Armagh had five points to spare over Westmeath to get their All-Ireland SFC campaign off to a winning start in the Athletic Grounds.
The Orchard were without the injured Rian O'Neill but they enjoyed a more comfortable victory against over their opponents compared to the same fixture last year.
It had been seven weeks since Westmeath’s last competitive game, whereas Armagh needed to lift themselves after the Ulster Final penalty shootout defeat to Donegal, less than a fortnight ago.
Much like last season it was a tough and interesting battle and the sides were level on four occasions during the first period but Armagh were the better side in the second half and were worthy victors.
Sam McCartan and Conor Turbitt (free) traded points before McCartan grabbed his second and Stefan Campbell stroked over after referee Conor Lane played advantage.
Neither side put much energy into the high press for kick-outs in the first period, although Armagh did push up at times in the second period.
It was 11 minutes when Tieran Kelly took on his marker and fisted over to put Armagh in front for the first time and Conor O’Neill tagged on another point, having only seconds earlier kicked his mark backwards.
However, Westmeath were back level shortly after as Ronan Toole kicking from the terrace side and Robbie Forde landed a great long-range effort.
Six minutes additional time was played in the first half after Conor O’Neill was carried off, having only comeback from injury he sustained against Donegal in the National League. Both sides took on water as the injured O’Neill received treatment and he was applauded by the 5989 supporters as he was carried off.
Ciaran Mackin finished a lovely worked Armagh point after an overload and the busy Rory Grugan (free), made it a two-point game again, but only briefly as John Heslin fired over a difficult free from just inside the terrace sideline and O’Toole bagged his second after a superb delivery from Ray Conellan.
Momentum was with Westmeath but Armagh held firm and Turbitt’s second converted free gave the Orchard the lead at the break, 0-07 to 0-06.
Armagh rattled four points in the six opening minutes of the second half, two from Oisin Conaty, a stunning point from the impressive Grugan and Andrew Murnin was on target too after being quickest to react when Stefan Campbell’s effort struck the woodwork.
However, it took another ten minutes before either side added to their tally until Grugan’s converted free doubled scores and then Westmeath full-back Kevin Maguire replied and Luke McLoughlin narrowed the gap.
Westmeath had chances to make it a three-point game but Loughlin kicked two 45s in a row wide while at the other end Grugan (free) tapped over his fourth point, with ten minutes on the clock.
The game opened up in the closing stages as Armagh substitute Aidan Nugent stretched Armagh’s lead while Westmeath substitute Stephen Smith was denied a goal thanks to a great save from Blaine Hughes, who got a hand to the substitutes low rasping shot.
Armagh finished strongly with Grugan confidently pointing for his fifth time of the evening following a great fetch from Mackin. Westmeath needed goals but Heslin posted two frees to reduce their defeat to five points.
Westmeath face Galway in Mullingar next Sunday while Armagh make the trip to Derry on Saturday evening.
Armagh: Blaine Hughes, Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane, Conor O’Neill (0-01), Ciaran Mackin (0-01), Aidan Forker, Tiernan Kelly (0-01), Ben Crealey, Joe McElroy, Rory Grugan (0-05, 0-3 frees), Stefan Campbell (0-01), Oisin Conaty (0-02), Andrew Murnin (0-01), Conor Turbitt (0-02, 0-2 frees).
Subs: Greg McCabe for C O’Neill (20), Oisin O’Neill for Crealey (ht), Jason Duffy for Campbell (50), Aidan Nugent (0-02, 0-1 free) for Turbit (59), Jarly Og Burns for Murnin (67)
Westmeah: Jason Daly, Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire (0-02), James Dolan, Sam McCartan (0-02), Ronan Wallace, Charlie Drumm, Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack, Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole (0-02), Conor Dillon, Luke Loughlin (0-01), John Heslin (0-03, 3f), Robbie Forde (0-01)
Subs: Matthew Whitaker for Dillon (40), David Lynch for Forde (54), Kieran Martin for Gonoud (59), Stephen Smith for Loughlin (67),
Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).
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