Armagh breathed new life into their Allianz NFL Division 1B campaign with a 1-09 to 0-10 success against Down in a fiercely contested clash at Crossmaglen.
In front of an 8,500-strong crowd, Armagh claimed just their second league win despite having centre-back Ciaran McKeever sent-off in the closing stages.
Helped by three early points from centre forward Aidan Burns, Down led 0-06 to 0-05 at the interval, but Dan Gordon did miss a decent goal chance.
Injury-hit Armagh slowly came to the fore with the introduction of Kieran McGeeney and Steven McDonnell's finishing power – he tallied up 1-06, grabbing a crucial late goal after Paddy McKeever's set-up – seeing them just pip their Ulster rivals.
Burns pointed after eight, nine and 12 minutes – two of the three were from play – to strengthen Down's early lead, after Ronan Murtagh had initially fired them in front.
Armagh waited 14 minutes until they hit their first point and predictably it came from the boot of McDonnell, Down then replied but Joe Kernan's side then hit four straight points.
Paddy McKeever, Paul McGrane, JP Donnelly and McDonnell, who levelled the tie with a 20-metre free, all raised white flags before an Aidan Carr '45', after Gordon had miscued when going for goal, saw the visitors go back in front just before the break.
Donnelly had to be stretchered off early in the second half with a leg injury, with old warhorse McGeeney replacing him and their former captain's presence seemingly inspired Armagh into action.
They hit the half's opening three points – all through McDonnell – but Down were not giving up hope of their first win of the current campaign, as Daniel Hughes and Burns (0-02) replied for a 0-09 to 0-08 lead for the Mourne men.
McDonnell again produced the goods with a pin-point free and he then cut through for what was effectively the match-winning goal.
McDonnell goaled on the rebound after Down keeper Michael McVeigh had saved the Killeavey star's initial effort.
McKeever was then given a straight red card as he was seen to strike Down full-forward Gordon. Tempers did flare for a time and when matters were cooled, James McGovern popped up with a late free.
Down’s final point was little consolation for Ross Carr’s side, who are now almost certain to be playing in Division Three next season.
