Football League: Armagh lose by five points to Meath

Armagh's Aidan Forker was sent-off in the 30th minute of the second half

Armagh lost 1-10 to 0-8 to Meath and had Aidan Forker sent-off late on for a second yellow card offence in their opening Division Two fixture on Sunday.

With the aid of a strong breeze, Armagh enjoyed a slender one-point lead at half-time, 0-8 to 1-4, despite Michael Newman's ninth-minute goal for Meath.

The visitors failed to register a score after the break and had Miceal McKenna black-carded after Forker's dismissal.

Sean Tobin (3), Newman (2) and Donal Keogan were Meath second-half scorers.

Armagh made several changes to their starting line-up prior to throw-in as Stephen Sheridan, Ethan Rafferty and Colm Watters came in for Aaron Findon, Niall Grimley and Eugene McVerry.

Stefan Campbell (2), Gavin McParland (2), McKenna (2) Rafferty and Stefan Forker pointed for the Orchard county in the first half, but Rafferty was off-target with an effort at goal.

The hosts made full use of their wind advantage after the break and ran out comfortable victors.

Armagh host Laois at the Athletic Grounds next weekend.

WEEKEND ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Saturday

Division 1

Down 0-07 3-15 Donegal

Dublin 2-14 0-14 Kerry

Sunday

Division 1

Cork 1-18 0-12 Mayo

Roscommon 1-09 2-10 Monaghan

Division 2

Derry 3-13 1-10 Fermanagh

Meath 1-10 0-08 Armagh

Tyrone 0-10 0-08 Cavan

Laois 1-10 3-12 Galway

Division 3

Clare 1-11 0-07 Sligo

Limerick 1-12 2-09 Tipperary

Offaly 0-12 0-10 Longford

Westmeath 0-11 2-09 Kildare

Division 4

Louth 2-09 0-09 London

Carlow 0-10 1-12 Antrim

Wexford 0-14 1-10 Leitrim

Wicklow 0-13 1-08 Waterford