Down too strong for Armagh

Down came away with the spoils from the first game of their Division 2B Allianz National Hurling League clash with Armagh at the Athletic Grounds.

If you had only stayed for the first half you could be forgiven for thinking that either team could have emerged the winners but perhaps the writing on the wall was just a little bit obscured with Armagh only getting one point from play in the first half.

Down substitute Scott Nicholson sent the ball to the back of the net and a penalty put away by Armagh’s Mattie Lennon after Odhran Curry was fouled, led to Armagh going in half time at Armagh 1:4 Down 1:6.

The second half saw Down open up with a goal from Conor O’Neill followed by a blitz of 14 more points while Armagh replied with just three.

Final score Armagh 1:7 Down 1:20