Monaghan 0-13 0-09 Armagh

MONAGHAN CELEBRATION Monaghan 0-13 Finlay 0-8 Slowey 0-1 D Freeman 0-1 T Freeman 0-1 R Ronaghan 0-2 Armagh 0-09 Marsden 0-2 McDonnell 0-2 Loughran 0-2 McKeever 0-1 T McEntee 0-1 McConville 0-1

Monaghan created the first major shock of the Ulster Championship when they deservedly, dumped out All-Ireland kingpins Armagh.

Playing percentage football, Monaghan took their chances when they came, with young rising star Paul Finlay rifling over eight frees.

Both teams were reduced to 14 men when Andrew McCann of Armagh and Monaghan's Damien Freeman collected two yellow cards.

However, Monaghan had that hunger for success which has rarely come their way in the Championship.

On the other hand, Armagh appeared to be running low on petrol as they suffered their fifth successive defeat of the season.

Mistakes, wrong options and poor finishing lead to their downfall at St Tiernach's Park.

Dividends

Monaghan started and finished the first half on top. In between it was even, but Armagh found it difficult to counter the wind at their tails.

Joe Kernan's side made too many basic errors while Monaghan's tactics of crowding the midfield paid dividends.

But it was Monaghan's better ratio of taking chances which showed they had no fear.

Monaghan deservedly held a two-point lead at the break with Finlay's lack of experience not showing as he fired over a couple of frees.

Points from Michael Slowey, Thomas Freeman and the lively Nicholas Corrigan tempered Armagh who had Steve McDonnell, Paddy McKeever and Diarmaid Marsden on target.

But McDonnell must be wondering how he missed a glorious chance of a goal in the 20th minute.

He twisted clear of goalkeeper Glenn Murphy, but instead of taking another step to walk the ball into the net he shot too soon and the ball rebounded off the post.

Monaghan's hero Paul Finlay in happy mood on final whistle

Armagh boss Joe Kernan rang the changes with Oisin McConville and Ronan Clarke making their entry following injury.

But it was Monaghan who got the all-important start to the second half when Finlay nailed another free.

It was Finlay who kept punishing Armagh who were treated a little harshly by the referee.

Another three points from Finlay and an excellent point from Ronaghan saw the bells toll for Armagh with late points from replacement Philip Loughran meaning little.

Armagh have lost their Ulster crown, but the back door beckons en route to retaining the Sam Maguire.

When they have their full compliment back, they will still be a dangerous force.

In the meantime, Monaghan have plenty to celebrate.

Monaghan: G Murphy; V Corey, D McKenna, P McKenna; D Duffy, capt, J Coyle, J P Mone, E Lennon, J Hughes, N Corrigan, T Freeman (0-1), P Finlay (0-8 frees), M Slowey (0-1), R Ronaghan (0-2), D Freeman (0-1).

Armagh: P Hearty; A Mallon, J McNulty, F Bellew; A O'Rourke, P McCormack, A McCann; J Toal, P McGrane, capt; P McKeever (0-1), J McEntee, T McEntee (0-1); S McDonnell (0-2), B O'Hagan, D Marsden (0-2). Substitute: P Loughran (0-2), O McConville (0-1).

Referee: M Curley (Galway).

Guinness Senior Hurling results
Ulster SH
Antrim 8-27 1-05 London
Munster SH
Waterford 2-26 1-12 Kerry

Ulster Minor FC
Monaghan 1-09 0-13 Armagh