Down regain winning feeling after edging past Tipperary in Division 3 opener

Only one game has been played and Down have already improved on their 2022 tally of wins after their 14 men clung on for a nervy three-point victory over Tipperary in Allianz Football League Division 3.

The Mournemen failed to win any of their nine League, Ulster, and Tailteann Cup games last year but this Allianz League-opening victory over Tipperary breaks a winless streak dating back to May 2021.

Under new manager Conor Laverty, Down went about their task with clinical composure until an element of disarray took hold with Niall McParland's 40th-minute red card. But Conor Francis’ goal gave them the cushion they needed in front of 1,013 spectators at Semple Stadium.

Down defended in numbers, denying Tipperary so much as a shot from play in the first half, as the Premier's high ball tactic failed to make any inroads before their bench began to make an impact.

When Down attacked, they went for the jugular. Eamon Brown took a simple scorable free from the 21m line short, seeking a goal, while Barry O’Hagan was reluctant to kick another at the target from 35 metres out in front of the posts. In the end, he hurriedly booted it wide. It was a rare blip in those opening stages.

Pat Havern showed superb movement floating around the attacking zone and kicked their opening two points, the first from a mark, followed by a fine Odhrán Murdock score.

Seán O’Connor had four scoreable frees but only pointed one, on 15 minutes, before being taken off at half-time. Their other two first-half placed balls from distance were taken by Jack Kennedy, scoring a free in the 31st minute.

Down made their winning move at the start of the second quarter, firing 1-03 in the space of six minutes.

After slotting two points, Eamon Brown picked out Havern