Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Armagh Ror to late win and stay top
RORY GRUGAN grabbed a 75th minute winner to keep Armagh top of the table and on track for promotion.
Kieran Mcgeeney’s side snatched what could be a huge win in the context of their season with the point by Grugan the only time they were ahead against 14-man Longford at the Athletic Grounds.
Mcgeeney liked the 1-11 to 1-10 result but not the performance, admitting: “We were terrible.”
Armagh now have maximum points from three outings.
“We had 34 shots compared to their 18 or 19 but our shooting boots were terrible,” Mcgeeney said. “I suppose it’s a good sign that the team is coming on and they played so poorly and can still win a game.”
Grugan and Ethan Rafferty missed a glut of chances – but came up with the goods late on with Rafferty’s controversial 69th minute goal. It left Longford, for whom Andrew Farrell was sent off in the 39th minute for two yellow cards, fuming.
Defender Donal Mcelligott, who had nailed a 58th minute penalty, appeared to be pushed in the back but ref Noel Mooney waved play on and seconds later Rafferty stuck the ball inside the near post.
That levelled the scores for the fourth time before Grugan’s last gasp winner put Armagh in front for the only time.
“We feel we were really let down by the officials today,” fumed boss Denis Connerton.
“You need a little bit more protection and you need the officials to perform at a better level than they did today. Our performance in itself was magnificent.”
With Sligo v Fermanagh and Derry v Offaly postponed due to the weather, the only other game in Division Three saw Westmeath win 0-16 to 1-10 away to Wexford In Division Four and
played a 0-12 all draw at Corrigan Park. The visitors finished with 13 men, but hit three of the final four points to take a valuable league point.
Paddy Mcbride, inset, (0-6) and Ryan Murray (0-4) contributed the bulk of Antrim’s scores.