Already assured of a place in the final, David Clifford's second-half goal ultimately proved the difference as Kerry beat Armagh 1-13 to 0-13 at the Athletic Grounds to maintain their winning run in the Allianz Football League campaign.
Clifford scored 1-2 following his introduction as a half-time substitute with Stephen O'Brien creating the goal, picking out the Fossa star with a precise foot-pass for him to finish with precision past goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty.
That left the Kingdom six points clear (1-9 to 0-6) as Rian O’Neill, Rory Grugan, Jarly Og Burns and Greg McCabe responded with points for Armagh but they had no answer to the class of Clifford.
Played in front of a packed crowd of 11,314 in the Cathedral City this afternoon, Kerry led by double scores at the break - 0-8 to 0-4 - and the Kingdom had Jack Savage black carded before the interval.
A goal from David Clifford for @Kerry_Official v @Armagh_GAA in the Allianz Football League! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/DAUSo0C7zO
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 20, 2022
Elsewhere, in Division 1, Dublin boosted their hopes of survival by picking up their second win on the trot, beating Donegal 2-15 to 2-11 at Croke Park.
Having lost their first four matches, the Dubs benefited from Dean Rock's 1-5 contribution, including a 68th minute penalty.
They were 1-8 to 1-5 ahead at half-time after Niall Scully had cancelled out Paddy McBrearty's early goal for Donegal.
Monaghan - who are now rooted to the bottom of the table - will welcome Dublin to Clones next weekend for a do-or-die relegation battle.
The Farney County were outclassed by Glenn Ryan's ever improving Kildare side at Newbridge, 0-24 to 1-12.
With Daniel Flynn missing out through injury, Kildare's impressive full-forward line of Paddy Woodgate, Darragh Kirwan and Jimmy Hyland registered a combined haul of 0-15.
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