Nathan McConnell scored twice for Cliftonville

The Reds were 5-0 ahead at half-time thanks to John O'Loughlin's seventh-minute opener and two each from Nathan McConnell and Chris Scannell.

Sean Friars noddd in a close-range sixth before Armagh scored through substitute Francis McCann.

Conor Downey made it 7-1 before Friars completed the scoring direct from a free-kick out on the right touchline.

It was a remarkable day for Cliftonville who had won just four of their 14 home leaue games before this.

O'Loughlin cut inside to fire Cliftonville ahead on seven minutes and then Nathan McConnell hooked in a second on 35 minutes.

Three minutes later McConnell headed in the third before Chris Scannell added two more for Cliftonville.

Scannell cut in from the left and, with the defence standing still, scored form a narrow angle on 39 minutes.

Then, three minutes before half-time, Scannell scored with a cracking 25-yard drive past debutant goalkeeper Shane Donnelly.

Friars got his first on the hour, his header making sure when Ronan Scannell's chip appeared to be going in.

McCann's right-foot shot was scant consolation for Armagh who conceded again on 70 minutes with that long-range free.