Crossmaglen's bid for a 20th Armagh SFC title in 21 years began with a 2-13 to 1-10 victory over Dromintee at a rain-soaked Cullyhanna last night.

The reigning Ulster champions led by 1-8 to 0-5 at half-time thanks to debutant Sean McConville's 18th minute goal, but Dromintee were back in it within 40 seconds of the restart when Barry Toner netted.

Toner tagged on a quick point to reduce the deficit to two, but that was as close as they would get as Cross' hit back with a second goal from another newcomer Stephen Morris in the 43rd minute after Kyle Brennan had set him up.

In the other first round games, Tir na nOg Portadown edged out Granemore by 1-14 to 0-15, Clann Eireann were 3-15 to 3-9 winners over Madden, while Kevin McAlinden's injury-time point handed Sarsfields a 3-11 to 1-16 victory over Forkhill.

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