Joyce on form as Galway overcome Armagh

Armagh 0-18 Galway 1-20, Athletic Grounds, Allianz Football League

The returning Padraic Joyce was hugely influential as Galway overcame Armagh at the Athletic Grounds.

It was a vital first win of the league campaign for the Tribesmen who could yet avoid relegation from Division 1.

Joyce, who scored 0-05, was fouled for a penalty that Cormac Bane tucked away, helping Galway into a 1-09 to 0-07 half-time lead.

Armagh hit back with scores from Steven McDonnell (0-09), Malachy Mackin and Jamie Clarke, but Galway held on in determined fashion.

This was easily Galway's best display under manager Tomas O Flatharta and a huge boost in their fight to avoid relegation from the top flight of the Allianz Football League.

The result has drawn Armagh back into the relegation battle and the Orchard men face a vital final round clash with Cork at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, while Galway host Division 1 finalists Dublin knowing that only a win will suffice.

The vastly-experienced Padraic Joyce came in for late withdrawal Matthew Clancy and showed he has lost none of his footballing ability, kicking some fine scores and looking assured when in possession.

O Flatharta must have been worried when Armagh opened with four points inside the first six minutes, courtesy of Steven McDonnell (0-02), Kevin Dyas and strong-running midfielder Malachy Mackin.

Finian Hanley landed Galway's first point before Joyce was fouled by goalkeeper Philip McEvoy for an 11th minute penalty which Bane calmly placed into the corner of the net. It was the turning point for Galway.

Armagh were stung and could only muster three points over the remainder of the first half through Clarke (0-02) and McDonnell.

Galway's half-back line of Gary O'Donnell, Greg Higgins and Gary Sice covered a huge amount of ground, pushing forward in support of the midfield and attack. Indeed, Higgins and Sice both scored points before the break, adding to efforts from Joyce, Bane and Owen Concannon.

There was good movement and passing from Galway all over the pitch and goal scorer Bane led the scoring with 1-02. That left the visitors with a five-point advantage to take into the break.

Once again, Armagh made the better start when play resumed. They outscored Galway for four points to one in the opening seven minutes of the second half - their scores came from Mackin (0-02), substitute Micheal O'Rourke and McDonnell.

McDonnell also watched a curled effort on goal go the wrong side of the post, letting Galway off the hook as the hosts looked to regain the lead.

Armagh's early blitz had the westerners' advantage down to two points, before Paul Conroy scored to make it 1-11 to 0-11.

Points followed from McDonnell (0-02) and Joyce, but Armagh were now pressing hard and Galway goalkeeper Adrian Faherty saved with his leg when Clarke tried to pick off a goal.

Full-forward Conroy showed his class with two more points, extending the margin back to four as the hour mark approached. Sice also raided forward to collect his second point, while Clarke, McDonnell and O'Rourke kept Armagh in contention.

But quick-fire scores from Bane, Joe Bergin, Joyce, Conroy and Sice put the result beyond doubt in the closing ten minutes, and McDonnell's final two frees had no impact on the destination of the league points.

Scorers - Armagh: S McDonnell 0-09 (0-04f), J Clarke, M Mackin 0-03 each, M O'Rourke 0-02, K Dyas 0-01

Galway: C Bane 1-04 (1-00 pen, 0-02f), P Joyce 0-05 (0-01f), P Conroy 0-04, G Sice 0-03, O Concannon, G Higgins, J Bergin, F Hanley 0-01 each

ARMAGH: P McEvoy; A Mallon, B Donaghy, F Moriarty; K Dyas, C McKeever, P Duffy; K Toner, M Mackin; C Vernon, C Watters, G Swift; J Clarke, S McDonnell, J Murtagh

Subs used: P Hearty for McEvoy, M O'Rourke for Murtagh (both half-time), A Kernan for Swift (42 mins), J Lavery for Duffy (58).

GALWAY: A Faherty; A Burke, C Forde, J Duane; G O'Donnell, G Higgins, G Sice; J Bergin, F Hanley; P Joyce, O Concannon, C Kenny; F Breathnach, P Conroy, C Bane.

Subs used: G Bradshaw for Kenny (45 mins), K Brady for Sice (70).

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)