‘We still have a lot to work on’ says Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney after five-point win over Dublin

Armagh became the first team in this year’s All-Ireland SFC to book their place in the quarter-finals, with a five-point win over Dublin today at Croke Park.

The Orchard County had the breeze at their backs and pushed out to a 0-13 to 0-9 lead at the break, and they were able to keep the Dubs at arms’ length throughout the second half to win the game by five.

Rory Grugan was the stand-out performer with 0-8 on his tally, whilst Rian O’Neill hit three two-pointers. Ben Crealey had a solid game in midfield, whilst Ethan Rafferty contributed immensely, even getting forward to knock over a point from play, whilst Darragh McMullen showcased his skills and looked confident and composed beyond his years.

At the other end, Dublin conspired to kick 17 wides, and despite Cormac Costello scoring 0-8, they perhaps missed the presence of their marquee forward Con O’Callaghan, who missed out with injury.

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney reflected on the game, and whilst he was happy with the win, he feels that his side can and will want to improve upon their performance level.

“It was a mix of good and bad for both teams,” he said.

“We had at least four goal chances and never took any of them really well. And then, they missed a lot of easy point chances as well. I think both teams would like to be improved for their next games.

“We still have a lot to work on, but it's great to finish top of the group. Most of the players on the Dublin team were saying that they will see us again.

“They'll probably feel rightly aggrieved that they weren't closer at the end with the chances they had. It's important that we realise that. We did some good things and some not so good things but still plenty to work on.”

Whilst Grugan and Rian O’Neill did the bulk of the heavy lifting on the scoreboard, Armagh had plenty of contributors, including two for Oisin Conaty and points off the bench from Stefan Campbell and Joe McElroy.

“It just seems to be the way it's going, everybody has to add to the scoreboard,” McGeeney reflected.

“The GAA are pushing for those high scores, between breaches and 50 yards and all that sort of stuff, you have to make the most of them.

“We missed a few of those and they missed a few. I'm not looking forward to seeing all of the video but at the end of the day, the two points was the biggest thing we came for.”

Wit Armagh on four points, Dublin on two points and Derry and Galway on one point, Armagh’s win confirmed their spot in the last eight of the All-Ireland.

They will play Galway now in Round Three with little riding on the game for Armagh, but McGeeney says that his side can’t afford to take their eye off the ball at this stage of the season.

“You have to win it,” said the Armagh manager.

“There's no point in saying anything else. You turn down the dial a wee bit at this level and you're going to be caught. You just can't afford to do that.”