Mackin sisters star as holders Armagh beat Donegal

Blaithin Mackin helped Armagh to victory in their Ulster Championship opener [Getty Images]Armagh started their Ulster Ladies Senior Football Championship campaign with a 0-10 to 1-4 win over Donegal at the Athletic Grounds.

>In a repeat of last year's final, which Armagh comfortably won, the holders were pushed by a late Donegal fightback.

>The Orchard County led by seven points at the break with a commanding 0-8 to 0-1 advantage.

>Sisters Aimee and Blaitin Mackin scored either side of a Caroline O'Hanlon point, while Evelyn McGinley got Donegal on the board with what would be their only point of the half.

>Susanne White and Ciara McGarvey hit the post for Donegal as two goal chances went abegging, before Armagh raced clear as Blaithin Mackin bookended scores from Aoife McCoy and Catherine Marley.

>Aimee Mackin extended Armagh's lead after the restart, but Donegal hit back through Eva Gallagher's point.

>The hosts were dominant in possession and Niamh Reel landed a point after White had pulled another back for Donegal.

>Armagh maintained their seven point lead but there was late pressure as Mia Bennett's point and Mia Rodgers' goal set up a one-score finale, but Donegal could not build on that momentum and the holders held on to win their opening game.