Ethan Rafferty: His physical presence was enough to put off Antrim full-forward Ruairi McCann twice under high balls. Scored from a long range free. Kickouts were accurate. 7
James Morgan: A smart interception and pacey break set the tone for his evening’s work. Picked up Ryan Murray and never let him out of his sight. Needless booking blotted the Crossmaglen defender’s copy book. 7
Aaron McKay: Brilliant fetch under a high ball in the first half and calmly took a mark. Locked horns with Aghagallon’s McCann and restricted him to a single point. 7
Aidan Forker: His marking assignments centred on Pat Shivers and he was too cute and experienced for the Cargin clubman. Good on the ball, he hit the post in the second half. 7
Ciaran Mackin: Brilliant early score from the Shane O’Neill defender. The spare man at times, he is versatile and puts in a shift wherever he plays. 7
Greg McCabe: Caught in possession once in the first half but McCabe was a solid defensive presence up against Antrim battler Ruairi McCann (Creggan). 7
Barry McCambridge: He has marked David Clifford and Shane Walsh this year and kept them quiet from play so the Antrim attack caused him few headaches. 7
Ben Crealey: A force to be reckoned with in midfield where Armagh were dominant. Crealey put himself about and Antrim couldn’t match his physicality. 7.5
Shane McPartlan: A dream debut for the Clan na Gael clubman. Four excellent points from play, three in the second half and he was a tower of strength in midfield. 8
Stefan Campbell: Peter Healy stuck to his task but Campbell caused the Antrim defence trouble every time he got on the ball. 7
Rory Grugan: A brilliant playmaker and when he gets the time and space he enjoyed against Antrim he can rip a defence to shreds. Which is exactly what he did. Three points as well. 7.5
Jason Duffy: Spectacular one-handed catch on the run sent him through on goal and he was denied by a fine save from Antrim ’keeper Byrne. Didn’t score but worked hard. 7
Jemar Hall: Not the biggest man on the field but he showed his strength against Shivers in one clash. A first half point and a goal-line clearance were the highlights for the Forkhill native. 7.5
Conor Turbitt: See Star Man
Tiernan Kelly: A return to form for the Clann Eireann forward. Glided through the Antrim defence to score a first half point and was full of running. 7.5
Subs
Ross McQuillan: Replaced Morgan after 50 minutes and did well. 6
Stephen Sheridan: In for Crealey and maintained Armagh’s dominance at midfield. 6
Aidan Nugent: Came in for Hall and dropped one shot into ’keeper’s arms. 6
Cian McConville: Could perhaps have come on earlier for his Championship debut. Not on long enough to be rated.
Ciaran Higgins: Not on long enough to be rated.
Star Man: Conor Turbitt (Armagh)
With no Rian O’Neill or Andrew Murnin on the field, Turbitt had to lead the attack and he did so in emphatic fashion. He scored eight points in total - five from play, two frees and a mark - and caused the Antrim defence nightmares with his movement, pace and class from the first whistle to the last. 8.5
