Armagh 2-19 Westmeath 0-08

Armagh cruised to victory in Crossmaglen as Steven McDonnell almost single-handedly shot them past Westmeath.

The Killeavy star scored 1-09 - all from play - as Armagh earned their first league win under new manager Paddy O'Rourke, following last weekend's narrow loss to Meath.

O'Rourke drafted Barry Shannon and Gareth Swift in as late call-ups, while Westmeath boss Brendan Hackett promoted Damien Healy and Ger Egan before the throw-in.

Armagh made a business-like start with Charlie Vernon, who impressed throughout in centre-field, sending a high ball in for McDonnell to collect and point on the turn.

McDonnell's fisted goal in the sixth minute, teed up by Aaron and Tony Kernan, left Westmeath chasing the game in the early stages.

They were 1-09 to 0-05 behind at half-time, with Paul Greville (0-02f), David Duffy and Denis Glennon (0-02, 0-01f) registering the visitors' points.

McDonnell, whose 1-05 first half haul included a superb point off the outside of his boot, Vernon, Aaron and Tony Kernan polished off a number of chances as the Orchard men ended the half strongly.

While Hackett changed things up for Westmeath with three half-time substitutions, Greville and Denis Glennon tried their best to keep the Lake County in the hunt.

But with Ryan Henderson getting his name on the scoresheet and McDonnell oozing class, Finnian Moriarty's 52nd minute goal killed off the game as a contest.

Speaking afterwards, a pleased McDonnell said: 'It was very important for us to come here today - the first game at home in the National League - and get the points. It was an all-round good display by the team.

'I'm quite happy with how I'm performing and my own fitness. I've said it before, over the last couple of years I probably lost a bit of the hunger.

'I haven't too many years left so this year I'm certainly going to give it everything I have,' added the 30-year-old full-forward.