Armagh hold Westmeath at arm's length to start on high

Armagh had five points to spare over Westmeath to get their All-Ireland SFC campaign off to a winning start in the Athletic Grounds.

The Orchard were without the injured Rian O'Neill but they enjoyed a more comfortable victory against over their opponents compared to the same fixture last year.

It had been seven weeks since Westmeath’s last competitive game, whereas Armagh needed to lift themselves after the Ulster Final penalty shootout defeat to Donegal, less than a fortnight ago.

Much like last season it was a tough and interesting battle and the sides were level on four occasions during the first period but Armagh were the better side in the second half and were worthy victors.

Sam McCartan and Conor Turbitt (free) traded points before McCartan grabbed his second and Stefan Campbell stroked over after referee Conor Lane played advantage.

Neither side put much energy into the high press for kick-outs in the first period, although Armagh did push up at times in the second period.

It was 11 minutes when Tieran Kelly took on his marker and fisted over to put Armagh in front for the first time and Conor O’Neill tagged on another point, having only seconds earlier kicked his mark backwards.

However, Westmeath were back level shortly after as Ronan Toole kicking from the terrace side and Robbie Forde landed a great long-range effort.

Six minutes additional time was played in the first half after Conor O’Neill was carried off, having only comeback from injury he sustained against Donegal in the National League. Both sides took on water as the injured O’Neill received treatment and he was applauded by the 5989 supporters as he was carried off.

Ciaran Mackin finished a lovely worked Armagh point after an overload and the busy Rory