ARMAGH caught Division Two pace-setters Leitrim by surprise with a blistering display of finishing power at Davitt Park, Lurgan yesterday.

Inspired by Jarlath Burns at midfield and by Des Mackin at full forward, Armagh took control in the second half after Leitrim had called the shots during the opening 30 minutes.

With Mickey Quinn and Brendan Guckian imposing their authority in the early stages, Leitrim created several chances, but their attack squandered a number of opportunities. It was left to full forward Colin McGlynn to keep Leitrim on course when he cracked home a superb goal and added a point to help his side into a 1-6 to 1-2 interval lead.

Midfielder Barry McCabe had sidefooted in Armagh's goal - a score that came against the run of play - as the home side struggled to find their rhythm.

But in the second half the Burns-McCabe midfield alliance proved decisive. They carved out a steady stream of possession which was translated into scores by the accurate Cathal O'Rourke and Mackin.

Mackin stabbed home the first of his two goals in the fourth minute of the second half and followed this up with a similar effort 12 minutes later to effectively put Armagh out of reach.

Leitrim rallied in the closing stages but the Armagh defence, in which John Rafferty and Mark McNeill worked hard held firm. Armagh face Westmeath next Sunday, and victory could see them jostle for a place in Division One.