Moriaty goal proves the difference

Armagh 1-13 Meath0-13, Crossmaglen

A goal from full-back Finnian Moriarty proved the difference between Armagh and Meath at Crossmaglen as the Orchard men collected their fourth win of the Division 2 campaign.

Promotion-chasing Armagh are just a point behind leaders Kildare heading into the final round of league matches, while Meath, now back in sixth place, are out of the running.

Stephen McDonnell and Aaron Kernan scored 0-4 apiece for the home side, whose goal was blasted to the net in the 30th-minute by Moriarty.

Free-taker Cian Ward was Meath's top scorer with seven points, but late overs from Martin O'Rourke and Ryan Henderson gave Armagh some much-needed cushion at the death.

The Royals led 0-3 to 0-2 thanks to early points from Ward, Stephen Bray and Nigel Crawford, looking the part at midfield and passing well in attacking situations.

Yet Armagh fought back to deservedly lead by 1-5 to 0-7 at the interval, with a sweeping move leading to Moriarty's major.

The second half was as tightly-contested as the first but Peter McDonnell's home side just held the edge as they kept up their recent winning form.