Donegal edge out Armagh as Division 2 final thrills late on

Aaron Doherty emerged as Donegal's gamebreaker as the Jim McGuinness led side returned to winning ways with a gutsy Allianz League Division 2 title success at Croke Park.

Donegal's last piece of silverware under McGuinness was the 2014 Ulster SFC title during his first stint in charge and if this spring victory is anything to go by there could be further gains ahead.

Level 10 times overall, it looked as if the duo may be set for another draw, just like their Round 4 group encounter in late February.

But late Donegal scores from Caolan McGonagle, top-scorer Oisin Gallen and then Doherty in the 73rd minute secured the narrowest of wins for the Tir Chonaill county.

It was a particularly impressive triumph as Donegal were missing a number of injured stars including All-Ireland winning Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher and Brendan McCole.

But they dug deep when the need was greatest and will head into their blockbuster provincial SFC opener against neighbours Derry on April 20 in an optimistic mood.

As for Armagh, they will kick themselves at not hanging on after reeling off five points in a row in the final quarter to take the lead and they remained a point clear at the beginning of stoppage time before Donegal rallied.

They will play Fermanagh in the Ulster SFC on 14 April at Brewster Park.

Both sides made significant alterations to their published lineups with Darragh McMullan replacing Barry McCambridge in the Armagh half-back line and Jarlath Og Burns taking Stefan Campbell's spot.

Jason McGee made his return to the Donegal lineup and in doing so became the 31st player to feature for them in the league.

There was a start too for Luke McGlynn, his first of the campaign having come on as a substitute in six of