Armagh make light work of Derry to underline All-Ireland credentials

There was a brief moment of concern for Armagh when they were reduced to 14 men in the second half following Jason Duffy's black card, but overall, they controlled the game

Tiernan Kelly's scored Armagh's goal in their All-Ireland SFC round 1 victory over Derry. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

All-Ireland SFC round 1: Armagh 1-18 (1-3-12) Derry 1-13 (1-2-9) 

The greatest compliment you could give to Armagh is that after the other three provincial finalists struggled, they made it look easy.

Kerry and Roscommon were beaten after their wins while Westmeath needed extra-time to get over Cavan. There was one short moment of concern when Armagh were reduced to 14 in the second half but overall, they were in control throughout.

It is just over a year since these sides last met at the Athletic Grounds with the home side running out comfortable victors in the end. Since then, Derry have undergone a change of management and Armagh have secured that much sought-after Ulster crown. In a bid to reverse that, Ciaran Meenagh made some significant changes.

Brendan Rogers returned to full-back while Niall Toner started in place of Paul Cassidy. Even still, Armagh were full value for a 1-9 to 1-3 half-time lead.

Conor Turbitt got them going with a sweet two-pointer. Oisin Conaty would add another before the turnaround while Tiernan Kelly drilled a shot into the top corner from range having played on with advantage. Their attack was typically slick, turning 19 possessions into 15 shots.

Derry were able to capitalise on a Blaine Hughes kickout that was left short of Gareth Murphy. Lachlan Murray did what Shane McGuigan failed to do from a similar opportunity and found the net. Conor McCluskey also went for goal but was unable to find his way through a crowded goalmouth.

The moment they were waiting for came as the skies opened up, the poncho scramble began and Jason Duffy was sent to the line. His screen after a pop pass was deemed to be a third man tackle and Martin McNally flashed a black card.

Derry scored four of the next five points. Hughes’ kickout was under immense pressure. What has defined Kieran McGeeney’s outfit is how they respond to such adversity.

It was apparent in all the consequential plays. When Derry squeezed up on a free, Hughes came out to take it and found a willing runner in Darragh McMullen. He sent away the tireless Cian McConville who eventually found Turbitt.

Conaty hounded Glass for a turnover during that black card period. A searing kick into Andrew Murnin yielded another score. They pushed on after Duffy’s return to hit six successive points. Duffy made up for his transgression by curling over a fine effort before he was taken off.

In the end, Derry went in search of desperate two-pointers with Paul Cassidy and Ethan Doherty making the scoreline somewhat respectable. They go on in search of some reason to believe they can be genuine contenders.

Armagh already know it.

Scorers for Armagh: C. Turbitt 0-4 (1 tp); T. Kelly 1-0; O. Conaty 0-3 (1 tp); J. Duffy, T. McCormack, B. Hughes (tpf) 0-2 each; J. McElroy, D. McMullan, A. Murnin, J. Og Burns, O. O’Neill (f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Derry: L. Murray 1-2; C. Doherty 0-3; P. Cassidy (tp), E. Doherty (tp) 0-2 each; N. Loughlin, C. Glass, S. McGuigan, S. Young 0-1 each.

ARMAGH: B. Hughes; P. McGrane, A. McKay, G. Murphy; J. McElroy, T. Kelly, G. McCabe; J. Og Burns, A. Murnin; C. McConville, D. McMullan, T. McCormack; C. Turbitt, J. Duffy, O. Conaty.

Subs: R. McQuillan for McCabe (53); O. O’Neill for Duffy (60); R. Grugan for Murnin (67)

Black card: J. Duffy (42-52) 

DERRY: S. McGuckin; R. Forbes, B. Rogers, C. McCluskey; D. Doherty, G. McKinless, P. McGrogan; E. McEvoy, C. Glass; E. Doherty, S. Downey, N. Toner; N. Loughlin, S. McGuigan, L. Murray.

Subs: P. Cassidy for Downey (42); D. Higgins for Toner (48); J. Sargent for Forbes (54); S. Young for Murray (56)

Referee: M. McNally (Monaghan).