Armagh advance in classic Ulster Senior Championship clash at Páirc Esler

An Andrew Murnin goal in the second half of extra-time proved crucial for Armagh as they emerged victorious 2-17 to 3-13 in a classic Ulster Senior Football Championship contest at Páirc Esler.

Rian O’Neill kicked 0-8 for the Orchard county as Kieran McGeeney’s emerged victorious in front of 15,112 spectators.

There was little to choose between the sides in the opening half of the contest with Down leading by a point at half time Pat Havern finding the net for Down, and Jamie Clarke on target for Armagh.

A red card for Caolan Mooney at the end of the first half looked to have handed the advantage to Armagh and with 5 minutes to play they led by five points, a Mark Shields goal proving crucial.

Down mounted a fightback and a Donal O’Hare goal followed by Paul Devlin and James Guinness points forced extra time.

The Mourne Men held a two point advantage at half-time in extra-time before Murnin struck for 1-1 in a matter of minutes to had Armagh the advantage.

Rian O’Neill added his eighth point of the contest to push Armagh four ahead before Paul Devlin’s late goal gave Down hope. It wasn’t to be.

Armagh will now meet Cavan in the Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sunday 2nd June.