Michael Murphy returns for Donegal in comfortable victory over Armagh

Michael Murphy received the biggest cheer of the day as he returned and helped Donegal to a convincing win over Armagh in Ballybofey.

Just one point separted these sides last year over three games but Donegal continued their great unbeaten record in Ballybofey under Jim McGuinness.

The big talking point prior to the game was the inclusion of Michael Murphy in the 26 man panel and when he was introduced after 44 minutes the Donegal supporters in the 13,109 attendance got what they wanted.

At the time of Murphy's introduction Armagh were threatening to spoil the Donegal party but from then to the finish Donegal put the foot down and never looked in trouble.

Armagh were not helped by losing Aidan Forker to a red card for welcoming Murphy onto the field.

Everything was happening in Ballybofey.

A power cut left no hooter at the half-time break but when Sean Hurson blew Donegal were ahead by 0-12 to 1-03.

The opening four points were shared with Ethan Rafferty converting a '45 and Darragh Mullin pointed while in between Conor O'Donnell and Jamie Brennan found the range for Donegal.

Jarly Og Burns, on the field as a blood substitute, created a goal opening which Darragh McMullin fired past Shaun Patton on 10 minutes.

Then it seemed as Armagh went on holidays as Donegal dominated the rest of the half to fire 10 unanswered points, all but one from play before Jason Duffy eventually hit the only other Armagh score on the stroke of half-time.

Patrick McBrearty (3), Ryan McHugh and Oisin Gallen (2) and Peadar Mogan were the Donegal scorers in an impressive shooting performance for the home side. The only thing missing in the opening half was a two pointer.

The value of the two pointer was clear as Ben Crealey and Andrew Murnin cut the lead to