Clarke inspires Armagh win

Armagh 3-8 Longford 2-9

Published Sunday, 03 March 2013

Crossmaglen star Jamie Clarke was instrumental in securing Armagh their first win under new manager Paul Grimley in a thrilling National League Division Two game at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night.

Armagh’s James Lavery and Longford’s John Keegan with Michael Brady in action. (© Presseye)

PICTURE

GALLERY

Armagh’s Caolan Rafferty and Longford’s Shane Mulligan in action at Saturday’s Match at the Athletic Grounds.

Armagh’s James Lavery and Longford’s John Keegan with Michael Brady in action at Saturdays Match.

Armagh’s James Lavery with Stephen Harold and Longford’s Michael Brady in action at Saturday’s National League Division Two game.

Clarke hit a goal and a point for the Orchard County but was behind most his side's attacking moves but Longford made a real fist of it as they stormed back from six points down to set up a grandstand finish.

There were just six minutes gone when Clarke made an impact sending the ball into the roof of the net for the opening goal of the game.

Three minutes later he turned provider setting up Stefan Forker for a second goal which put the home side 2-0 to 0-1 up.

Francis McGee replied with a goal for Longford but two points from Kevin Dyas and one from Clarke put Armagh 2-5 to 1-3 ahead after 29 minutes.

Tony Kernan added a third goal for Armagh in the 64th minute to put his side 3-7 to 1-7 up but after a couple of Longford points Magee registered his second goal to cut the gap.

Kernan added a '45' in stoppage time to clinch Armagh victory as they maintained their unbeaten run after last week's drawn game with Wexford at the same venue.