Armagh stave off Monaghan's late charge to seal victory in Division 1 opener

Armagh made a winning start to the Allianz Football League for the third time in a row since their return to Division 1 when they held off a late charge from Monaghan by a 1-14 to 1-12 scoreline in a topsy-turvy derby in front of a sell-out crowd at Castleblayney.

Some wasteful finishing saw Armagh convert just over a quarter of their scoring chances in the first half, but they found their shooting boots in a strong start to the second half that put them in the driving seat.

Monaghan worked their way back into contention, but a brace of inspirational points from Stefan Campbell helped guide Armagh to a hard-earned win.

It was perhaps inevitable that goalkeepers would be prominent in a game featuring Rory Beggan and Ethan Rafferty, but neither number one will be adding the goals from this one to their highlight reel. Tiernan Kelly pinched a Beggan kick-out to find a gaping net for Armagh, while Rafferty had to concede a penalty after one of his own restarts had been cut out.

Both keepers were also on the scoresheet, however, with Rafferty's effort coming from open play and helping to give Armagh a foothold in the game after they had endured a lengthy wait for their second point.

Monaghan were 0-04 to 0-01 ahead by then, via Mícheál Bannigan, Dessie Ward and Beggan, but Kelly's goal turned things in favour of Kieran McGeeney's side. Rían O'Neill and Rory Grugan were also on target as Armagh moved ahead for the first time, but Stephen O'Hanlon, Seán Jones and Conor McCarthy helped Monaghan change ends on level terms at 0-07 to 1-04.

The game hinged on a high-octane start to the second half by Armagh, who penned the home side into their own half by winning six consecutive kick-outs and converting their possession into five points