Armagh's midfield may prove too strong

Football analyst: Tomorrow's National League final brings a unique and welcome pairing to a competition that has gone from strength to strength since its format changed a few years ago. It is also interesting that Armagh and Wexford come from what is perceived to be the weaker division, One B, while the likes of Kerry, Mayo and Tyrone have fallen along the way, writes John O'Mahoney

Neither side have won this competition before, but both are undoubtedly focused on changing that fact, possibly for different reasons. Wexford have made great strides in the last couple of seasons but by winning a national title they would signal their arrival as a serious force going into the Leinster Championship. Armagh, on the other hand, feel they were caught on the hop in the championship last year against Fermanagh and are desperate to add a National title to their 2002 All-Ireland.

Mattie Forde's exploits last year were the main reason for the raised profile of Wexford but people now realise after this year's league campaign there is far more substance to this team, with good footballers in most departments.

Paddy Wallace at full back has been outstanding in all games and his strength could curb Ronan Clarke's influence. Others who will hold their own in any company are Darragh Breen, David Murphy, John Hudson and dual star Redmond Barry.

Wexford play a nice combination of short passing up to midfield and then use longer ball to the full forward line where Forde is often isolated. Last year's player of the year has the full range of skills, from ball-winning and scoring with both feet to feeding supporting players. This gameplan is implemented by a huge work rate and intensity. In the semi-final against Tyrone they had to win the hard way after conceding a soft goal early on. In many respects they did a good impression of Tyrone with this high intensity approach.

The one area where Wexford have struggled is at midfield, where a succession of pairings and tactics have not worked, and if they are going to win Diamuid Kinsella and Nicky Lambert will have to raise their game in the ball-winning stakes.

Armagh are exceptionally strong in this area with experienced campaigners Paul McGrane, John Toal, Philip Loughran and Malachy Mackin giving Joe Kernan plenty of options.

Armagh's hunger was especially notable in the semi-final win over Mayo and it must be remembered that even though Wexford are the only team to beat them in this year's league, that was in the first game and since that setback their performances have improved considerably. For almost an hour, Mayo stayed with them but Armagh's experience and strength took over and the likes of Kieran McGeeney, Oisín McConville and, particularly, Stephen McDonnell turned the screw.

It will be interesting to see who picks up McDonnell tomorrow because Wexford left corner back Niall Murphy had an uncomfortable day against Tyrone's Martin Penrose in the semi-final. The outcome of tomorrow's game will also hinge on how the Wexford defence cope with Armagh's tactic of long diagonal balls to the inside line. This is the simple but effective gameplan on which the Ulster team's success has been based.

Overall, while there are many convincing arguments for both teams it is hard to go against Kernan's men who have the hunger, experience and greater strength. The probable domination of the midfield area by the Ulster champions could be the deciding factor and set them up for their first league title.

The Division Two final suggests the re-emergence of two teams - Meath and Monaghan- who will hope a win can generate momentum going into the championship. Of the two, Monaghan have been more of the surprise package as very few people expected them to get past Derry in the semi-final. But they showed great resolve and composure to hold on near the end. It must also be remembered that they had to play most of the game with 14 men as Rory Woods was sent off early on. Séamus McEnaney has made huge strides with this team since he took over in the autumn.

They come up against a Meath team who are desperate to impress on the Croke Park stage once more. It was significant the veterans Trevor Giles, Graham Geraghty and Nigel Crawford have been the leading lights and the return of a lean and hungry looking Darren Fay will be welcomed by Seán Boylan. If they continue this form it will also bring the best out of younger stars like Joe Sheridan and Daithi Regan.

Meath's greater familiarity with Croke Park on big match days combined with a renewed freshness should ensure Monaghan's long wait for silverware continues.