Hurlers share the spoils in Armagh as hosts recover

Allianz Hurling League Division 3A – Round Two Armagh 1-15 Sligo 2-12

DESPITE two goals from Conor Hanniffy and seven points from Tony O’Kelly-Lynch, Sligo’s senior hurlers were held to a draw by Armagh, 2-12 to 1-15, at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds last Sunday.

Sligo led by five points at half-time, 1-9 to 1-4, but were outscored during the second-half, 0-11 to 1-3, as Alex O’Boyle would end up being Armagh’s saviour – he supplied the levelling score in additional time.

Also lively for Sligo in this Allianz Hurling League Division 3A fixture was Thomas Cawley, who clipped over three points, and he was involved in the move, along with Rory McHugh, for Conor Hanniffy’s first goal after 20 minutes.

Sligo manager Stephen Sheil, in what was his third competitive game in charge, was left frustrated by the outcome.

“We had the beating of them [Armagh] to be fair – we had three or four chances in the last five minutes to put the ball over the bar but we hit the crossbar and took some lazy shots.

“The boys are disappointed but a point is a point at the end of the day

STANDINGS

W D 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0

F 56 49 55 48 31 32 and we are going home somewhat happy. We came up for the win but we’ll take the draw.”

Carlow man Shiel said that Sligo approached this game with a distinctive hunger because they were wary of Armagh’s threat.

“Armagh came back at us in the second-half but we weathered the storm a bit and had our own purple patch – we just didn’t capitalise on it.”

Conor Hanniffy marked his return to the team by bagging a couple of goals – one in each half – and his input was welcomed by the manager.

Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch, who didn’t score, was still carrying a knock from the previous game (the opening round defeat of Cavan), while Conor Griffin was only able to come on as a late substitute after picking up an injury in the warm-up. Eddie O’Donoghue also has to return from injury and defender Niall Kilcullen was forced off with a turned ankle.

Sheil, who is looking at this AHL campaign in terms of developing players and trying players in different positions, as well as aiming for results, remains enthused by the firepower at his disposal – when all these finishers are available.

Sligo are next in action on Sunday week, February 25, when they are away to Louth, who have so far lost to Cavan (3-19 to 1-19) and beaten Monaghan (4-14 to 1-20).

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3A

Diff +34 +4 +2 -3 -8 -29