All-Ireland SFC: Armagh too strong for Dery in All-Ireland opener

Despite playing against the wind, Connor Glass kicked the first score four minutes into the game.

From the very next play, Shane McGuigan raced forward after claiming a kick-out, McGuigan opting not to use his left and right options, before heading wide on goal with a goal.

Armagh responded in style by hitting the next six scores as Derry ruthlessly dominated the kick-out.

Conor Turbitt landed a two-pointer before Jason Duffy and Darragh McMullen rounded off the score after a brace from Thomas McCormack.

Just as the game seemed to be slipping away from the visitors Lachlan Murray stepped forward to claim an Armagh restart for Murphy, before racing clear to fire into the back of the net.

Neil Loughlin took a point from the next attack to leave the side minimal.

The Ulster champions’ reply was emphatic, only the second time in the competition that they went six points without reply.

Kelly ran straight at goal and was fouled in the process, securing a free via the convenience rule.

Kelly attempted a shot on goal from long range, firing the ball into the top-right corner of the net, one of the best goals you’ll ever see in Championship football.

Oisin Conaty picked up an orange flag from the next play before Jarlie Og Burns extended Armagh’s lead to seven points with 21 minutes on the clock, oddly enough to prove to be their last score of the half.

Murray responded with the final score of the half for Derry two minutes later, in a spell in which Blaine Hughes made a miracle save to deny Conor McCluskey a goal from point-blank range.

After a suffocating half of football the home side went into the break 1-9 to 1-3 up.