Armagh ease past Derry in All-Ireland SFC opener

Armagh ease past Derry in All-Ireland SFC opener Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Derry's Brendan Rogers in action against Conor Turbitt of ArmaghByOdhran CrumleyBBC Sport NI Journalist, AtAthletic GroundsPublished1 minute agoArmagh got their All-Ireland SFC campaign under way beating Derry 1-18 to 1-13 in their first round clash at the Athletic Grounds. Tiernan Kelly's wonder goal and two bursts of six points without reply in the opening 20 minutes of the contest laid the foundations for a comfortable victory. The Orchard County were playing their first game since winning the Ulster title for the first time in 18 years two weeks ago and they would have been on their guard after provincial winners Kerry and Roscommon lost their opening fixtures last weekend. Kieran McGeeney made just one change to the side that claimed the Anglo-Celt Cup as Gareth Murphy replaced Paddy Burns in defence. Derry were back at the Athletic Grounds and back in action for the first time since they let an 11-point lead slip against Monaghan in the Ulster semi-final here last month. Ciaran Meenagh made two changes to that side, Shea Downey replaced Diarmuid Baker in defence, while surprisingly Paul Cassidy dropped out as Niall Toner started in attack. Armagh lead after breathless first halfDespite playing against the wind, Conor Glass kicked the first score of the game on four minutes. From the very next play, Shane McGuigan raced through after claiming a kick-out, McGuigan opted not to utilise options to his left and right, before blasting wide of the target with a goal on. Armagh replied in style hitting the next six scores, as they ruthlessly dominated the Derry kick-out. Conor Turbitt landed a two-pointer before Jason Duffy and Darragh McMullen rattled scores after a brace from Tomas McCormack. Just as the game looked to be slipping away from the visitors Lachlan Murray nipped in front of Murphy to claim an Armagh restart, before racing clear to fire to the back of the...