Paddy McBrearty scored the only goal eleven minutes into the second half as Donegal called on all their craft and experience to get past Armagh on a 1-16 to 0-12 scoreline in Ballybofey today.

When they last met in the Allianz League Division 1 final round four weeks ago, the game was marred by a brawl and a raft of suspensions, adding further spice to this Ulster SFC quarter-final clash.

However, Donegal, for whom captain Michael Murphy top scored with 0-6 (two from play), delivered a controlled performance to overcome the dogged visitors.

Eoghan Ban Gallagher drew first blood with a fisted point for the hosts, who soon doubled their advantage from a Michael Murphy free, but Armagh registered three successive scores via Tiarnan Kelly, Rory Grugan (free) and Conor Turbitt to take a 0-3 to 0-4 lead after 12 minutes.

But Donegal gained a firm foothold at midfield and dominated possession over the second quarter as Murphy, Michael Langan and Ciaran Thompson added to their tally, they could have been further ahead than 0-9 to 0-6 at half time but for some poor shooting.

Kieran McGeeney's side very nearly drew level on the restart when half time substitute Aidan Nugent reacted quickest to the breaking ball after a Rian O'Neill free hit the post, but goalkeeper Shaun Patton pulled off a fine save to deny the Cullyhanna forward.

A point from Donegal championship debutant Shane O'Donnell finally opened the second half scoring before McBrearty palmed to the net to give the Tir Chonaill County a comfortable seven point cushion (1-10 to 0-6).

Armagh chipped away at that advantage as Stefan Campbell, Ben Crealey (2) and Oisin O'Neill registered points to bring it down to five, but Murphy, Langan and O'Donnell kept Declan Bonner's men ticking over until the final whistle.

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