ARMAGH'S penchant for producing the unexpected surfaced again yesterday when they sprung a surprise against previously buoyant Laois at sunsplashed Davirt Park in Lurgan.
The midlanders, fuelled by an impressive start to their Division Two campaign, had, entered the arena as short odds favourites. But a potent mix of raw courage, unrelenting commitment and individual flair destroyed their aspirations.
By the 19th minute Armagh centre half forward Ger Houlahan had created the openings for Paul McGrane and Kieran McGeeney to flash home goals.
However, Laois's Hugh Emerson and PJ Dempsey ran the midfield show in the 10 minute spell immediately prior to the interval and their industry was complemented by some slick finishing, particularly on the part of Tom Bowe, who darted in for an opportunist goal. Points from Dempsey and Leo Turley under pinned the Laois recovery and Armagh led by just two points, 2-2 to 1-3, at the interval.
But the Houlahan threat resurfaced in the eighth minute of the second half when the former All Star weaved a pattern through the visitors' defence and punched an exquisite pass to Barry O'Hagan, who drilled in Armagh's third goal.
Lawlor embellished the visitors' score in, injury time when he stroked home a penalty after Dempsey had been fouled.
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