Jim McGuinness cut a contented figure after Donegal’s 1-20 to 0-19 Allianz Football League Division 1 victory over old rivals Armagh at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

Conor O’Donnell’s second half goal proved decisive as the back-to-back Ulster champions made it four wins from four, while increasing Armagh’s relegation worries.

“Yeah, we're happy, it was a tough game. A tough battle today, we expect that with Armagh,” the Donegal boss told the assembled media.

“It’s the most distance between us in my memory, I think. It's always a one-point game with Armagh, so we’re delighted to come away from home and get the points.

“I suppose the elements had a big part to play in it. I think Armagh were up around 25 shots there in the second half. If some of them went over, it would have been in a different ball game.

“We were snatching shots in the first half because you feel you need to with the wind, and you're forcing things. So there's an element of luck, to be honest with you. There's an element of luck for the ones that go over, the ones that don't go over.”

McGuinness added: “Armagh were in the same boat in the second half. We had the cushion so we could control the game in the second half, and that put more pressure on them then to find a way to eat into the score. The goal was a classic example of that; we didn't need the attack. 

“We were in a good position, we controlled the ball well, and then we got the goal on the back of that when the gap opened, you know. So it's fine margins, you know, 25 shots, but four or five of them could have gone over the bar.”

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