Armagh are one win away from crossing off their first target of the year, in reaching the Division Three League Final.
To do so, they must avoid losing their round five clash with Tyrone, which takes place this Sunday in the Athletic Grounds at 12.30pm.
Armagh extended their unbeaten run in 2020 to four games last weekend, when Dean Gaffney curled over a free in the dying minutes to confirm a one point victory over Louth.
The league leaders displayed real character and a tremendous fighting spirit to claw their way out of the jaws of defeat and claim the 1-19 to 1-18 win.
They had built up a comfortable seven point lead at the break and were just about able to withstand the Wee Counties forceful second half fight back.
Another derby clash is in store this weekend when they welcome neighbours Tyrone to the Athletic Grounds for an all Ulster clash.
The sides know each other fairly well at this stage, as they crossed paths on two occasions last season, once in the league and once in the Nicky Rackard Cup, each team claiming one win each.
They collided at this stage of the competition last year when Tyrone were successful, winning 3-16 to 1-16, although the win wasn’t enough to deny Armagh a place in the league final.
Armagh did get their revenge a few months later when they slipped through the Red Hands grasps to come away with a 2-19 to 1-20 win in the semi final of the Nicky Rackard.
Armagh have been playing superbly well, seeing off Donegal before hammering Monaghan in the opening two rounds to set them up well for the year.
Two tight run-ins with Longford and Louth could be exactly what this team required and they will know a similar battle will be expected from Tyrone on Sunday.
Led by former Armagh manager and Derrynoose clubman Mattie Lennon, Tyrone will be confident of overturning the home side and earning their 4th win of the campaign.
Damian Casey has been in fantastic form so far this season and has notched a huge personal tally of 2-47 in the first four games for his side.
His poorest return came in round one when he managed 0-10 in their opening day 1-21 to 1-16 win over Louth, and he has continued his terrific scoring form right through the league.
Only a loss can derail Armagh’s chances of finishing in the top two, with a draw confirming their place in the final.
If they were to come out the wrong end of Sunday’s clash, they can still find themselves in the final, should Longford overcome Donegal.
Armagh will focus on their own game and the Orchard County will be extremely confident of maintaining their unbeaten run and securing their place at top of the table.
