Penalty heartbreak for the ‘nearly team’

Armagh 0.18 Derry 1.15 (derry won on penalties)  

Armagh will have a two-week break before they face Westmeath in the All-Ireland series, with tough games against both Tyrone and Galway to follow.

Yesterday in Clones they looked to be on their way to their first Ulster title since 2008, but leading by 2 points were caught by reigning champions Derry at the end of extra time.

What happened next, was an all too familiar sight for Armagh fans with the dreaded penalty shoot out rescuing the title for the Oak Leaf county.

Stealth and caution marred the opening period, with a fundamental error from keeper Ethan Rafferty leading to Derry's only goal of the contest - forcing Armagh to chase the game, a scenario which sapped the energy levels on a day where the fans baked in the sunshine.

The evergreen Rory Grugan had the opportunity to bring the Anglo Celt back to the county, but his last gasp kick dropped short with the final whistle pending.

Armagh's lack of titles must bring credence to the theory that they struggle to finish games, as with Galway last season they don't seem to have confidence in the white heat of battle to deliver the coup de grace. With Jarly Og Burns bearing down on goals at the death the wing back elected to fist over with the defence gaping,  

Kieran Mc Geeney speaking after the game said, “This was an intelligent game of football from both teams, the football spoke for itself, it was frantic at times, it was possibly one of the provincial games which stood out".

Standing out for the back to back Ulster champions was Shane Mc Guigan who hit 7 points of his side’s overall tally, Glass and Rodgers dominated midfield, with Loughran and Conor Mc Cluskey showing superb form throughout.

In attack Armagh struggled to gain full momentum, the management had gone for a defensive formation drafting in both Barry McCambridge and James Morgan, but the fans were left scratching their heads with the omission of Stefan Campbell who burst on to the scene after the break to push for his side’s man of the match accolade.

Andy Murnin and Conor Turbitt struggled to rise to previous performances with Rian O’Neill and Conor Mackin, before leaving the action through injury, standing out.

Now being described by fans as "the nearly team", Armagh could have a lot more to give in the All Ireland series, they have suffered under the new penalty shoot-out protocol.

A constantly evolving Armagh team are still without silverware in the modern era, with more ring craft, a second chance could bring at least an All Ireland quarter final, these fans (pictured) from Craigavon club Eire Og may be wondering when their luck will change.