Grugan’s strike fires Armagh past Sligo

A POWERFUL second half from Armagh, the key score being Rory Grugan’s early goal, set up Kieran McGeeney’s side for a deserved place in the third round of the qualifiers following their six-point defeat of Sligo at Markievicz Park.

Sligo, who came into this fixture on the back of a Connacht semi-final mauling against Galway, were without five players due to injury, including veteran defender Ross Donovan and deft forward Stephen Coen.

Armagh, who bounced back from their Ulster quarter-final exit to Fermanagh with a decisive win over Westmeath in round one of the Qualifiers, were missing injured attacker Ethan Rafferty.

The visitors, comfortable winners over Sligo when the counties met in Division 3 this year, struggled to cope with their hosts’ initial zest as the men in black led 0-3 to 0-1 by the 10th minute.

Liam Gaughan landed two of these early points, the second of which was a goal chance but the centre-forward opted to fist the ball over Blaine Hughes’ crossbar.

But Sligo turnovers in their own half were punished by an improving Armagh who shot four points without reply to lead 0-5 to 0-3 after 23 minutes, a recovery that hinged on three classy points from team captain Grugan (above).

Sligo, however, were showing themselves capable of a response – through pacy attacks and free-taker Liam Gaughan’s accuracy – and they went back in front, 0-7 to 0-5, with 32 minutes played.

It was Armagh’s turn to dominate before the break and they were 0-8 to 0-7 ahead at half-time thanks to fine points from Andrew Murnin, Niall Grimley and Ryan McShane.

The turning point for Armagh was a 39th minute goal – it was a gift for Grugan who pinched Sligo keeper Aidan Devaney’s short kick-out before planting the ball in the net.