Goal-hungry Carlow devour Down

Carlow ran out 13-point winners over Down in Ballycran to put themselves right in the hunt for an All-Ireland SHC place next weekend against Offaly.

With one round remaining, Carlow made certain of keeping up their end of the bargain at the top of the Joe McDonagh Cup standings with some deftness at both goalmouths.

While firing home six goals, Brian Tracey was unbeatable between the sticks on the day for Carlow. Three first-half saves drew groans and awe from the home supporters as they desperately willed their side back into the contest.

A second-half save to deny Ruairí McCrickard from the penalty spot exemplified Carlow's ruthless approach all afternoon.

Down were already a beaten docket and down to 14 men after Jordan Doran’s second yellow card but the Barrowsiders would not relent.

Down will now face winless Kildare in a shootout on the final day to stay in the tier.

Four opening-half goals will be looked at closely by Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Ronan Sheehan in their preparations during the week.

Conor Kehoe drove through with three minutes on the clock and Chris Nolan powered through in similar fashion for the first of his two.

With Tracey sparkling, Down just about stayed in touch thanks to Pearse Óg McCrickard frees but two late goals in the half made it 4-14 to 0-11 at the interval.

Nolan poached home a gifted rebound and top scorer Martin Kavanagh also got in on the act.

There would be no fightback due to Tracey’s form, instead Down goalkeeper Stephen Keith spilled into his own net and James Doyle’s wizardry all but sealed the game with majority of the half to go.

Despite Doran’s red and Tracey’s penalty save, Finn Turpin did save face for the Mourne men with three second-half points that might be needed next weekend.