Thousands packed into the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night to witness Armagh claim a vital two points against fellow Ulster rivals Donegal.
Both teams were in desperate need of victory and it was Kieran McGeeney’s men who walked away with the spoils following another titanic tussle under the lights.
Defeat would have seen Armagh stare down the barrel of relegation – a fate likely to befall Paddy Carr’s side, who prop up the table on three points.
While Armagh are not mathematically safe, avoiding defeat in one for their two remaining games should be enough.
Two consecutive defeats at the hands of Roscommon and Kerry realigned Armagh’s priorities ahead of Saturday night – following a promising start to the league campaign. Safety was essential – anything else a bonus.
However, two weeks time sees All-Ireland finalists Galway rock up in what will be a repeat of last year’s tumultuous All-Ireland quarter final tussle. A win for the Orchard County places them above the Tribesmen into second.
And with Roscommon away to Kerry later on the Saturday evening; a Kingdom victory would see Armagh cement that second place – behind Mayo – going into the final weekend of league action.
If – and it’s a big if given the very nature of the division – results go their way, Armagh could be travelling to Omagh with victory guaranteeing a league final against likely-finalists Mayo.
