Dublin self destruct as Armagh march on

Armagh remain on course to retain their title after an inspired second half fightback against Dublin in today's All-Ireland qualifier…

Armagh remain on course to retain their title after an inspired second half fightback against Dublin in today's All-Ireland qualifier at Croke Park.

63,500 fans packed into the GAA headquarters to watch Joe Kernan's side come from four points down at halftime to win by four over a Dublin side that seems intent on making life tough for itself.

Both teams finished with 14 men after a fiery opening 15 minutes of the second half in which Dublin failed to register a score while the defending champions hauled themselves back into contention via the boot of Stephen McDonald.

Dublin opened he game at a frantic pace and despite Oisin McConville opening the scoring for Armagh with a point the homeside raced into an early lead. Dessie Farrell, Ray Cosgrove and Jason Sherlock all pointing early on.

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However there was always signs that it may be another day of missed chances for the Dubs and when Diarmaid Marsden and Paddy McKeever combined to restore parity Tommy Lyon's side could have been well ahead.

Indeed when the halftime whistle went Dublin had misses seven of their 16 chances and though Armagh could only manage another two points they were never out of the tie.

The Orchard County proved that to be a fact immediately in the second half as they set out to rough up their hosts after what must have been a fierce teamtalk from Joe Kernan.

Paddy Christie was first to feel the effects of their new impetus as he was caught by a low blow from Paddy McKeever. Diarmaid Marsden then had is name taken in the furore that followed.

McKeever received his marching orders moments later after the Armagh man struck Darren Homan off the ball. On instruction from the linesman, referee Pat McEneaney had little option then to send the Armagh forward off.

Undeterred however Armagh, inspired the boot of McDonald, took their points as Dublin were visibly shaken by their aggressiveness of their opponents.

The moment that appeared to turn the game came minutes later however when, in another off the ball incident, Dublin keeper Stephen Cluxton was adjudged to have struck an Armagh player.

He too was given his marching orders and Dublin's one man advantage had barely been given a chance to count in their favour before it was no more.

McDonald pointed again from the resulting free and then beat Paul Griffin to level the scores at eight apiece and it was game on.

McEntee and Paul McGrane found their range soon after for Armagh to open a two point lead.

Dublin scored their first of the half in the 51st minute through Sherlock but Armagh immediately restored the two point gap.

Cosgrove and Farrell both pointed again but McEntee and Ronan Clarke pushed the lead back out on both occasions.

The tie was effectively decided when with the deficit at three points Farrell indecisively blasted wide what looked to be a goal opportunity.

McEntee added another moments later and the Dubs crashed out in front of a despondent and shell-shocked hill.