An unwavering Armagh midfield in the shape of Jack Loughran and Daithí O’Callaghan helped the Orchard see out a 2-11 1-9 win over Cavan in a highly entertaining Ulster MFC group stage encounter.
A goal from the former had sent Armagh on their way just four minutes in, and they exerted a real physicality, penning Cavan in en route to six scores on the hop before the break.
Scores from the fleet-footed Joshua Sheehu and compatriot Nathan Quigley was all the home side could muster in the opening 30 in Kingspan Breffni, but to their credit, they rallied in the second half.
An Aaron Garvey goal proved crucial for Armagh, as Oisin Gribben and Michael Walker made certain of victory late on.
Despite a below par league that saw Monaghan fail to register a win, they remain unbeaten in the Ulster MFC having seen off the challenge of Down on Saturday.
In a repeat of the league fixture that saw Down claim a narrow victory in Newry, this time it was The Farney who made home advantage count, with goalscorer Killian Kearns a constant threat.
Kearns’ early green flag settled the hosts, as they failed to relinquish a four-point half-time advantage.
Castleblayney Faughs’ Lorcan Mone made a particularly good impact off the bench to give Dermot Malone’s charges a 1-17 1-13 win that leaves Down pointless.
Elsewhere, Derry continue to look like the team to beat at this age grade despite their senior’s failings at the weekend. A 2-24 1-2 win over Antrim at Dunsilly had the imposing James Sargent’s fingerprints all over it.
With the game as good as over at the break, Antrim did keep a clean sheet in the second period, palming home a green flag of their own.
Dylan and Codi Rocks ensured Derry wouldn’t go away however, and Sargent finished with a tidy haul of 1-5.
Having been beaten by a Four Masters’ inspired Donegal last weekend, Tyrone managed to get back on track with a routine 14-point win over Fermanagh.
A high ball early on caused chaos for the Erne men, culminating in an avoidable goal and a nightmare start, with Shea McDermott’s proficiency adding insult to injury.
Jamie Concannon began to exert an influence on proceedings, pointing in spite of a Red Hand black card before the interval, while he also struck his side’s second goal in a game they were in full control of.
Tyrone will face Monaghan in their final group game, where they will seek to make it three wins from four. That looks a key fixture in Group A, as well as Malone’s men’s final game away to a forceful Donegal.
Group B sees no action next weekend. It concludes on 4 May as Cavan meet Antrim and the top two meet in Owenbeg, as Derry take on Armagh.