Down notch another win as Antrim challenge fades

Down pulled away to earn what was, ultimately, a comfortable victory over neighbours Antrim at Corrigan Park as Conor Laverty's men made it three wins from three in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League.

The nine-point margin was about right but it came thanks to a strong finish after Down had been off-colour in front of the posts despite being the better team for the vast majority of this game in front of a packed house.

Pat Havern led the way with six points and Ceilum Doherty's late 1-01 put a gloss on the board, but they won't be happy with a dozen wides.

What they will be content with is a strong defensive showing that gave Antrim little to work with as they closed down space and attacked with good pace, laying down a marker for when the sides meet again in the Ulster SFC.

Down were in command for most of the opening half and early on they made the most of it with the first three points - Pat Havern pointed frees either side of their first from play by James Guinness.

Antrim were struggling to get anything going at the other end but out of nowhere they were level on 11 minutes as Marc Jordan kept an Eoin Hynds shot in that was tailing out, popped to Paddy McAleer who buried his chance.

Down could and should have responded in kind seconds later when Caolan Mooney found himself one-on-one following an error, but goalkeeper Michael Byrne diverted his soccer-style shot out for a 45 that John O'Hare converted.

The wides were stacking up for Down - seven in total for the first half - but they were back to three in front before an Antrim rally late in the half saw Joseph Finnegan and Dominic McEnhill on the board.

Havern would kick his fourth of the opening half to give the visitors a 0-07 to 1-02 lead at the interval.

Havern