Armagh advance

Armagh 3-23 Donegal 1-13, Letterkenny

Armagh advanced to the second round of the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship courtesy of a comprehensive 16-point win over Donegal at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny this afternoon.

Goals from Ryan Gaffney and captain Ger Enright were the insurance scores for Armagh in this high-scoring encounter.

The Orchard men led by 1-14 to 0-7 at the interval, despite the hosts making the better start.

Kevin Campbell claimed Donegal's only goal from a 20-metre free in the 66th minute, but it was a case of too little, too late as Armagh had a healthy cushion.

Donegal began brightly with an acutely angle point from Ciaran Mathewson after just 30 seconds.

Armagh bounced back with a goal from Brian McLoughlin just moments later. He connected with a high ball sent in towards the edge of the square and McLoughlin slotted it past Donegal goalkeeper Paul O'Brien.

But Donegal responded with three points in succession, ensuring the hosts reclaimed the lead by the eighth minute. Kevin Campbell (0-02) and Danny Cullen were both on target.

However, Armagh broke 1-5 to 0-4 ahead at the end of the opening quarter thanks to points from Fiachra Bradley, Paul Breen and McNaughton.

Armagh continued to perform strongly in the second quarter, opening up a 10-point advantage by half-time as Paul Breen, McNaughton, Paul McCormack and Barry Breen added further scores.

Campbell and Mathewson kept Donegal in touch, but Andrew Wallace's charges found the going tough in the second half. They had been reduced to 14 men before half-time, following the dismissal of Justin McGee for a second bookable offence.

Campbell and Henderson reduced the margin to nine points by the end of the third quarter, and although Campbell sneaked a goal; late goals from Gaffney and Enright sealed the deal for Armagh.

Next Saturday's secound round meeting of Armagh and Tyrone will take place at Casement Park (throw-in 4pm).