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Fermanagh's rivetting quest to land a first Ulster Senior football championship title is still very much alive.
And, if anything, it has gained further momentum following their storming second half recovery in yesterday’s decider in front of 34,591 fans, before stalemate eventually ensued.
They may have come within touching distance of what has proven an elusive trophy thus far but Fermanagh, who had Shane McCabe in from the start for Liam McBarron, look capable of retaining their self belief, poise and resilience for next Sunday's game.
Armagh, on the other hand, cushioned by six title triumphs spanning the last seven years, had acquired some authority even before the halfway stage that suggested their ongoing dominance of the major competition was to be a mere formality.
But today, as they prepare for episode two, Armagh have been removed of their favourites role and, in the words of manager Peter McDonnell: "We must come up with answers to the many questions that are asked of us".
Fermanagh's favoured start saw them expend considerable energy without reward before their opponents dished out a sharp lesson in economical finishing.
But the Orchard county were to discover that their perceived right to the title are not bombproof - far from it, in fact.
A Fermanagh side, educated on poorer days, but glowing fiercely throughout the second half, ultimately had only their own profligately to blame for a replay being necessary in the first place.
Erne boss Malachy O'Rourke had his homework executed to perfection - his game plan, embracing as it does ceaseless running, a boundless support play and courage above and beyond the call of duty may have delivered relatively little first half comfort, but when his side pierced through Armagh like a serrated blade through butter in the second period, visions of untold glory formed for the Westerners. Their entry into a sporting heaven may or may not be merely deferred - we'll know that next Sunday - but what is certain is that they will offer another mighty challenge to Armagh's pride and reputation.
By half time yesterday, though, the clinically efficient Orchard
county led by 1-5 to 0-4, Finnian Moriarty's superbly taken 26th minute goal having underpinned their dominance at that stage.
Fermanagh, lacking real penetration and harbouring a tendency to be mugged on breakaways, mustered only three points from play. Tommy McIlroy, Ciaran McIlroy and Mark Little with Ryan Keenan landing their only other first half score from a free.
In contrast, Steven McDonnell potted three of his overall total of six points for Armagh, Ronan Clarke signposted his towering pedigree following his third minute goal and their rearguard were reluctant to be passed.
But defiance was almost translated into disaster for Armagh. Fermanagh, full of sinewy movement and sleight of hand, laid siege to their opponents citadel to such an extent that Armagh were left at sixes and sevens.
Time and again they spilt possession, mistakes abounded and Fermanagh profited greatly as skipper Martin McGrath and centre half Ryan McCluskey and human dynamo Mark Little set the template for one of the most memorable passages of football in Fermanagh's history.
And this, too, after they had conceded a goal in the opening minute of the second half when the imperious Clarke stabbed the ball into the net after Charlie Vernon had done the groundwork.
Surely at 2-6 to 0-4 there was no way back for Fermanagh? But there was - and it came via stunning self belief and a great work ethic. The cracks began to appear in Armagh's facade assuming earthquake proportions when Carey flicked in Fermanagh's goal in the 45th minute and when Shane McDermott and McIlroy and inspiration skipper McGrath bagged further points, Fermanagh were in overdrive.
Armagh, their morale ruptured and game plan shredded, were like lost souls. Fortunately for them, McDonnell's scoring touch stood to them yet when Mark Little and Mark Murphy potted further Fermanagh points, Armagh's slender one point advantage looked as if it may allow them to escape by the skin of their teeth.
But in the bowels of injury time substitute Shaun Doherty piloted over the golden equaliser that not only keeps a cherished Fermanagh dream on track, but provides further evidence, if evidence were indeed needed, that the Ulster Championship deals in drama, passion and romance.
Fermanagh: R Gallagher; S Goan, S McDermott, P Sherry; I Kilkenny, R McCluskey, T McIlroy; M McGrath, M Murphy; C McIlroy, J Sherry, R Keenan; E Maguire, S McCabe, M Little. Subs: B Owens for McCabe (40), S Lyons for Kelly (46), T Brewster for J Sherry (53), D O'Reilly for Goan (60), S Doherty for C McIlroy (65). Yellow cards: C McIlroy (39), Lyons (46).
Armagh: P Hearty; A Mallon, F Bellew, F Moriarty; A Kernen, A O'Rourke, C McKeever; P McGrane, K Toner; C Vernon, B Mullon, M O'Rourke; S McDonnell, R Clarke, S Kernan. Subs: P McKeever for M O'Rourke (41), O McConville for S Kernan (42), M O'Rourke for Vernon (53), D McKenna for Mallon (71).Yellow cards: McGrane (31), A O'Rouke (48).
Referee: J White (Donegal).
