NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO Armagh 3-13 Dublin 1-10:IT'S DIFFICULT to know if this result represents one giant leap forward for Armagh, or one small step back for Dublin - but chances are it's a little of both. Certainly Dublin didn't lose their first game of the year by accident.
Armagh's nine-point victory was fully deserved, and that margin could have been wider as they hit a dozen wides. Inevitably it drew comparisons with some of their finest performances of recent years, not least because Steven McDonnell and Ronan Clarke played such starring roles.
Yet given Armagh's near collapse against Meath a week ago, it sure was a revelation. The heavy criticism of their last performance clearly brought an extra edge to their game, which this time was played in brilliant spring sunshine in front of a record 7,000 sell-out crowd at Crossmaglen.
Maybe that further inspired Armagh. Manager Peter McDonnell accepted the harsh words spoken about his team following the defeat to Meath - including that they'd raised the "white flag" - proved highly inflammable.
"The gauntlet was put down, the words of hurt were said," he calmly suggested, "and I think the fellas responded appropriately. Sometimes, in this line of business, those words come from the most unlikeliest of sources. And thanks be to God for them.
"It's one thing me calling a player names at training. It's another thing entirely someone from outside making that comment, or so-called informed comment. But long may it continue that there are doubts cast upon us."
Dublin's unbeaten run in Division Two meant they needed only a draw to secure promotion and a final place. Instead, they now need to beat Meath next Sunday to guarantee that reward, and their confidence has taken a buffeting. To round off a painful afternoon, team captain Alan Brogan received a straight red card for his involvement in an off-the-ball brawl with 10 minutes remaining.
"Very disappointing, for sure," said manager Paul Caffrey. "Especially to concede three goals the way we did. But if we were to lose our unbeaten record going into mid-April, that was the way to lose it. Comprehensively. That was a big swing-around in Armagh's performance, but we did take a big lesson today, a footballing lesson, and fair play to Armagh."
Dublin got off to a great start when Bernard Brogan pounced on an unlikely defensive error to score a goal after just three minutes. But Armagh were soon setting the pace, with McDonnell and Clarke displaying superb mobility and agility to set the scoreboard ticking over. After 12 minutes they were level, and by half-time Armagh were two up: 0-8 to 1-3.
Stephen Kernan, one of four Kernan brothers on the field, hit two nice first-half scores. Paddy McKeever was back from a long lay-off and played brilliantly at centre forward, and there was also a highly encouraging performance from new full back Brendan Donaghy, alongside the youngest Kernan brother, Paul.
Dublin's problems were quite apparent. Eamonn Fennell made some great catches at midfield, yet possession was easily squandered. Mark Vaughan hardly touched the ball; Bryan Cullen looked out of sorts at centre forward; and Colin Moran eventually had to drift into the full-back area to help contain McDonnell and Clarke.
Ciarán Whelan came on at half-time and temporarily lifted Dublin. After exchanging three points apiece, Armagh suddenly hit a purple patch - ignited by new midfielder Charlie Vernon. He made a stunning run 15 minutes in, and after completing a one-two with Clarke, promptly scorched the Dublin netting. Vernon is the kind of player that can dazzle as quickly as disappoint, yet this was a goal of undeniable skill.
Still, Dublin weren't dusted yet. Two Conal Keaney frees brought them back to within three points. But then Stephen Kernan set up McDonnell for Armagh's second goal, which was finished with typical style and tenacity. Clarke then provided the fitting climax with another beautifully taken goal on 67 minutes, with Vernon this time acting as provider.
But manager McDonnell was fairly reserved afterwards. "It was a solid performance, nothing more, nothing less. . . . But your biggest performances should also be kept for your biggest games, and this was always going to be one of those. We've just been struggling to get everyone on the panel fit. Hence Charlie Vernon's inclusion, and Paul Kernan, today. We knew those fellas would make a contribution along the line, they just weren't ready before now."
Caffrey wasn't getting carried away either: "Armagh were the much better team out there today, but we'll take our beating, take some of the lessons on board, and try to get back on the horse next weekend against Meath. It was always going to be a big game against Meath, no matter what. Like it was always likely to come down to the final Sunday, and that's what has happened."
So any bright spots at all? "The sunshine," he added.
ARMAGH:P Hearty; F Moriarity, B Donaghy, P Kernan; A Kernan, A O'Rourke, C McKeever; P McGrane, C Vernon (1-0); M O'Rourke, P McKeever (0-3, frees), S Kernan (0-2); S McDonnell (1-4), R Clarke (1-3), T Kernan (0-1). Subs: O McConville for T Kernan (59 mins), G O'Neill for Clarke inj (67 mins), G Loughran for S Kernan, Michael O'Rourke for Martin O'Rourke (both 70 mins).
DUBLIN:S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, D Murray; P Casey, G Brennan, C Moran; E Fennell (0-1), P Flynn; M Vaughan, B Cullen, B Brogan (1-3); C Keaney (0-4, all frees), K Bonner, J Sherlock (0-2). Subs: B Cahill for Brennan inj (20 mins), P Andrews for Murray (23 mins), C Whelan for Flynn (half-time), D Connolly for Vaughan (46 mins), A Brogan for Bonner (51 mins).
Referee:D Fahy (Longford).
