Never mind the quality, feel the progress. That will surely be the overriding sentiment in Monaghan now that they have had their passport stamped into the next round of the All Ireland football qualifiers.

But in terminating the interest of their next door neighbours Armagh in Saturday’s first round tie, Monaghan offered a display that was like the curate’s egg — good in parts.

As an avid Armagh fan, I had been awaiting this contest with some trepidation, aware that Monaghan’s hunger and their knowledge that they might just be drinking in the last chance saloon would combine to give them added impetus.

Sadly, from my own viewpoint, I was right. Monaghan were indeed up for a game that possessed all the bite and venom of a top-flight championship encounter — without the creative flair and silken artistry, unfortunately.

Monaghan, perhaps that bit more streetwise and experienced in the trials and tribulations of the back door route, relied on tenacity, grit and a rub of the green to get them over the finishing line on this occasion.

The match was the ultimate stalemate, moves and counter moves being clinically stifled such was the in-depth knowledge that each side had of the other’s capabilities.

Neither team was particularly ambitious, preferring to rely on systematic work-rate rather than individual skills. Nor did either outfit take anything approaching a risk until Paul Finlay seized the initiative in extra-time even though he had missed match-winning opportunities at key times in normal time.

Indeed, the game was sullied by a litany of frees and lacked real flow. The continual breaks in play not only ruined the contest as a spectacle and frustrated spectators, but also diminished the opportunity of attacking play as defenders were always given the second chance to get up close and personal.

And over-officious referee Derek Fahy appeared to have no real feel for the game. Rather, he was more intent on getting small decisions right rather than considering the bigger picture.

Monaghan dominated the midfield sector through their tried and trusted pairing of Eoin Lennon and Dick Clerkin, ably assisted by the elusive Finlay and later on by Brendan McKenna.

Even with the returning Charlie Vernon, Armagh at no time got on top and thus never really had any impetus to go forward and give a decent supply to their key forwards, Steven McDonnell and Ronan Clarke.

However, for all Monaghan’s dominance, they really missed the opportunism of Tommy Freeman. This was a golden opportunity for someone else to take up the scoring mantle but with the exception of Finlay and Ciaran McManus, the forward line was hard-working but toothless — a failing that will have to be addressed for next weekend.

The current worry with the sport overall is that the balance is all wrong. Forwards are coached in the negative side of the game instead of concentrating on developing their creative talents.

Is it maybe because this is much easier or that there are no real specialists about? To be fair, Armagh’s full-back line of Andy Mallon, Brendan Donaghy and Barry Shannon was sublime.

Tyrone have up and coming stars at under-21 and minor level but these players will only mature in time — there will be no quick fix for Armagh’s current ills.

Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney and his respected trainer Martin McElkennon will now set their sights on more progress through the qualifiers.

Unfairly accused of the Celtic Park debacle, they now can make headway as they have done in previous years. Built on an experienced and wholehearted group of players, they must find a way of taking the pressure off Freeman and Finlay and begin to score freely from all areas as Antrim and Tyrone do.