Cavan prevail in close encounter with Down

Cavan picked up a third successive win in Division 2, coming from a point down late on to overhaul Down and keep their promotion hopes alive.

A monster two-pointer from Gearoid McKiernan was crucial as Cavan did just enough in a brilliant contest which could have gone either way. It was cruel on Down, who were in the driving seat and were aggrieved to see a 'point' from Pat Havern waved wide late on, with manager Conor Laverty making his feelings known to referee James Molloy at the final whistle.

Cavan led by 0-12 to 1-06 at the end of a thoroughly engaging first half during which the sides were level on three occasions, with little between them throughout.

Both, strange as it sounds, probably felt they should have been ahead at the break, with numerous straightforward chances missed, although Cavan did spurn a golden opportunity for a goal five minutes before half-time when Cormac O’Reilly’s shot flashed across the goalmouth.

Cavan, working hard, started well and eased into a three-point lead with points from Cian Madden, Ciaran Brady and debutant Barry Donnelly.

The lively Ceilum Doherty opened Down’s account and although Oisin Brady fired Cavan back into the lead, the visitors levelled on the quarter hour when they tore through the heart of the Cavan defence and Danny Magill off-loaded to Miceál Rooney, who finished superbly to the net.

Goalkeeper Gary O’Rourke - with a 45 - and Oisin Brady, whose pace caused Down problems, both registered but Down again responded through Oisin Savage from a free and Danny Magill.

Cavan kept their noses in front, with Oisin Kiernan, Cormac O’Reilly and McKiernan (mark) rattling off the final three points of the first half which, in the end, would prove crucial.

Down were better on the