Ronan Clarke holds on to the ball as Padraig Reilly moves in

Cavan's goal was scored by Sean Johnston and helped them establish a 1-5 to 0-3 lead at half-time.

Five points from Tony Kernan and two from Stephen helped Armagh recover.

The Orange County got a penalty in the 23rd minute of the second half but Steven McDonnell saw his effort superbly saved by James Reilly.

"I am pleased to get the win and pleased we are starting to gel a bit," said Peter McDonnell, starting his first campaign a Armagh manager.

"We did not play particularly well in the first half and did not convert a number of scoring opportunities.

"The free-taking was abysmal and when goal-scoring opportunities arose we were indecisive and failed to capitalise.

"The introduction of Tony Kernan directly after half-time led the way for everybody else."

Crossmaglen Rangers agreed to let the Kernans play even though they are in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland club championship.