Armagh start and finish strong to see off Dublin

Armagh survived a second-half rally to finish comfortable eight-point winners over Dublin and edge closer to securing their Division One status.

It was the meeting of the last two All-Ireland winners and early in the second half after the Orchard County had stormed into a 1-15 to 0-03 lead before Dublin rallied back with and impressive 1-07.

Armagh were worthy winners with starring roles coming from Andrew Murnin, Greg McCabe and Conor Turbitt, while Paddy Burns did a fine job marking Dublin's prolific forward Con O’Callahan before going off in the first half, although the forward made an impact in the second period.

Both teams made changes to the starting team announced earlier in the week with Oisin O’Neill getting his first taste of action this year, in place of Niall Grimley, while Peter McGrane got the nod ahead of Jemar Hall.

Unsurprisingly, Ciarán Kilkenny lined out the Dubs with Sean Bugler making way and Greg McEneaney replaced Alex Gavin.

Played in Box-It Athletic Grounds, Armagh marched into a 12-point lead at the break with a controlled and slick opening half.

Dublin were restricted to only three first half points and Armagh should have been further ahead as they left four chances at goal behind them.

The All-Ireland champions were quick out of blocks with three flashy points in as many minutes, with Murnin, Turbitt and McCabe steering over some beauties.

It was relentless defending too as Armagh made several huge turnovers and the scoreboard kept lighting up as Turbitt tagged on another score before Oisin O’Neill launched over the only two-pointer of the half.

And the scores kept coming as Ethan Rafferty picked out a sublime through pass to find Barry McCambridge and the Lurgan defender blasted past keeper Evan