St Paul's V Cullyhanna- I have tipped St Paul's from an early stage, reason being they have been there 95% of the way for the past 3 or 4 seasons, I think this could finally be their time to get over the line. Yes Cullyhanna have 3 county men but who will Mark Murnan? I have been a critic of that lad in the past but he was Armaghs best player last year throughout league and championship and is deadly in front of goal. I can't see Cullyhanna containing him if the right ball is put in. Cullyhanna's stars will also be hard to stop but I feel there is pace in the St Paul's team that may be able to adapt to them and turn them over, no real out and out scorers. It will be close but I fancy St Paul's just to edge it.
Clan Na Gael V Crossmaglen-In truth I have written our lads off all year, not based on ability but more experience and it possibly being too early, in the last 2 games they have managed to find the perfect blend of youth and experience and this has brought them through a hardened Killeavey side and a very tough Clann Eireann side. I have watched our lads grow from game to game and there is a fantastic buzz around the panel and club at the moment. I would love to see them get over the line. I think if they can stay with the Cross and the game goes into the last 10 then they are in with a massive shout because they just have become battled hardened which is something I hadn't seen for years. Win lose or draw I am exremly proud of the men they have become, to date they have stood up when they have needed to and I hope and pray the same happens on Sunday.
Cross are Cross and depsite personel they still are a formidable opponent,they possess dangers all over the field and will be a very tough nut to crack. I think they will exploit the space in the Ath Grounds and the danger is the pace of Mc Conville and Clarke is my biggest concern. They will also score frees if our defence lose discipline (This may boil down to the refs interpretation of the tackle) It certainly will be nowhere near as loose as the CE game. I have heard people say Cross have been working on a defensive structure since Ballybay but I don't really buy that as I see they are playing their traditional style. I see flaws from the Harps and Madden games which our lads may be able to exploit with their pace.
I hope and pray it stays close and the nerves don't affect our young lads. I want to wish them all the very best on Sunday, Bring it home lads. I will refrain from a prediction