14-man Mourne see off Saffrons

Down produced some good football to overcome Antrim in this Cadbury’s Ulster U21FC quarter-final in Newry last night.

After a slow start, the winners were always in control. However they had to play the final quarter without star midfielder Conor Gough, who was dismissed after a second yellow card.

Antrim dominated the opening quarter through good work by Eoin Gallagher at midfield and were rewarded with a goal from full-forward Hugh McNulty midway through the half.

Down then took control with senior county players Conor Gough and Niall McParland dominating in the middle. Three points from Donal O’Hare and one from Mattie Bagnall gave them the lead and then five minutes from the interval Ross McGarry raced in for a Down goal to give them a 1-7 to 1-3 half-time lead.

Down dominated the second half. A goal after four minutes by star attacker Donal O’Hare who added three points gave them the needed cushion and although Antrim came back with four points, they were always playing catch-up.

Down scorers: D O’Hare (1-4), R McGarry (1-2), N McParland, D Savage, R O’Hare, K McClorey, M Bagnall (0- 1).

Antrim scorers: H McNulty (1-1), D Lynch (0-3), C Sheerin, R. Murray, E Gallagher, P McBride Johnston (0-1).

DOWN: S Harrison; M Clarke, S McNamee, D McEntee; K McClorey, G McGovern, D McKibben; N McParland, S Gough; D O’Hanlon, C Clarke, M Bagnall; D Savage, R McGarry, D O’Hare.

Subs: R O’Hare for D Savage; K Quinn for D McKibben

ANTRIM: K Allsopp; C McElvenny, R Johnston, M Hynes; S Tierney, M Johnston, P McBride; J Carron, E. Gallagher; J Laverty, S Tully, D Lynch; R Murray, H McNulty, C Duffin.

Subs: C Sheerin for C Duffin; D Stranney for S Tierney

Referee: C O’Hagan (Tyrone)