Allianz Hurling League: Division 2A: Sunday 1pm: Armagh v London
IT is often said that sometimes you learn more about yourself in defeat than victory.
In Sunday’s loss to Kildare, Armagh hurlers discovered that they can walk the walk and go toe-to-toe with the best in Division 2A.
Having won promotion from Division 2B last season, there was a certain degree of apprehension ahead of the clash against a Lilywhites side that had attracted players from Kilkenny and Limerick.
Armagh led at the 70th minute but ultimately lost by three points, which was a frustrating blow but Orchard goalkeeper Simon Doherty feels it can only enhance confidence in the squad ahead of Sunday’s clash against London.
“Coming off the pitch we were all disappointed, we felt that we put in a very good performance,” said Doherty.
“We knew all week that the intensity needed to be right and the attitude needed to be right and if we brought that attitude and intensity that we would be a match for any team in this League.
“And we did it, but we just didn’t get the rub of the green with a few chances and we hit a few wides but we will learn from this and bring it to London next week.”
Antrim, Carlow and Westmeath make up the remainder of Division 2A and even before the first poc of the season, Sunday’s clash against London, who lost 0-20 to 0-13 against Antrim at the weekend, could have been earmarked a must win game.
But not so, says the Orchard shot-stopper as Doherty believes his side can deliver against the best.
“We know that we are a good team and we have great belief in ourselves and each other and we know if we can bring our performance to the table then we will be a match for any team in this division and we will take points from this league,” said Doherty.
“Obviously losing by three points is very hard to take but we will certainly learn from it and we have plenty of positives leading into our next game.”
In 2015, Armagh hurlers lost 3-14 to Kildare’s 3-23, so Doherty is confident that Sunday’s three point defeat displays a rate of improvement and hopes a win against London will give the home support something to cheer about.
“It shows just how much we have learned and how much we have come on as team over the past two years,” Doherty said.
“The development of players as individuals and as a unit so there is plenty of positives to build on and we are looking forward to London in the Athletic Grounds on Sunday.
“The last two years the Athletic Grounds have been a fortress to us and we have performed very well and the fans have gotten behind us and we want to give back to our supporters, we want to perform and we want to get two points so we can build and push on again.”
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