Good times come back for Down

Down 2-10 Fermanagh 0-11

It was just like old times for Down.

James McCartan and Mickey Linden, All-Ireland winning heroes in 1991 and '94, joined the Clones party as the Mourne men booked their place in the Ulster Football Championship final.

McCartan came off the bench to blast home a crucial second half goal, and 40-year-old Linden gave resurgent Down a further lift as a late substitute.

Prospects looked leak for Paddy O'Rourke's side when full back Brian Burns was sent off 10 minutes before half-time.

But while Fermanagh initially profited by coming from behind to briefly take the lead, they failed to drive home the advantage.

And when McCartan hit his side's second goal 10 minutes into the second half, the good times were rolling again for Down, and they never looked back.

Fermanagh's strong start saw them open up an early lead with two Raymond Gallagher frees, and with full forward Stephen Maguire winning his battle with Brian Burns, they looked dangerous.

Ryan Keenan slotted over a third point, but Down soon found their feet and pressed forward with purpose, Michael Walsh and Dan Gordon causing the Erne defence real problems.

Gregory McCartan slotted over two frees, and when Ronan Murtagh and Colm McCrickard also hit the target, Paddy O'Rourke's side led by 0-6 to 0-4.

And they stretched their lead when Gordon won a penalty and McCartan drilled home the kick.

Two late Fermanagh scores from Gallagher and Ronan McCabe reduced the deficit, but it was Down who went in with a 1-7 to 0-6 lead.

The game swung dramatically in Fermanagh's favour early in the second half, when they reeled off four points through Ronan McCabe (2), Maguire and Gallagher to draw level.

And Down were reduced to 14 men when full back Burns was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Fermanagh were ahead by the 14th minute of the half through Colm Bradley, but then came a dramatic twist at the other end when two substitutes combined for a second Down goal.

Former Fermanagh star Shane King slipped the ball to James McCartan, who blasted to the net from close range.

And it got worse for Fermanagh when defender Ryan McCloskey received a second yellow card, and they too were down to 14.

Liam Doyle hammered home the advantage with two converted frees, and Down led by five - a lead they held onto.