If ever a game was a six-pointer it was this. A win for Paul Curran's side would have seen them move to within touching distance of City but the gap between the two is now an almost insurmountable nine points, effectively guaranteeing safety for Armagh.

All hope isn't lost for Larne, however, following defeats for the other two candidates, Donegal Celtic and Glenavon which keeps the play-off tussle at the bottom very much in the melting pot.

Neither side was able to make the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes although Colm Kearney, Chris O'Hare and Liam Mullen all threatened for Larne while Shea Campbell created Armagh's best moment when he fired straight at keeper Chris Keenan.

City should have moved in front seven minutes after the break when Kieran O'Connor fired over from a Mark Gracey cross while not longer after Campbell shot wide despite being unmarked.

However the deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes from time when Shane Coney broke home hearts with a low drive past Chris Keenan from 10 yards.