Niall Kane: Saved smartly from a Ben Crealey fisted effort but lost out to Andrew Murnin’s similar score. Left exposed for the other goals. Delivered his kick-outs accurately. 6
Pierce Laverty: The captain stuck tightly to the perceived dangerman Conor Turbitt, albeit little ball went the Lurgan man’s way. Did fall for one outrageous dummy and had more bother against Aidan Nugent. 6
Ryan McEvoy: An off-day for the Kilcoo man, despite converting two late frees. Could not contain the aerial ability of Murnin, who also got out in front on several occasions. Pushed further forward but to little effect. 5.5
Shane Annett: A late change, as was the case last week, but this time the Mayobridge was up against a very different attack and he struggled to stop Armagh’s forwards. Replaced early in second half. 5
Miceal Rooney: Up against Jason Duffy and found his movement and pace far too hot to handle. The Cullyhanna man scored two points and twice shot against the crossbar. 5.5
Patrick Branagan: A debut for the Clonduff at the age of 24, scored a good point, but didn’t do enough as an auxiliary defender to stem the Armagh movement. 5.5
Danny Magill: No shortage of effort from the Burren lad, who pushed up the field to put back Rory Grugan on the back foot. Uses possession calmly and accurately but didn’t have enough colleagues performing well around him. 6.5
Niall McPartland: Many players would be fairly content with holding Rían O’Neill to just one score, albeit a goal, but in truth the Crossmaglen star was operating at his leisure. The Glenn man did his best, but like his team was still second best. 6
Daniel Guinness: In a sweeper role at first and did reasonably well. When Armagh began to rack up scores he was sent further up the field. Put in the effort but could not turn the tide. 6
Conor Poland: Brought in to add much-needed physicality around the middle but Down were over-run by the Armagh midfield duo. Replaced for the final quarter. 5.5
Ceilum Doherty: Gave the ball away on several occasions and never made much impact against the Armagh rear-guard; subbed. 5
Ryan Johnston: A poor early kick-pass straight to Forker set the tone for his and Down’s day. Did open their account from play but was outplayed by Jarly Óg Burns. 5.5
Liam Kerr: A major performer against Donegal, out of sorts against the excellent Conor O’Neill. Even when he got chances he mostly fluffed them, sending a free short, and two shots wide, although he did score one point in first half injury time. 5.5
Pat Havern: Top-scored on the day with 0-6, five of those from frees, but should have added several more to that tally, despite often playing deeper. Shot several wides, from play and from a free, and outjumped by Aaron McKay when they did contest high ball. 6
Eugene Branagan: Yet another disappointing display from one of the Kilcoo contingent, outscored by his marker Forker, shooting a couple of wides himself before being taken off. 5
Substitutes:
Andrew Gilmore: Eager, too eager, to get on for second half, but did at least look lively when he came on five minutes later and scored a point. 6
Shealan Johnston: Made some decent runs, won some frees, but he was fighting a losing battle as Armagh controlled the second half. 6
Donach McAleenan: Buzzed around energetically but made little impression on the match. 5.5
Ross Carr: One confident run but this was not the game or time to be making a first senior appearance. 5.5
Eamon Brown: Came on for Poland but the game was long gone. 5.5
