2003 All-Ireland finalists Armagh look like they would rather avoid the back door this year after a thrilling comeback saw them claim the final four points at St Tiernach's Park, Clones and a 0-13 to 0-11 victory over 14-man Cavan.
Joe Kernan's charges are through to a July 11 Ulster final meeting with either Tyrone or Donegal, but did it the hard way against a plucky Blues side.
In the aftermath, Kernan admitted that winning, whilst playing badly was a good thing for his wily campaigners. "Playing badly and winning, perhaps we can turn that to our advantage," he commented, "we've gained a lot of experience on the road over the last four or five years and that's what was the difference between us in the end."
Kernan used all his championship know-how as his three substitutes were to play key roles - Brian Mallon pointing twice, and both Diarmuid Marsden and Kevin McElvanna notching one each. But it was former All-star Oisin McConville who started and ended what was a rocky trip for the Orchard men, scoring their first on 8 minutes and closing the show for them with a point right on the stroke of full time.
Cavan were down to 14-men after only 37 seconds when Pearse McKenna was shown red for a clear punch on Francie Bellew. All-star Steven McDonnell was strong in broken play for Armagh and points from Ronan Clarke, McConville and McDonnell had them 0-03 to 0-01 in front on 13 minutes.
Lyng had tallied up three wides but Reilly's high, dropping left wing point levelled before McDonnell teased over his second. Pierson evaded Bellew to level again at 0-04 apiece but Paddy McKeever saw Armagh back in front.
Indeed the men in orange would have had a four-point gap had McKeever not been penalised by referee Michael Monahan for throwing the ball to McConville, who netted in injury time.
Lyng grabbed two quick frees after the restart and with Pierson acutely adding to his own tally, Cavan were 0-09 to 0-06 in front by the 48th minute.
McConville, deadly from the placed ball, urged Armagh back on terms with frees on 52 and 58 minutes with McElvanna pointing off his right side.
Ahead by two points on the hour mark, Pierson took the wrong option for his side when his attempted chip on Paul Hearty in the Armagh goal was saved superbly and no score at all ensued.
Lyng and Dermot McCabe, a first half substitute, answered back but with skipper Kieran McGeeney introduced, Armagh bolted ahead with Mallon (0-02), Marsden and McConville confirming the win.
Cavan did have late chances but both McCabe and fellow substitute Michael Bride were wide with their attempts.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
