Cork relegate Down in Division 2 basement battle

Cork came out on top in a crucial fixture at the bottom of Allianz Football League Division 2 as they condemned Down to relegation.

This win means it all comes down to an away trip to Offaly next week for the Rebel County, while Mourne men are set to face Division 3 next year.

It was Cork that pointed for the opening score of the game when Cathal O'Mahony slotted a cool effort over the crossbar on six minutes.

Down responded in kind with a score through Darren O’Hagan , before Stephen Sherlock converted a free for the home side. An Andrew Gilmore free for Down brought the teams level on 0-02 apiece after ten minutes of play.

Cork goalkeeper Micheál Martin was forced into a great save to deny a Down goal chance from Anthony Doherty on 15 minutes, while Daniel Dineen blasted just wide while shooting for goal at the other end moments later.

A point from John O’Rourke edged Cork back in front 0-04 to 0-03 in the 20th minute, before Down responded in kind once more through a well taken Pat Havern effort.

Stephen Sherlock showed his predatory instincts in front of goal to finish to the back of the net for Cork in the 27th minute, after getting onto the end of a good pass into his path by John O’Rourke.

Havern split the posts with a fine long range effort to reduce the deficit for Down back down to three points, as it was Cork that held the advantage at the half time break at 1-05 to 0-05.

A close range free by Sherlock got Cork up and running in the second half, before Darren O’Hagan pointed for the visitors.

A fine point from play by Colm O’Callaghan put Cork 1-08 to 0-06 ahead with 40 minutes on the clock. That was before scores by Havern and Ceilum Doherty reduced the gap back to three points.

Through what was a well worked move,