Down proved much too strong for Armagh in a scintillating National Football League division Two encounter in front of a packed house at Pairc Esler on Saturday night.
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Down 1-13 1-6 Armagh
Down raced into an early eight point lead, helped by a Benny Coulter goal in the opening minute.
Armagh battled back into the contest, opening their account with a goal by Steven McDonnell from the penalty spot.
Marty Clarke was withdrawn from the contest with what appeared to be a rib injury midway through the first half and Armagh continued their fight-back, but suffered a major setback when Finian Moriarty was sent off towards the end of the opening period for a second yellow card.
Despite being reduced to 14 men, Armagh went in just three points behind at the break but the second half was all Down, with the Mournemen taking full advantage of the extra man.
Ambrose Rogers once again excelled in the middle of the park, while John Clarke took over free-taking duties from his injured brother.
The Orchard county managed just two scores in the second period, as Down ran out deserving 1-13 to 1-6 winners.
Down manager James McCartan was pleased with his side's win.
"We got off to a great start indeed, but we knew they would come back at us, and they did", he told UTV.
"When they had a man sent off that can sometimes come back against you, because teams tend to raise their game.
"It was great to get the win however, and now we are in with a good chance of promotion to division One, which is important for Down football."
Paddy O'Rourke, meanwhile, was disappointed not to mark his return to Pairc Elser with a win.
"It was always going to be difficult for us, we made an awful start to the game and things were made a lot more difficult for us when Finian Moriarty was sent off", he said.
"I didn't agree with the decision, but sometimes you see things differently from the referee.
"We are still in with a chance of promotion, and that is important", He added.
"But it was a fantastic game of football, watched by a huge crowd, and a great advert for the game".
Elsewhere Donegal edged a close encounter with Tipperary, winning by 1-9 to 2-5.
© UTV News