Armagh 0-22 Monaghan 2-17
A late Monaghan score from super sub Ciaran Guinan saw them edge out Armagh by the minimum of margins in the Box-It Athletic Grounds.
The visitors got off a dream start when Thomas Hughes was hauled down inside the opening 30 seconds. Fergal Rafter stepped up to blast home from the penalty spot.
Armagh replied with three points on the trot from youngster Tomas Galvin, who then received a straight red card.
Fionntan Donnelly’s accuracy ensured Armagh headed into the interval five points to the good, 0-16 to 1-8 at the break.
Hughes and Rafter were causing numerous problems for the Orchard defence. Five points on the trot from Arthur Hughes’ side tied the game.
A Danny Magee score along with a Donnelly brace put Armagh back ahead but it was far from finished.
Conor Gernon traded scores with the Armagh captain, who finished with 0-12 to his name, while Monaghan added another two points.
Donnelly slotted over his final score of the game to leave Armagh two-points ahead with only minutes remaining.
It was end to end action and Stephen Lambe’s late goal edged Monaghan in front, but Rory Shine levelled the game for the hosts.
There was one last play and that fell to Guinan, who swung over the game-winning score to see Monaghan go to the top of the table.
It’s a tough defeat for the Orchard, who will now enter a break in the league. Their next game is at home to Mayo in two weeks’ time.
