Mayo dent Armagh's early-season optimism

Mayo 1-14 Armagh 0-11: THE OPTIMISM which had engulfed Armagh following impressive performances against Cork and Kerry dramatically evaporated when Mayo's pace, power and precision proved too much at the Morgan Athletic Grounds on Saturday night.

Brisk and workmanlike throughout, Mayo were defensively solid for the most part and exhibited a feverish work-rate.

But despite his team’s encouraging performance Mayo manager James Horan remains cautious as he contemplates a busy five-match schedule spanning as many weeks.

“We played some good stuff but we should have been able to push on better than we did. We have to remember that Armagh lost two of their most experienced players to injury.” said Horan.

Mayo made a whirlwind start and by the ninth minute had assembled a 1-4 to nil lead with the home defence falling prey much too easily to their pace and enterprise.

Three points from Alan Freeman, two from frees, bred the confidence that led to a snap goal from Andy Moran following a ‘45’ from David Clarke.

Armagh eventually roused themselves from their slumber with Aidan Forker and Brian Mallon scoring points which helped to temporarily rein in their visitors.

But with Aidan O’Shea majestic at midfield, Mayo prospered.

Conor Mortimer converted two frees and Freeman was again on target before Aidan Forker landed a brace for Armagh to leave Mayo in front by 1-7 to 0-6 at the break.

Mayo really stamped their seal on the game in the third quarter as points from Mortimer (2), Enda Varley and Lee Keegan put them into a 1-11 to 0-6 lead.

Armagh’s stubborn streak surfaced, though, with the introduction of substitutes Colm Watters and James Lavery.

Watters hit two towering long-range points while Lavery made a difference in midfield.

But by then Mayo had already done more than enough. They finished in style with Varley (2) and Freeman lofting over points to secure a six-point victory.

“Mayo started very well and finished strongly. Throughout they showed a great work-rate and level of intensity. Obviously the loss of Charlie Vernon and Brian Mallon were big blows . . ,” said Armagh manager Paddy O’Rourke.

MAYO: D Clarke; K Keane, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; R Feeney, D Vaughan, L Keegan (0-1); A O’Shea, B Moran; A Freeman (0-5, 4f), A Dillon, J Doherty; C Mortimer (0-4, 3f), A Moran (1-0), E Varley (0-4). Subs: S O’Shea for B Moran (51 mins); C Boyle for Keane (53), P Harte for A Moran (60).

ARMAGH: P McEvoy; A Mallon, B Donaghy, D McKenna; K Dyas, P Duffy, F Moriarty; C Vernon, M Mackin; A Forker (0-6, 5f), B Mallon (0-2, 2f), A Duffy; C Rafferty, J Kingham, G McParland (0-1). Subs: S Campbell for Vernon (21 mins); C Watters (0-2) for B Mallon (half-time); J Lavery for McParland (55), M Stevenson for Duffy (56).

Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois).