Monaghan stun Armagh

Armagh 0-14 Monaghan 1-13

Monaghan overcame the early loss of All-Star forward Tommy Freeman to post their third successive victory in Allianz NFL Division 2.

Freeman was yellow carded just 50 seconds into this all-Ulster tie, for a high challenge on Armagh's Finian Moriarty.

Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney was incensed but his side recovered with substitute Ciaran Hanratty playing his part in the win.

Armagh made early headway, going 0-2 to 0-0 ahead thanks to scores from Charlie Vernon and Ciaran McKeever.

The sides were level on five occasions during the first half. Rory Woods kicked an early brace of points and Paul Finlay had Monaghan ahead at 0-4 to 0-3.

Over the next ten minutes, Armagh made better use of the possession coming their way to set up points for Kevin O'Rourke, Steven McDonnell and Ronan Clarke.

McDonnell had the Orchard men 0-8 to 0-6 ahead before Damien Freeman pointed for the final scoring act of an well-contested opening half.

The home side were able to maintain a two-point lead during the third quarter and when experienced forwards McDonnell and Clarke pointed to make it 0-12 to 0-9, it looked like it was Armagh's for the taking.

However, two incidents changed the course of the game.

The influential McKeever was yellow carded for Armagh and then Monaghan substitute Raymie Ronaghan burst through to score a levelling goal.

The ball was played in from a free and Ronaghan was on hand to bulge the net and get the Farney men right back in contention.

The strike clearly enlivened the Monaghan attack and points from Finlay and Eoin Lennon moved them two ahead before Barry Shannon hit back for Armagh.

With time running out, McDonnell squared up the game with another well-taken point, but Monaghan rallied again and key men Lennon and Ronaghan kicked two timely late scores.