Armagh seal semi-final spot with narrow win over Tyrone

Armagh's narrow win over Tyrone at the Box-It Athletic Grounds was enough to see them through to the Dr McKenna Cup semi-finals as best group runners-up.

Tyrone crash out after losing both their games, with Donegal winning the group despite losing the points from their win over Armagh over the ineligible player controversy.

Kieran McGeeney's side progress to face Derry in Saturday afternoon's semi-final, also at the Athletic Grounds.

Ryan Jones had just shot Tyrone into a three points lead when the game exploded into action with two goals in the space of a minute.

Tarlach Quinn got of the end of a Brian Kennedy delivery to finish to the net in the tenth minute for the visitors, but the Orchard men hit back immediately, corner back Peter McGrane collecting Oisin O’Neill’s assist to crash the ball to the roof of the net.

Three O’Neill frees had Armagh ahead for the first time on 24 minutes, but four on the spin, including spectacular efforts from Michael McKernan and Tiarnan Quinn, put the Red Hands back in the driving seat.

A strong finish from Kieran McGeeney’s side saw them pull back points through Cian McConville and McGrane to trail by just one at the break, 1-07 to 1-06.

Armagh needed two brilliant Shea Magill saves to deny Lorcan McGarrity, but bossed possession as they pressed the Tyrone kick-out, hitting a string of scores through Oisin O’Neill, Callum O’Neill and McConville to go three ahead.

With Jarly Og Burns off the bench to add authority to their midfield battle, they gained control, but came up against a determined defence that regrouped with authority.

Tyrone were chasing the game, creating a couple of goal chances, but Aaron McKay, Mark Sheilds and Ciaran Higgins stood firm at the back for Armagh, who survived a