Armagh continued to work tirelessly in the second half. They committed men forward which left them vulnerable in defence. Shola Shoretire had a chance to double United’s lead, he got his shot on target, but Walsh produced a good save.
Kian Leavy fancied his chances to get his first goal of the tournament for United, a shot from distance nearly hit the back of the net.
From there on in the match was dominated by one team. Armagh produced some unbelievable pass and move football which resulted in a volley being tipped over the top of the goal by Mastny.
Jack Scott then produced a moment of magic when he split open United’s defence with one pass creating a golden opportunity for Armagh’s striker. He was closed down by Mastny who raced out of his goal to stop the striker, the shot was hit wide and Armagh had wasted yet another chance.
The fourth official indicated that their would be 6 minutes added time. Six minutes In which Armagh could grab a late goal or United could seal their place in the final. Armagh kept on attacking and United had their backs against the wall but the ball would simply not go in. The referee blew the final whistle to United’s relief and Armagh’s despair, a amazing game with a nail biting end.
Manchester United will face Chivas Guadalajara in the SuperCup NI Globe final on Friday however many in attendance at today’s game will feel that it should be Armagh in the final after the team’s brilliant display at the match today in Coleraine. Armagh will face another local side Tyrone in the third place playoff but will feel the 1-0 score line didn’t do them justice.
FT Man Utd 1 – Armagh 0
Credit, Elia Boutros