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| Sunday, 9 February, 2003, 20:00 GMT Armagh and Tyrone claim wins ![]() Brian Dooher scored Tyrone's goal against Galway Armagh 0-9 1-3 Cork Over 10,000 fans saw Armagh grafting a three-point win over Cork in the Allianz Division 1A game at Crossmaglen. The All-Ireland champions just about deserved their victory in a game which was largely dominated by the defences. Oisin McConville opened the scoring for Armagh with a superb sideline kick in the second minute and Joe Kernan's side went onto to score two similar points. With Diarmuid Marsden looking sharp, the home team led 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval with Paddy McKeever among the Armagh scorers. Michael Cronin and Nicholas Murphy contributed Cork's two first half points and they along with goal grabber Paudie Kissane were the Rebel County's only scorers in the encounter.
Kissane's goal midway through the second half reduced Armagh's lead to a single point. However despite some Cork pressure, the Armagh defence held firm and late scores from McConville and McKeever ensured two more league points for Armagh after their opening weekend romp against Dublin. Cork defender Noel O'Leary was sent off in the closing stages after picking up his second yellow card. Team boss Joe Kernan agreed that Cork had "put it up" to his team. "When the goal went in we looked to be on the backfoot but we showed our real battling qualities at that point," said the Armagh boss. "The game was played in winter-type conditions and in those kind of conditions, you aren't going to get perfection". Tyrone 1-13 0-11 Galway Tyrone produced an excellent display to comfortably beat Galway in the NFL tie at sunny Pomeroy. Mickey Harte's team bossed the contest throughout with the McGuigan brothers Brian and Frank and another attacker Owen Mulligan looking especially impressive. The one downside for Tyrone from the contest was losing Stephen O'Neill and Ryan McMenamin to injury late in the first half. Frank McGuigan contributed three first half scores as Tyrone went in 0-8 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.
Owen Mulligan was giving Galway centre half-back John Divilly a torrid time while attack leader Brian McGuigan was orchestrating matters superbly. Galway showed signs of a third-quarter revival when reducing Tyrone's advantage to 0-9 to 0-7 but Brian Dooher's 51st minute goal settled the contest. Late on, Alan Kerins had a great goal chance for Galway but Tyrone goalkeeper Pascal McConnell made an excellent save. Donegal 0-9 1-10 Dublin Two weekends into this year's NFL, Donegal are already in relegation trouble after losing on this occasion to Dublin. Both teams were aiming to recover from opening round defeats but it was Dublin who showed the greater ability in the contest. Tommy Lyons' side led 0-7 to 0-5 after a lacklustre opening half. Donegal showed improved third quarter form and managed to level at 0-8 each. Things looked good for Donegal when Dublin had Jonathon Magee sent off for a stupid push on James Ruane after he had already fouled the Donegal midfielder. Lyons infuriated But instead of collapsing, Dublin responded to take the lead again thanks to Senan Connell and Tomas Quinn points. Quinn, who top-scored with 1-5, then delivered the crucial goal which came after great work by Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan. To compound a bad day for Donegal, they had Allstar defender Kevin Cassidy sent off in the closing stages after he had tangled with Barry Cahill near the sideline. Dublin manager Tommy Lyons was infuriated by Cassidy's challenge and appeared to have words with the Donegal man. Allianz NFL results |
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