BANK OF IRELAND DR. MCKENNA CUP SECOND ROUND RESULTS Down 2-14 Donegal 1-10

Sunday 8th January 2023

Conor Laverty made it two wins from two as new Down manager, both against Division One opposition, after his men made full use of home advantage against Donegal this afternoon.

A fantastic run and finish from Liam Kerr, set up by Danny Magill, helped Down into an early 1-2 to no score lead, before Donegal got their first score of 2023 through Ciarán Thompson.

Pat Havern was the main threat for Down up front but Donegal had a bit more balance in their attack in the opening quarter, with Daire Ó Baoill scoring a goal for Paddy Carr’s men, before Paddy McBrearty and Jamie Brennan pointed to draw the game level at 1-5 each.

Down found another gear before half time however, scoring 1-4 without reply with Conor Francis rounding off a good team move to finish off a second goal.

With substitutions coming thick and fast, the game lost a lot of momentum after half-time and Down were able to preserve their lead throughout, with Tom Close and Anthony Doherty scoring their clinching points at the end.