Survival remains McCartan’s priority as Down nick it

James McCartan insists survival in Division One remains Down’s priority despite a one-point win over Ulster champions Donegal in Newry on Saturday night.

Conor Garvey’s point proved the winner for the 2010 All-Ireland finalists, although Donegal missed a stoppage time 45 and then a free, through goalkeeper Paul Durcan and substitute Dermot Molloy respectively, to draw level.

McCartan’s side opened in a whirlwind to bring warmth to their support huddled at Pairc Esler. And perhaps anticipating Donegal to smother their early approaches with their trademark duvet, Down came from deep, with their half-backs scoring all but a point of their 1-3 total inside seven minutes.