Armagh bounce back as McGeeney gets one over former side
SUBSTITUTE Stefan Campbell scored two second-half points as Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh returned to winning ways and boosted their chances of reaching the Division 1 final.
Against the county where McGeeney managed for six years, the home side were deserving winners, bouncing back after defeat last time out against Mayo.
It was a disappointing night for Kildare who have now lost their last seven league games in Ulster, a run stretching back to 2017.
Kildare scored the first two points of the game through Paddy Woodgate and Daniel Flynn but Armagh wasted no time in reeling them and they were level by the 15th minute after points from Aidan Forker and Tiernan Kelly.
A beautifully struck left-footed effort from Ben McCormack gave Kildare the lead a minute later but that was the last time they had their noses in front.
Jemar Hall quickly levelled and then Andrew Murnin scrambled home the game’s only goal in the 20th minute despite the best efforts of Mark Donnellan in the Kildare goal. That finish came after a long spell of patient, possession football from Armagh.
Kildare’s response to that led to their best spell of the game and they scored the next three points, from Woodgate (two) and Jimmy Hyland, to tie the scores.
Armagh though finished the half on top and took a 1-4 to 0-6 lead into the break after a close range Rian O’Neill free-kick.
If the first half was closely fought, Armagh showed the gap that you might expect between a team managed by somebody in his eighth season as opposed to a team managed by somebody yet to reach eight games.
The hosts attacked as one and defended as one, getting more on top as the game wore on.
Jarlath Óg Burns and Rory Grugan scored to push them a goal clear heading in the last 20 minutes and they were always able to keep Kildare at arm’s length.
The Lilies didn’t help themselves either and some of their shot selection left a lot to be desired, while Armagh were able to call on Campbell who came off the bench to score two points.
After Campbell’s first point, O’Neill landed a 45 to push Armagh four points clear and by then it was becoming clear that Kildare would need a goal to get back into contention but they failed to force Ethan Rafferty into a meaningful save.
Substitute Darragh Kirwan and Hyland scored to briefly cut the Armagh lead back to two points as they threatened to snatch a result but Armagh were able to repel the best the visitors had to offer and they sealed the win with the last three points of the game through Campbell, Jason Duffy and O’Neill.