Kerr double helps lead Down past Offaly in goalfest

Down secured their fourth Division 3 win on Saturday in Pairc Esler with a two-goal victory over Offaly who are still searching for their first win. Only one of those goals was in the first period, with a strange spell in the second half when the green flag was raised five times.

The Faithful county were no doubt still reeling from letting Clare back in the game last week, relinquishing a commanding lead before Peter Cunningham blazed a penalty over the bar at the death to gift the Banner county a one-point victory, but that wasn't enough to spur them to a win in this one.

Offaly got off to a flying start with a goal chance from Jordan Hayes from throw-in that he fired low over the bar and Dylan Hayes converting a free moments later.

Down quickly settled however with a free from Pat Havern and a point from Odhran Murdock levelling proceedings.

In the sixth minute the home side went in front with a three-pointer provide by Liam Kerr who swooped in and drilled into the net after Daniel Guinness had worked his way into the square but fumbled over the ball losing it.

Traded points followed between Hyland and injury returnee Caolan Mooney and Havern and Keith O’Neill, but Offaly could have levelled the match on 13 minutes when they showed their pace with a break and Down goalkeeper John O’Hare saving a shot by Lee Pearson.

Down kept the scoreboard ticking over and despite three loose passes in the last five minutes of the half that gifted Offaly the ball, Declan Kelly’s men couldn’t take advantage and the Mournemen led 1-07 to 0-06 at the short whistle.

Danny Magill, on his first start back from injury, scored his first of the day for Down fisting over the bar on 37 minutes and half-time sub Ryan Johnston tagged on a point. But five