Fallon point eases Galway's grievance

Galway survived an explosive two-goal flurry by Armagh, sparked off by a controversial line-ball decision three minutes from half-time, to earn a point at Crossmaglen yesterday.

And there were accusations of home-town decisions from the loyal band of Galway supporters.

Galway manager John O'Mahony would not put it in so many words after watching his substitute for the day Ja Fallon belt over the equalising point in the final minute, but he left little to the imagination when saying: "Given the circumstances and you can read into that what you may, I am pleased with the draw. The line-ball that led to their first goal was definitely a Galway ball, you saw it yourself."

The linesman's decision to change his mind after indicating a Galway ball 50 yards out from the Galway goal was patently incorrect. Armagh's two-goal hero Stephen McDonnell got the final touch in a tussle with Enda Daly.

The incident highlighted an unusual lack of discipline by Galway players who were penalised five times for dissent by Fermanagh referee Gerry Lynch.

After the ball was moved forward for such an offence, Paddy McKeever's kick was hoisted towards the square where Oisin McConville pushed it against the near post for Stephen McDonnell to slot home the rebound.

The score left Armagh trailing by only a point, 1-2 to 0-6, with 33 minutes played. Three minutes later and into injury time McConville again linked with McDonnell for goal number two to give Armagh a half-time lead of 2-2 to 0-6.

The standard of play, in bitterly cold conditions and on a heavy to poor surface, was marked by misdirected passes and fumbling.

Paul McGrane continued to win good midfield ball for Armagh in the absence of Galway's Sean O Domhnaill who had to retire after twisting a knee in the ninth minute. But as things transpired Ja Fallon proved a lucky replacement.

But the fact remains that Armagh let a four points lead slip over the last 12 minutes, with the score at 2-7 to 0-9.

Inspired by John Divilly, Joe Bergin and Enda Daly, Galway pummelled away at the stubborn Armagh defence and eventually John Donnellan took advantage of a good pass by Damien Mitchell to find the net. This narrowed the gap to the minimum with five minutes remaining. Ja Fallon did the rest. Armagh went close to regaining the lead but Galway were awarded a free after Cathal O'Rourke's 50 yards free kick fell short.

ARMAGH: B Tierney; E McNulty, S Maxwell, T McEntee; K Hughes, A O'Neill, A McCann; P McGrane, J McNulty; P McKeever, C O'Rourke (0-2, frees), M McCrory; J McEntee, O McConville (0-4), S McDonnell (2-1). Sub: C Short for McCrory (49 mins).

GALWAY: P Lally; T Meehan, K Donlon, R Fahy; D Mitchell, J Divilly, E Daly (0-1); J Bergin (0-1), S O Domhnaill; P Clancy, K Comer, L Colleran; J Donnellan (1-2, two frees), P Joyce (0-2, one free), N Finnegan (0-3, two frees). Subs: J Fallon (0-1) for O Domhnaill (9 mins), M Colleran for Clancy (51 mins).

Referee: G Lynch (Fermanagh).