Mayo bridge half-time gulf in draw with Armagh

It was as you were at the final whistle after Mayo battled back from eight points down at half-time to take the lead before All-Ireland title-holders Armagh found a way back to secure a draw.

It is frustrating for Mayo as they should be making the long trip home with maximum points as goalkeeper Colm Reape had the chance to clinch glory. With seconds remaining he received Ryan O'Donogue’s sublime pass, jinked past Niall Grimley to inch closer to goal, but somehow kicked wide.

Armagh led by eight points at the break with Conor Turbitt’s sideline conversion after the hooter sounded demonstrating their confidence levels.

Played in the Armagh’s Box-It Athletic Grounds, Paddy Burns goal after 15 minutes put the Orchard five points ahead and they didn’t look back.

Late changes to the teams announced were Armagh’s Jason Duffy for Greg McCabe while Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea made way for Paul Towey, while the Orchard were also without their suspended All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker.

Before throw-in, Armagh and Mayo were locked on two league points but Armagh were ahead on the table with four-point scoring difference. Both teams had won only one out of their first three National League outings, with Mayo getting over Tyrone last week and Armagh seeing off the same opposition before the February break.

It was the lively Matthew Ruane who opened the scoring and Jordan Flynn added another but Armagh eased their way back into the game with a rally of points from Turbitt, Ross McQuillan and Andrew Murnin before Burns’ goal.

The Burren Co Down player picked his spot after Rory Grugan chased Dara McMullan’s delivery and Grugan’s half-volley into the square was caught by Burns who shimmied before drilling past keeper Reape.

Armagh’s style was