Donegal outclass Armagh to book Ulster semi-final date with Derry
Monday 15 June 2015 11:24, UK
Donegal cemented their status as serious All-Ireland contenders as they outclassed Armagh by a score of 2-11 to 0-8 in a one-sided Ulster SFC quarter-final at the Athletic Grounds.
Paddy McBrearty set the tone for what was to follow when he goaled after just three minutes as Donegal raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after 12 minutes.
Michael Murphy, who moved out to midfield, was a major influence on the contest, kicking long into the full-forward line when Donegal turned over possession and hitting four brilliant frees through a first half where his side were utterly dominant.
The visitors looked streets ahead of their Ulster rivals and their passing as well as their link play was far too slick for Armagh to handle.
Ten points separated the sides at the break with Murphy hitting five points from placed balls and McBrearty almost unplayable in the Donegal full-forward line.
McBrearty got the Tír Conaill Men off to a dream start when he high-fielded a long Neil Gallagher pass after just three minutes and side-footed home after McNeice saved his first effort.
Gallagher immediately added a point after a mix-up in the Armagh defence.
By contrast, Armagh looked ponderous in possession and their attacks, frequently turned over inside Donegal’s 45 metre line.
Armagh upped their game after the break but their gains were marginal and, while Tony Kernan showed well and kicked one brilliant score, Donegal were comfortable throughout.
Martin O’Reilly hit the insurance goal early in the second, and when Armagh did create their own goal chances, they found Paul Durcan in inspired form in the Donegal nets.
Armagh’s Aaron Findon was black-carded late on as Donegal ran down the clock.
Donegal meet Derry in an Ulster semi-final while Armagh face the losers of Meath and Wicklow in the first round qualifiers.
Donegal: P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee; M O'Reilly (1-0), K Lacey (0-1), F McGlynn, N Gallagher (0-1), M McElhinney (0-1), C Toye, O MacNiallais (0-2), R McHugh; P McBrearty (1-1) , M Murphy (0-5, 5f), M McHugh.
Subs: A Thompson for McGee (h/t), H McFadden for McBrearty (52), D Walsh for Toye (57), E Doherty for Murphy (57 blood) and for McElhinney (68).
Armagh: M McNeice; F Moriarty, C Vernon, A Mallon; J Morgan (0-1), C McKeever (0-1), S Campbell, A Findon (0-1), E Rafferty (0-1, 1f), C Rafferty (0-1), M McKenna, A Forker; A Murnin, T Kernan (0-3, 1f), J Clarke.
Subs: K Dyan for Moriarty (31), C O’Hanlon for Rafferty (52), B Donaghy for Forker (58)
Referee: David Coldrick (Mayo).
