1964, 1970, 1994 1953, 1993 1998
MADDEN MARCH ON
MADDEN 0 - 7 SARSFIELDS 0 - 3
Madden seniors kept their good run going in the championship with a hard earned but well deserved victory over a resilient and tough Sarsfields outfit. The game was played at a frantic pace throughout and everyone in Ballyhegan were treated to a superb game of football.
Madden opened the game after 7 mins when Philly Mallon slotted home a 14 yard free. Right half back Shane Mc Kenna increased the lead after 16 mins despite a nose bleed after a beautiful pass from from centre half back Micky Grimley.
Richard Green our veteren goal keeper made a crucial save immediately afterwards and Sarsfields scored only their first point after 22 mins. On 27 mins Joe Feeney blasted the ball high over the bar with an immpecable kick with his left foot. Sarsfields scored again leaving Madden leading by a single point at half time.
Madden began the second half in blistering fashion and were rewarded when Joe Feeney kicked over a 35 yard free on 31 mins. Joe added a furthur point a minute later and Philly Mallon added another on 40 mins to increase their lead.
However Madden were reduced to 14 men soon afterwards for a second bookable offence. Incredably worse was to follow when our centre half forward was sent off with a straight red with 15 mins to go. It was now backs to the wall time and every one of our lads performed like heros in the final quarter.
Sarsfields scored their one and only score of the second half on 50 mins and the brilliant Philly Mallon in his customary role of full forward drove over an exquisite point from the far side of the field. This left Madden 4 points in front but the last ten mins seemed like 10 hours as Sardfields attacked incesantly.
The whole Madden team were brilliant lead by the fearless Peter Lappin at no. 7 , Ricky Green pulled off another 2 wonderful saves, including a penalty in the dying mins to deny the North Armagh men. The final whistle blew after 4 mins of injury time and it was like sweet sweet milk to the Madden supporters.
There were tears of joy among the footballers when they realised they had reached the intermediate final .
Richard Greene was undoubtedly the man of the match assisted with Shane Mc Kenna Ciaran Monaghan, Micky Grimley, Peter Lappin. Brian Morgan was sensational and special praise must go to Philip Mallon who converted 3 points. John Carson deserves alot of praise for the way he handled the team and hopefully they can do the business when the final comes around. This was one of the best Madden performances in recent years and everyone involved was privellaged to be present at such an event.
Armagh Observer
