O'Neill fires Orchard to first round win

Two Aaron O’Neill goals, one in each half, saw the Armagh under 20s get their season off to a winning start.

O’Neill’s first half major sent the Orchard on their way before the Crossmaglen youngster netted again late in the game.

It was a slow start, but Armagh eventually broke the deadlock after nine minutes with the game’s first goal.

Aaron O’Neill netted for the home side to give them the advantage as Armagh began to dominate on the scoreboard.

Fergal O’Brien darted forward to raised the first white flag of the afternoon to drive his side four points ahead.

Crossmaglen duo O’Neill and Caolan Finnegan added further points to stetch the Armagh lead to six.

A 22^nd minute free got Monaghan up and running and they hit another score to get back in touch.

Finnegan grabbed his second while Monaghan hit a brace to end the scoring for the first half. Armagh ahead 1-4 to 0-4 at the interval.

O’Neill added to his growing tally at the start of the second half, matching two scores from the visitors.

Callum O’Neill, Armagh’s minor captain last season, raced forward to chip in with a score from wing half back.

Finnegan and Oisin Conaty fired Armagh further in front, but both those scores were soon cancelled out by Monaghan.

Aaron O’Neill, brother of senior stars Oisin and Rian, took control and rattled off 1-2 in the final stages.

Monaghan hit back with a goal from the penalty spot, but it was too little to late and Armagh ended the game five points clear.