Cormac Leonard Commercials Armagh SFC quarter-final
Ballymacnab 0-6 Madden 1-8
MADDEN booked their place in the last four of the Armagh SFC with an impressive victory over Ballymacnab.
A storming first-half display from Mickey Grimley’s men was enough to see them through, although the 'Nab did improve in front of the posts in the second period.
Madden opened the scoring inside the first 60 seconds when Joe Sheridan, who exited the play through injury at half-time, popped over when the goal was at his mercy.
They didn’t have long to wait for the green flag as Niall Grimley, who played a lot of the game at full-forward, squared the ball across the goal to provide Shea Vallely with the easiest of finishes.
Ryan Watters got the 'Nab off the mark with a superb long-range score but it was all Madden as they continued to grow their lead.
Niall Grimley, making his first start for the Raparees in two years, split the posts as did Conor Grimley (2) and Niall Smith to see Madden ahead by seven at the break, 1-5 to 0-1.
The Round Towers started brightly after the turnaround and looked intent on closing the margin.
Three Rory Grugan frees along with one from play by Jack Grugan made three the difference and it could have been closer but for a fantastic save by Jamie Sheridan to deny Gavin McParland.
An outstanding long-range score from Conor Grimley following a pointed free from the Madden full-forward, swung momentum back in the favour of the men in red and black.
Watters claimed his second score of the day but it was cancelled out at the other end as Madden’s top scorer on the night, and top scorer throughout the campaign, Grimley, landed his fifth.
