Armagh outclass Antrim in Ulster Football opener

Shane McPartlan kicked four points in a hugely impressive championship debut for Armagh

Armagh earned a 0-20 to 1-8 win over Antrim in the Ulster SFC opener at the Athletic Grounds as the gulf in class between the sides was obvious.

Armagh extended their lead to 0-14 to 0-4 before Antrim rallied as a Conor Stewart goal cut the deficit to five.

But Kieran McGeeney's side regrouped with late scores to close out the game.

Conor Turbitt hit 0-8 - including four scores from play - while midfielder Shane McPartlan impressive debut for the Orchard men included kicking four superb points.

Armagh's dominant win sets up a provincial quarter-final meeting with Cavan on 22 April.

For Antrim, the Tailteann Cup beckons after another disappointing Ulster Championship display as they remain without a victory in the provincial series since their win over Fermanagh in 2014.

More to follow.

Armagh: E Rafferty; J Morgan, A McKay, A Forker; Ciaran Mackin, G McCabe, B McCambridge; B Crealey, S McPartlan; S Campbell, R Grugan, J Duffy; J Hall, C Turbitt, T Kelly.

Subs: S Magill, R Finn, C Higgins, S Sheridan, Connaire Mackin, C McConville, E Woods, J Kieran, A Nugent (capt), O Conaty

Antrim: M Byrne; E McCabe, P Healy (capt), J McAuley; P McCormick, J Finnegan, M Jordan; C Stewart, K Small; C McLarnon, R McCann, P McBride; P Shivers, R McCann, R Murray.

Subs: L Mulholland, B McCormick, D Lynch, S O'Neill, R Boyle, O Lenehan, J Dowling, P Finnegan, D McEnhill, A Loughran, O Eastwood.