Sligo shocked high-flying Armagh with a stunning performance in a gripping game at Markievicz Park yesterday.

The Yeatsmen’s survival in Division Three was to a large extent dependent on results from other matches and on a high-scoring encounter on home ground. Nial Carew’s side made certain that they would not be found wanting on scoring difference.

Sligo had the wind in their backs in the opening half and they went two points ahead at the start of the game before Eugene McVerry got the Ulster men off the mark.

Five unanswered Sligo points in the closing stages of the half set the hosts up for a 12 points to four lead.

David Kelly struck for a Sligo goal after 30 seconds of the second half to put the Yeatsmen 1-12 to 0-4 in front, leaving Armagh with a mountain to climb. The task facing Kieran McGeeney’s men proved far too much and Sligo grew in confidence as the half progressed.

Andrew Murnin scored his team’s goal in the 50th minute to put a slightly more respectable appearance on the scoreboard.

Despite holding on to their Division Three status Armagh were bitterly disappointed with the result and with their performance.

Armagh assistant manager Peter McDonnell said afterwards that “today’s performance can be written off”. He had high praise for Sligo who “did what they had to do and done it in style”.

A delighted Nial Carew was very impressed with his team’s performance.

“The whole thing worked well and its great preparation going into the Connacht Championship against Roscommon,” he said.