Monaghan hold their nerve in shootout against Armagh to reach All-Ireland SFC semi-final

It took penalties and over 90 minutes of football but Monaghan are through to their second All-Ireland semi-final in five seasons after defeating Armagh 9-8 on penalties in front of the Davin stand.

Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan finally got his side over the line by denying Armagh half-back Callum Cumiskey twice after two rounds of spot kicks.

Having missed his opportunity in the first set, Monaghan's Gary Mohan redeemed himself from the spot to tee up Beggan for the match winning heroics.

The sides were level an incredible 14 times in total, the pulsating contest was on a knife edge throughout and would need the dreaded spot kicks to separate them in the finish.

Cruelly, this would be Armagh’s third penalties loss in a row since their exit at the same stage last season with an Ulster final loss in between.

With the free weekend the week previous, Armagh used that extra energy to take an early lead right at the very beginning of the lengthy duel.

Aidan Forker had that pep in his step as he strode up from the back and fired over the opening score of the game. The rapid point disguised the measured affair that was to follow.

Both sets of supporters brought the noise, but the tenseness of the occasion allowed only for a couple of shrill cries from a misplaced pass or fumble in possession.

With the pace of the attacks slowed right down, Monaghan wingback Conor McCarthy's duty was to add some pace and bring the ball up the field for Vinny Corey’s side.

McCarthy added to that with his side's opening score, his presence on the left flank was a real avenue for Monaghan to not only get into the game but on the scoreboard too. McCarthy added another point in the first half.

Neither team were capable of pulling away from each other. Rian