Déjà vu for Down as Mayo show real steel

THERE were very mixed emotions around both dressing-rooms in the aftermath of an entertaining, dramatic stalemate which unfolded under the floodlights at a rain-soaked McHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday night.

Andy Moran’s sixth point of the match on 69 minutes ensured a first draw between Mayo and Down in 14 meetings, after the visitors had let a five-points lead slip twice during the course of an eventful evening.

Ironically, last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists would have left empty-handed had Mayo sub’ Peadar Gardiner not fired wide in injury-time as James Horan’s rejuvenated young side went in search of the winner.