Write a commentIt was mixed results in the opening round of the Allianz Football League with Armagh drawing with Kildare in Newbridge today and Down losing out to Laois last night in Newry.
A strong start from Down saw nine points on the scoreboard at half time with Laois on five. A point from play for Down by Conor McGrady two minutes into the second half put them five points ahead but it would be 17 minutes before the next score for the home team and while Laois notched up seven more points putting them ahead by a point.
A goal for Laois from Colm Murphy was followed five minutes later by a Donal O'Hare goal for Down and a point a minute later from Conor Francis.
Trailing by just a point It seemed to put Down back in the running but it wasn't to be, with Laois adding another goal and two points to finish six points ahead.
Final Score Down 1:12 Laois 2:15
Armagh
Armagh travelled to St Conleth's Park, Newbridge for their opening game finishing with a draw against Kildare.
In a close fought affair both teams went in at the break six points apiece. Following a goal from Armagh's Stefan Campbell halfway through the second half, things seemed to have just got interesting. Another point from a free taken by Niall Grimley saw five points between the sides and it looked like Armagh were comfortably ahead but Kildare managed to claw their way back with five unanswered points on the scoreboard, the equalising one arriving just on the 35th minute.
Five minutes of extra time saw Armagh go a point ahead but a free for Kildare saw the game ending in a draw, probably a fair result.
Final score Armagh 1:11 Kildare 0:14
