Armagh 2.08 - 2.03 Waterford
Waterford began their Ladies' Football Division One League campaign on Sunday, losing to Armagh in Crossmaglen.
The home side struck first, putting two points on the board as the wind howled in the North.
The Waterford response came quickly through Lauren McGregor, who picked up where she left off in 2023, goaling inside the first 10 minutes to edge one point ahead.
Early goal for Waterford!
Lauren McGregor strikes in the @lidl_ireland National League Division One opener in Crossmaglen against @ArmaghLGFA
We are level after 12 minutes.. @WaterfordLGFA @MunsterLGFA pic.twitter.com/etnN2KyCKC— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) January 21, 2024
Armagh did not sit on their laurels, however, a goal and a point from Aimee Mackin was followed by another green flag from Aoife McCoy with Lauren McConville, Kelly Mallon and Louise Kenny all pointing to send the home side eight points clear by the 25-minute mark.
Before the half-time whistle sounded, McGregor was once again on the scoresheet, raising another green flag to make it a six-point game by at the break (2.06 to 2.00).
THREE more goals in Crossmaglen!
See Aimee Mackin and Aoife McCoy strike for @ArmaghLGFA and a second goal by Lauren McGregor for @WaterfordLGFA in their @lidl_ireland
National League Division One game..
It's 2-6 to 2-0 for Armagh after playing with a strong wind advantage.. pic.twitter.com/WJ0wNTAKRV— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) January 21, 2024
The conditions started to bear influence in the second period with no score registered by either side until the ninth minute. It was Waterford who broke the deadlock through Captain Kelly Ann Hogan to reduce the deficit to five, but Mallon bagged her second point of the afternoon to keep the visitors at arm's length.
Waterford's next score came from the boot of goal scorer McGregor with 15 minutes left to play, but the hosts would once again peg Waterford back with McCoy kicking her second point of the contest.
A late rally from Waterford saw McGregor kick her second point of the day, and her sides' final score of the half, with Armagh taking the win 2.08 to 2.03.
Next up is the trip to Kerry next Sunday, January 28th.
