ARMAGH triumphed over Monaghan in an engaging encounter at Clones yesterday. The eventual winners showed a lack of enthusiasm for this match earlier in the week when the on-off contest was fixed for Scotstown. However, their misgivings were not evident in the match.

Two goals - scored by Aidan O'Rourke and Paul McGrane - backboned their 2-6 to 0-2 interval lead.

Monaghan resilience was more in evidence in the second half. Armagh, with the outcome assured, dropped down through the gears, but there was no shortage of commitment, with Horisk and Murphy dismissed in the closing stages.