Blaine Hughes: Superb save to deny Harrison in the first half. Getting caught in possession early in the second seemed to dent his confidence. 6
James Morgan: Early foul on Jerome Johnston led to a free. Typically committed and tenacious and Johnston didn’t score from play. 7
Charlie Vernon: Started at full-back on Harrison. Gave ball away for Down’s opener. Moved into midfield and featured prominently in latter stages of first half. Faded in the second and was subbed. 6
Paul Hughes: Picked up Conor Maginn. Popped up with a point late in the first half and won his personal battle. 7
Aaron McKay: The Dromintee youngster marked Shay Millar and registered a debut point, might have had a goal, before he was withdrawn to full-back. Picked up Darren O’Hagan when he came on. 6
Brendan Donaghy: Short spell at midfield before he slotted into familiar centre half-back/sweeper role. Struggled to contain Shay Millar in the second half. 6
Mark Shields: Paired with Caolan Mooney and restricted his attacking threat. Broke forward himself and lashed the ball into the Down net for Armagh’s first score. Saw a lot of the ball in the second but couldn’t unlock Down defence. 6
Stephen Sheridan: Up against the impressive Niall Donnelly who had a good first half. But Sheridan finished with a monster point to send Down in ahead. Booked in the second half. 6.5
Joe McElroy: Rash tackle on Jerome Johnston. Kept Ryan Johnston on a tight leash. Decent shift on Championship debut for the Armagh Harps clubman. 7
Aidan Forker: Had an effective game in the first half when he was employed in a roving role in the middle third closing down Kevin McKernan. Fine point too but didn’t see enough of the ball in the second. 6
Oisin O’Neill: His sideline ball led to Shields’ goal, it had a touch of fortune on it but he put another chance on a plate for McKay. Subbed after 47 minutes - too early. 6
Rory Grugan: Struggled to get going. Lost Darragh O’Hanlon who scored two points. Hit the upright himself and sent a second half chance wide. 6
Jamie Clarke: The Crossmaglen star had Darren O’Hagan for company and gave him the slip in the build-up to Murnin’s goal. Another run created the chance that hit the post. Late free was his only score. 6
Stefan Campbell: Shot saved but the rebound fell to Murnin who buried it. Lacking form and confidence, he struggled to make his presence felt. 6
Andrew Murnin: The best Armagh forward. Involved in Shields’ goal, scored second himself and was unlucky to see another shot smack the inside of the Down post. Fought to the finish. 8
Substitutes:
Niall Grimley: Replaced Vernon after 42 minutes when Armagh were misfiring. Won three kick-outs but hit one wide and was booked late on. 6
Anto Duffy: Scored a point with his first touch. Sent one wide too and had an injury-time shot saved. 6.5
Gavin McParland: Replaced his clubmate Grugan. Converted a late free, dragged down by McKernan and was involved in angry scenes near the finish. 6
Ciaron O’Hanlon: On for Murnin after 75 minutes.
Ciaran McKeever: On for Campbell after 75 minutes.
