Model men end Down’s winning record

Wexford put paid to Down’s fantastic start to 2008 with a battling 2-8 to 0-9 Division Three success at Wexford Park.

Mattie Forde and Adrian Flynn struck the all-important second-half three-pointers for the Slaneysiders, who edged this enthralling clash of the third division’s top two.

The Mourne County looked more impressive in the first half but a lot of their good work was undone by uncertainty in front of the posts. They managed just two points after the break as Forde’s influence on the game became undeniable.

Declan Rooney and John Clarke hit early points for the visitors and the home side didn’t register until the 13th minute (through Eric Bradley).

Down then took control to lead by 0-6 to 0-1 thanks to scores from magnificent centre back Liam Doyle (2), John Fegan and Jack Lynch. Wexford got back into the match after introducing Paddy Colfer and Ciaran Lyng up front and scores from Forde, Shane Roche and Colm Morris saw them within striking distance at the turnaround.

Within seconds of the restart, Clarke had Down ahead by double scores - 0-8 to 0-4 - but the Model men turned the match on its head with two goals in the space of four minutes. Forde provided the assist for Flynn on 37 minutes before netting a super individual effort on 41.

Rattled, Down went 22 minutes without a score and they trailed by 2-8 to 0-8 before Danny Hughes finally added to their poor second-half tally