Armagh 2-17
Wicklow 2-7

Armagh hit 2-3 without reply in the closing stages to see off rank outsiders Wicklow in today's All-Ireland SFC qualifier at the Athletic Grounds.

Two years ago, the Orchard County sent the Garden County home with their tails between their legs on a scoreline of 2-21 to 0-2 but there was no repeat of that one-sided contest this time around as Jonny Magee's men made their more illustrious hosts sweat for the victory.

Goals in either half from John McGrath and substitute James Stafford piled the pressure on Kieran McGeeney and his players but they responded with two late Jamie Clarke goals as Wicklow ran out of steam.

In front of an attendance of 6.083, the visitors enjoyed their fair share of possession but their shooting let them down.

They had to wait until the 19th minute for their first score, a long range effort from Darren Hayden.

By that stage, Armagh had four points on the board but they were on the receiving end of a reality check when McGrath's point attempt ended up in their back of the net.

Crossmaglen ace Clarke sent over his fourth point on the stroke of half-time to send the hosts in with at a 0-9 to 1-2 advantage at the halfway stage.

Try as they might, Kieran McGeeney's charges were unable to shake off the determined challenge of the Garden County after the resumption.

And the home support would have feared the worst when substitute Stafford pounced for Wicklow's second-goal to leave the bare minimum between the sides - Armagh 0-14, Wicklow 2-7.

Two points from Ethan Rafferty, a '45' and one from play, settled Armagh nerves somewhat before Clarke wrapped up the hard-earned win with two late strikes.

Despite the result, Wicklow can take plenty of positives from their performance and it could be argued that Armagh's 10-point winning margin flattered the Ulster men.

Armagh - M McNeice; A Mallon, C Vernon, S Connell; J Morgan, B Donaghy, M Murray; C Rafferty (0-2), E Rafferty (0-4, 1f, 1'45); S Campbell (0-1), M McKenna (0-3), A Forker (0-1); T Kernan, A Murnin (0-2), J Clarke (2-4). Subs: D McKenna for A Forker, M McConville for S Connell, C O'Hanlon for T Kernan, S Forker for S Campbell, G McParland for A Murnin.

Wicklow - R Lambert; A Murphy, R O'Brien, C Hyland (0-1); D Healy, P McLoughlin, M Kenny; A McLoughlin, D Woods; S Kelly, N Gaffney, D Hayden (0-1); P Cronin (0-4, 2f), T Kelly, J McGrath (1-0). Subs: C McGraynor (0-1) for N Gaffney, P McWalter for M Kenny, J Stafford (1-0) for D Woods, D Odlum for J McGrath, P Cunningham for T Kelly, B McCrea for P Cronin.

Referee - E Kinsella.

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