Roscommon have continued their remarkable start to the Allianz Football League, after a hard-fought 1-12 to 0-12 victory over Armagh at Dr Hyde Park.
The Rossies - who have yo-yoed between the top tiers every season since 2017 - were widely tipped for relegation once again at the start of this campaign.
But Davy Burke's charges are now sitting pretty at the top of Division 1, with three wins from three games.
Roscommon hold off Armagh challenge
Against the wind, the Orchard County enjoyed the better of the first-half.
Jason Duffy was the story of the opening period, having been a substitute in Armagh's opening two games of the Allianz Football League campaign. But it was clear he was eager to make his mark, when given a starting berth by Kieran McGeeney.
The Cullyhanna man contributed four points from play in the first-half, and was central to Armagh's play against the stiff breeze.
He acted as a shooter, a target and an effective transition player. His fourth score was the pick of the bunch, running the ball over 60 yards before sending it over for a point.
Further contributions by Rian O'Neill from both open play and placed balls helped the Orchard County into a 0-8 to 0-7 lead at the break.
26 nóim
Cúilín den scoth arís ó Jason Duffy! 👊
Jason Duffy scores his fourth point this game! 👌@RoscommonGAA 0-03@Armagh_GAA 0-06
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV @GAA_BEO |@AllianzIreland #AllianzLeagues |#GAABEO | #GAA pic.twitter.com/HDDVe5ywTT— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 19, 2023
However, it could have been even better for the visitors, but for a vital intervention from Ciarán Lennon to block a Tiernan Kelly goal effort.
A smart team-move blew the Rossies' rearguard wide open, as Jemar Hall and Jarly Óg Burns combined, before the latter played Tiernan Kelly in on goal.
Just as Kelly was about to pull the trigger, Roscommon forward Ciarán Lennon appeared from virtually nowhere to produce a stunning block and send the ball out for a 45.
Ciarán Lennon denies Armagh a certain goal to keep the sides level. pic.twitter.com/fHgnCW5nT8
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 19, 2023
Roscommon managed to turn things around after the break, with the in-form Ben O'Carroll making a real difference.
Kicking two points himself, he also won a penalty which was dispatched by Enda Smith.
The Connacht side's defence remained resolute throughout, and kept a wasteful Armagh attack at bay to run out 1-12 to 0-12 winners.
#AllianzLeagues Football Division 1 Table after Round 3
Mayo 2-14 v 1-10 Kerry
Galway 0-16 v 0-13 Tyrone
Rosommon 1-12 v 0-12 Armagh
Monaghan 1-20 v 0-15 Donegal#gaa #football #donegal #dublin #kildare #kerry #armagh #monaghan #mayo #tyrone #gaaleaguetables pic.twitter.com/BKX8c4D8Jx— GAA League Tables (@GAALeagueTables) February 19, 2023
Not many would have predicted the table would look like this after three rounds of action.
SEE ALSO: McStay Won't Get Drawn On Mayo Hype Talk After Emphatic Performance Over Kerry
