GOALDEN ORCHARD

O'Neill is the jewell in the crown as Armagh sparkle

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

GOALS proved the difference as Armagh eased to a comfortable nine-point win over Down last night.

A first half penalty from Oisin O'Neill and further goals from Tiernan Kelly and Sean Conlon gave the Orchard County their first win of the new season, however they'll need a favour from the Mournemen against Tyrone in Pomeroy on Sunday if they are to have a chance of topping Group A.

Kieran McGeeney made 10 changes from last Friday's two-point defeat to the Red Hands while Conor Laverty was without the majority of his Kilcoo clubmates following their Ulster Club final loss to Scotstown last month.

The round two game tie was pencilled in for Newry’s Pairc Esler, but concerns about the pitch amid the current cold snap saw O'Down officials switch the game to Burren.

However, as over 7,000 spectators attended last Friday’s Armagh and Tyrone clash, the game was moved to the Box-It Athletic Grounds in order to accommodate all those wishing to attend the game.