Magical Murphy saves the day for Donegal

DONEGAL won ugly on a brute of a Ballybofey night as Michael Murphy made a timely return.

Murphy and 2012 All-Ireland winning team-mate Leo McLoone led the way for Donegal to get their promotion bid back on track.

Murphy’s goal, just before halftime, set Donegal on the road here, with the captain only introduced in the 28th minute to restore some order to the night.

Donegal’s Jason McGee and Armagh’s James Morgan saw red 10 minutes earlier and referee Martin McNally showed 11 cards in all.

After back-to-back defeats Donegal had to win and, thanks to an inspired display by Murphy on his first outing of the year, they did just that.

“The leadership qualities of Leo and Michael were invaluable,” said Donegal manager Declan Bonner.

“They made major contributions. The goal and two points Michael got were invaluable, but Leo’s steadying influence from centreback was vital.

Michael Langan kept Donegal in check from frees until Murphy slotted home a goal in first-half stoppage time.

Murphy landed two beauties to push Donegal clear, but when Niall O’Donnell spurned a free – with a chance that could have put the hosts five up – the jitters started to creep in.

Rian O’Neill gave Armagh hope, but they ran out of time.

Bonner said: “It was about real grit, real desire and a will to win. That was really good to see.”