Kerry 2-21 Armagh 0-17
Kerry turned on the style in the Kingdom tonight as they blew past Armagh at Austin Stack Park in Tralee.
Jack O'Connor's men started fast, kept their foot on the gas and comprehensively got the better of the reigning All-Ireland Champions.
Kerry came into this one with a clear plan to kick the ball at any and all opportunities and it was a tactic that worked a treat as Dylan Geaney's 10th minute goal left the hosts seven points clear.
David and Paudie Clifford soon came to the fore and dominated the contest. David got into double scores for the evening, while Paudie slotted a first-half penalty to all but end the game as a competitive match inside half an hour.
Rory Grugan was one of only a handful of Armagh players to impress on the evening. The Sam Maguire holders struggled early doors with the FRC's newest rules negating the impact of the goalkeeper. As a result, Blaine Hughes started between the sticks instead of Ethan Rafferty and both Armagh's kick outs and attacking build-up suffered.
Tonight's win was all about Kerry, who showed that rumours of their demise after a so-so league campaign are widely over-exaggerated.
Kerry 2-21 Armagh 0-17
Yet another slick score. When Kerry's attack clicks, they are a joy to watch.
'68
Kerry 2-20 Armagh 0-16
10 points the gap again, that's a fair reflection on tonight's game.
'65
Kerry 2-19 Armagh 0-16
That's the clincher, a trademark left-footer from Clifford, his tenth of the evening.
Kerry 2-17 Armagh 0-15
Ten minutes left. Kerry still have a game to win here after what has been a sloppy second-half showing.
Kerry 2-17 Armagh 0-13
Armagh just starting to build some momentum now. Probably too little, too late at this stage, but Kerry will want to see this out in a professional manner.
Kerry 2-17 Armagh 0-11
Five for Grugan now. Special mention to Joe O'Connor in the middle of the park, he has been immense for Kerry today.
'50
Kerry 2-17 Armagh 0-9
Paudie Clifford this time. Kerry so impressive and Armagh inexplicably flat.
'48
Kerry 2-15 Armagh 0-8
That's four points this evening now for Grugan. He seems to be the one Armagh player who is on it.
'41
Kerry well on top at the break
HT: Kerry 2-13 Armagh 0-6
Very impressive first-half from The Kingdom in the Tralee sunshine.
Kerry 2-12 Armagh 0-6
Nice two-pointer from Oisin O'Neil. Plenty of pushing and shoving today and tensions are definitely high.
'32
Kerry 2-12 Armagh 0-4
The hosts are playing some fantastic football and are slicing through Armagh at will.
'29
Kerry 1-7 Armagh 0-3
Kerry breach the 3v3 (4v3?) rule and Armagh clip over the simple free.
'18
Kerry 1-7 Armagh 0-1
Sean O'Brien with a fine score off his left. That score wouldn't have been possible without the 50 metre advancement.
Kerry 1-6 Armagh 0-1
50 metre advancement as Grugan hits Clifford late. In fairness now, Paudie was roaring in the face of Jarly Óg Burns beforehand.
'12
Kerry 1-6 Armagh 0-1
Another super score from Clifford. Clock stops with Armagh's Murnin down hurt.
'10
Goal! Kerry 1-5 Armagh 0-1
Hughes tries to get a short kick away but David Clifford intercepts. He squares to Dylan Geaney who twists, turns, fires a shot towards goal which is deflected in by Forker.
'10
Kerry 0-4 Armagh 0-1
Armagh finally get off the mark following a nice Paudie Clifford score off his left.
'8
