Sport

Maghery must make case for defence

A SPOT in the last four will be up for grabs when Maghery and Ballymacnab meet in tomorrow's remaining Armagh SFC quarter-final clash at Pearse Og Park.

Maghery saw off Killeavy at the same venue in the first round, which may be of some advantage to them - as will their two intense battles with Whitecross at the next stage.

In the replay an injury-time point from substitute Conor Forker put the Lough Shore side through.

Ballymacnab also got the better of Whitecross in the Qualifiers but much more convincingly, goals from Rory Grugan, Gavin McParland, Ryan Kennedy and Brian McCone helping them to a 4-11 to 3-8 victory.

The Round Towers lost their opening game to parish neighbours Granemore and struggled against Madden in the Qualifiers.

Maghery's form has been more consistent, though they have yet to set the heather ablaze.

Managed by former Tyrone star Adrian Cush, they will have county man Aidan Forker back from suspension, which will be a timely boost. They also have midfielder James Lavery back from serious injury and playing a central role in their run to date.

Once again they will be depending on the midfield power of Lavery and team captain Conor Mackle and whilst Stefan Forker has been their main scoring threat, Shea Tennyson, Jack Lavery, Aidan and Paul Forker will also give the 'Nab defence plenty to think about.

The Maghery half-back line of Stephen Cusack, Kevin Nugent and Gerard Campbell is also attack-minded which blends perfectly with their running game.

Ballymacnab's strength lies in their lethal attack. Playmaker Grugan (pictured) is a treat to watch, a talent with tremendous vision, the man who pulls the strings.

The Round Towers do have a problem with their midfield and defence.

In their game against Whitecross they were 13 points up going into the final quarter, only to be hit by two late goals.

Having said that, in Chris Loughran, Paudi Crilly and Michael Beagan they have tenacious markers.

The 'Nab will probably need goals to win this one and with Gavin McParland - one of the best forwards in the county - they are highly capable of getting them.

Maghery will have to pay more attention to minding the house, as given half a chance McParland captain Brian McCone and the Grugan brothers, Rory and Jack, will seize on the opportunity. The outcome could very well lie on how Maghery cope at the back.

Not an easy one to call, those two tough encounters against Whitecross should stand Maghery in good stead, yet one couldn't tip them with any degree of confidence.

A semi-final meeting with Armagh Harps awaits the winners.